The Hammonton Fire Department reminded locals on January 27th how crucial it is to keep snow and debris out of fire hydrants during the winter. Water supply availability can be delayed by blocked hydrants, which could have an impact on firefighting efforts. In order to facilitate emergency access, residents were also urged to keep clear routes from their residences to the streets and sidewalks. Crews helped with many EMS-related calls the day before, according to the agency. Firefighters with medical training established safe routes for a dialysis patient who needed access to medical care, helped EMS staff move patients, and helped load patients into ambulances.