Mystery Solved: Why Rochester Puts Bags On Fire Hydrants

Today on Spotted in Rochester, I found a post from Gabbi Morse that intrigued me. She shared pictures like the one above, where fire hydrants were covered in plastic.

I had a few guesses in my head, and without revealing the 12-year-old me guesses, I'll say my adult guesses were along the same lines...protection. But why? Doesn't the paint and design protect them?

I reached out to Jenna Bowman, Strategic Communications & Engagement Director for the City of Rochester, Minnesota. She asked around and found the answer...

Gabbi Morse

In areas with high traffic and heavy salt treatment, clear plastic covers will placed over fire hydrants. This is being done in conjunction with RPU to help reduce the effects of corrosion on hydrants and keep them in service longer.
The covers are able to be torn or cut if/when there is a need to access them. Orange covers should be being used to indicate hydrants that are out of service.

And there you go. It IS for protection...and I'm all for prolonging the life of things that keep us safe and sound.

As always, if you have a comment, complaint, or concern about something I wrote here, please let me know: james.rabe@townsquaremedia.com

Listen On-Demand with the Y105FM app, and on the following podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

Get our free mobile app

Eating Cupcakes This Weekend? Try This

I learned the hack in Idaho, and it is so easy and so effective!

Super Life Hack: Eating A Cupcake Without Getting Frosting On Your Hands and Face

Eating a cupcake seems like a simple process. As a kid, from the moment you had one in your hand, you knew to peel off the paper cup and jam it in your mouth. Which is fine when you're three and someone else has to endure the sticky.

Now YOU'RE the one dealing with the sticky mess...and fortunately, I'm sharing a trick I learned from an Idaho Youth Librarian. Scroll thru the gallery and you'll learn the no fuss no muss way of eating cupcakes in 5 easy steps.

Filed Under: Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota

Categories: James & Jessica, Lifestyle