Getting to calls has been a huge challenge today for emergency crews. 

In many cases fire teams and paramedics had to get their shovels out before they could get out a stretcher or rescue gear.

The last thing a firefighter wants to see is a hydrant surrounded by snow.

“Those first few moments within arriving on the scene of an emergency situation are absolutely critical,” says Springwater Deputy Fire Chief Craig Williams. “And any extra tasks that we have to take on, such as removing snow from a hydrant can really hinder our ability to deal with that.”

Precious minutes spent digging out should be spent on the 911 call.

“We need about three feet around the fire hydrants so when we pull our hoses off, we have enough room to get on both sides, both hydrant access points,” says fire prevention officer Jeff Corriveau.

The problem is the snow is coming quickly, and firefighters in Springwater Township keep coming across buried hydrants.

They want residents to try to clear the snow so they don't have to when an emergency hits.

“We take to the time to do it because we know time is of the essence when there's a fire and to make it easier for these guys to hook up to the fire hydrant,” says resident Kevin Meek.

And it's not just fire calls, but medical emergencies too.

“If we have to push our stretcher through the snow it is very difficult,” says the Simcoe County Paramedic’s Stephen Trafford. “So that poses an issue and if there are stairs to the house we have to get up to the stairs. If they are clear it allows us to get into the house quicker.”

Ideally, paramedics and firefighters want residents to clear snow from driveways, pathways, and hydrants as well.

In most municipalities like in Barrie, it’s the job of the public works department to clear the snow from city hydrants. But those employees have been especially busy given all the snow we're dealing with.