It’s something people see every day but probably don’t pay much attention to – the yellow H sign on lampposts actually has a very important meaning.
They’re often overlooked by passers-by – but this doesn’t mean they’re not of vital importance. South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue has taken to social media to reveal the mystery behind the yellow H symbols on lampposts.
In a TikTok video the fire brigade explained: “You’ve walked past these small yellow signs your whole life but it was today you realised, finally, after all these years, they are there to tell firefighters where the hydrants are.”
These markings also appear on drain covers and street signs, illustrating vital information like the size of the water main connected to the hydrant and its exact location relative to the sign.
The symbol bears two numerical values; the top figure denotes the diameter of the pipe in millimetres, while the lower figure indicates the hydrant’s distance in metres. Some even have arrows directing firefighters towards the hydrant.
Expanding on their importance, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Seen one of these yellow H signs in the street? These indicate that a hydrant is nearby. We use these to access the water main when we need to refill our engines or access an additional water supply. We may need to access a hydrant at any time, so please be sure to keep them clear.”
@southyorkshirefire Top or bottom? #FirefighterTikTok #FireHydrant ♬ original sound – marianne
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Commenting on the TikTok video, one user said: “I only learned the other week that they don’t carry all of the water on the trucks – so I’m doomed.”
Another added: “It’s nothing to do with me so I just walk on by. What do I need to know for?” A third chimed in: “I used to think it was H for helicopter landing.”
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Another user revealed their surprise: “I had no idea and I am a teen I think we need to be educated on the real world as well as things like maths and science.”
Yet, some users were already familiar with the info, with one recalling: “I was taught that in primary school.”
And someone else reminisced: “My mum has one in her garden. I used to love it when the fire engine used to come and fill up.”
Sourse: www.express.co.uk
