It's still really freaking hot out there, you guys. So, let's learn how to beat the heat old-school style, by opening a fire hydrant, shall we? Yes! You can do that! Here's how:
Frank Dwyer, spokesman for the FDNY, tells us: "If a person would like to open a fire hydrant, they may go to their local firehouse and ask for a spray cap. The spray cap is free. The cap reduces water pressure from thousands of gallons of water per minute to about 20 gallons per minute." That's important, because without a spray cap, water pressure can drop dramatically, meaning that firefighters might not be able to put out actual fires because they don't have enough water.
All you need to get a spray cap is to be over 18 with a valid ID. Your local firefighter can help you open the hydrant and install the cap, and they'll close it back up for you when you're done. There's no set time limit on the hydrants, but Dwyer gave us some reasonable advice, saying "responsibility is the key"—don't leave the thing running all night. And don't try to create your own unauthorized Waterworld—opening a hydrant illegally can cost you $1,000 in fines, imprisonment for 30 days, or both.
Here's a preview of what your lovely day with an open hydrant might look like:
If hydrants aren't your style, here are a few more ways to keep cool.
[via Brokelyn]
