WFRV - If you’ve ever walked down a city street in winter and spotted a fire hydrant wrapped in a plastic bag, you might have asked yourself, Why? According to a Facebook post from the City of New Richmond, Wisconsin, a single new fire hydrant costs approximately $6,500. Because of this high price, cities will go above and beyond to protect them from unnecessary damage. One of the main threats during winter is the corrosion caused by road salt used to de-ice streets and roadways. Image courtesy of City of New Richmond, Wisconsin What the color of the cap means for hydrants in Wisconsin The Water Department is responsible for covering the fire hydrants with clear plastic bags in areas where road salt is put down. The bags act as a protective barrier that prevents snow, slush, and especially road salt from accumulating on the hydrant. This also helps extend the lifespan of the hydrants and can reduce maintenance costs for the city. The clear plastic bags won't delay any fire departments during emergencies. The bags are designed to be easily torn off so that firefighters can quickly access the hydrants. ‘Tis the season to drive sober: Local law enforcement cracks down on drunk driving So, the next time you see a hydrant wrapped in clear plastic, you'll know it's not random, it's a thoughtful measure your city takes to keep the infrastructure safe.