Which factors should be checked first when inspecting fire hydrants?

When inspecting fire hydrants, the first factors to check are visibility and accessibility. This is crucial because a fire hydrant must be easily located and accessed by firefighters during an emergency. If a hydrant is obstructed by vegetation, debris, or other barriers, it can significantly delay firefighting operations, putting lives and property at risk. Ensuring that hydrants are visible from the street and free from obstructions allows for a faster response time when a fire occurs.

After confirming that hydrants are visible and accessible, other factors like flow rate and pressure, material and age, and maintenance records can be evaluated. While these are important aspects of hydrant functionality and operation, they become secondary to the immediate need for accessibility in an emergency situation.