H. B. 2421
(By Delegates Staggers, Perry, Shaver, Rodighiero,
Moye, Swartzmiller, Martin, Argento, Crosier,
D. Poling and Manypenny)
[Introduced February 16, 2009; referred to the
Committee on Political Subdivisions then the Judiciary.]
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by
adding thereto a new section, designated §8-19-22, relating to
distinguishing between operable and inoperable fire hydrants
by having inoperable hydrants painted black.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended
by adding thereto a new section, designated §8-19-22, to read as
follows:
ARTICLE 19. MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY WATERWORKS AND ELECTRIC POWER
SYSTEMS.
§8-19-22. Identification requirement for fire hydrants that are
inoperable or unavailable for use in emergency
situations.
The owner or operator of any device having the appearance of
a fire hydrant that is located in a place that an entity
responsible for providing fire suppression services in a fire
emergency would expect a fire hydrant to typically be located shall
paint the device black if the device is inoperable or otherwise unavailable for use by the entity providing fire suppression
services in a fire emergency. The owner or operator may place a
black tarp over the device instead of painting the device black as
required under this section if the device is temporarily
inoperable, or temporarily unavailable for use in a fire emergency,
for a period not to exceed fourteen days.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to protect peoples safety in
fire emergencies by giving firefighters notice that a fire hydrant
is inoperable or temporarily unavailable.
Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from
the present law, and underscoring indicates new language that would
be added.