When first responders have to dig out fire hydrants from packed snow, it adds valuable response time in what are typically emergency situations. That's why many Minnesota cities have been reaching out to their community members for help clearing snow from around hydrants. Some cities are even holding contests to try and raise awareness about fire hydrant access. The City of Hastings says if you take picture with the hydrant you "revealed," you will be entered into a daily drawing for gift cards and other prizes. The Coon Rapids Fire Department posted a warning that said that hydrants need three feet between them and snow for firefighters to be able to quickly access them. The city said it has more than 3,400 hydrants that need clearing. Firefighters in Howard Lake are also holding a "clean up contest" for the city's fire hydrants. Many photos of cleared hydrants in Howard Lake can already be found on the fire department's Facebook page.