According to the DeMoines Register, “Ankeny Fire Department officials are offering Papa John’s Pizza coupons as an incentive for residents to clear snow from around the fire hydrants in their neighborhoods.”

“Hydrants buried in snow can potentially cause a delay if emergency responders have to find, dig out and connect to a hydrant in the event of a fire, according to a press release. Department members are cleaning hydrants but need assistance from the community. The Papa John’s coupon is for one free large pizza when you purchase another large, regular-priced pizza of equal or lesser value. To receive your coupon, call 965-6475 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or stop by the fire station headquarters at 120 N.W. Ash Drive during normal business hours. Hydrants are typically located on the north or west side of the roadway, in the parking area between the sidewalk and the curb and at intersections, and are spaced about 400 feet feet apart. Snow should be cleared from a 36-inch space around all hydrants. If the hydrant is too close to the street, do not enter the travel portion of the roadway to clear it; call the fire department. Have a parent or adult present when clearing around the hydrants or using a snow blower or power equipment.”