The combination of colors that can be placed on caps and bodies of fire hydrants will depict different information to firefighters arriving on the scene.įor example, colors can denote facts such as water flow and ownership. The guidelines that are often followed are located in NFPA Guidance 291. Water flow is measured by “gallons per minute” or GPM.Īlthough there is no universally required set of rules for color coding fire hydrants, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) has put forth guidelines that many municipalities follow.
#FIRE HYDRANT COLORS CODE#
Is There a Color Code for Fire Hydrants? Color If you’re painting a fire hydrant in the traditional colors and have not been given permission for any artistic or creative opportunities, you’ll have to follow the guidelines set forth by the municipality. On top of increased visibility, painting caps and bonnets provide different messages to firefighters who respond to the scene. Most often you will see that caps must be painted a different color than the rest of the hydrant’s body, this is to allow the firefighters an easier ability to see the hydrant when they are quickly approaching an emergency scene and need to get set up. If you’re in a jurisdiction that gives you artistic liberty and permission to paint a fire hydrant as a private individual, you can follow wherever your imagination leads you! Keep in mind that some locations may have certain guidelines, such as prohibiting you from painting a fire hydrant entirely black (difficult to see at night). Which Colors Can You Paint a Fire Hydrant?īefore beginning the project, the best guideline for painting a fire hydrant is to consult with your local fire department or municipality.
#FIRE HYDRANT COLORS PROFESSIONAL#
Additionally, the private entity will likely have to contract out with professional painters due to the advanced paint formulas that are needed for hydrants (more on this later). However, the entity responsible for painting and maintaining a fire hydrant depends upon where the hydrant is located and who owns it.įor example, they may require that the fire department regularly paints the hydrant, or the town may contract out with a private business to paint the hydrant.Īnother example is a large warehouse or factory facility that occupies a large plot of land and may need to paint its own private fire hydrants.ĭepending on municipal regulations, the private entity may have to paint their hydrant a certain color to differentiate it from other municipally owned fire hydrants. It is up to the town government to how hydrants are regulated. Who’s Responsible for Painting Fire Hydrants?įire hydrants that are often seen around towns are generally owned by municipalities. If you notice a fire hydrant that seems to be out of service or has had its paint chipped off due to long-term exposure to the elements, you should consult with the fire department or town offices.īecause hydrants often have a color coding system depicting different information to first responders (more on this later), it’s important to follow the town rules before taking matters into your own hands. Meeting these two needs requires specific types of paint and color guidelines, depending on your location.
However, it’s important to check with your local fire department or town office before painting a fire hydrant. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to spruce up the neighborhood. Looking to become more self-sufficient? Join me and 14,000 others on Abundance Plus and get discounts, masterclasses, community, and more.
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