Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 19/99) - It's one of those little things that, if left unchecked, can result in disaster.

Ensuring the fire hydrants work in winter's cold is Derek Hernblad's main job.

The city Public Works Department employee has, by his estimate, 200-250 hydrants to check on a rotating basis through the winter.

Asked if, when he hears a fire engine's siren, whether he says a little prayer to make sure the hydrant the truck is heading toward is working, Hernblad said, "I'm constantly aware of it. Whenever they go to use any fire hydrant I want it to be ready for them."

Hernblad ensures the fixtures on the hydrants are greased and in good working order and that there's no standing water in the pipe leading down to the valve that releases water when it is needed.

In winter temperatures the water would freeze and block the release of water from the hydrant.

He sees himself as part of a large team of city employees that responds to emergencies. The team includes dispatchers, fire and ambulance workers and the public works employees that keep the water running through city pipes summer and winter.

For 16 years before taking over the job of checking hydrants just over a year ago, Hernblad was another part of the same team. Working out of pumphouse number 1, he served as a dispatcher for city fire, ambulance and municipal enforcement.

He said the job was fine, but after all that time he was ready for a change.

"It's a little more relaxing than working at the pumphouse, and I like getting outdoors and meeting people," said Hernblad of his new job. "I find that a lot more satisfying."

Weather in the North, he said, demands a little more attention be paid to fire hydrants than in the south.