DIXFIELD – Town officials are calling on residents to adopt town fire hydrants, and they’ll even get a certificate of adoption.

Civic-minded individuals, families or school children are being sought to keep the water-gushers free of snow and ice in winter, and to mow tall grass around them in summer.

Dixfield Fire Chief Scott Blaisdell, who floated the idea by selectmen two weeks ago, said prospective “parents” of hydrants need to keep the plugs clear of snow and ice in a 3-foot radius all winter long.

“Shovel your hydrant out after the plows have gone by, but before the snow accumulates and freezes,” Blaisdell said.

In addition to getting a certificate of adoption, residents can name their hydrant after dear old Dad, or the family dog, as one Dixfield selectman joked.

Blaisdell said Tuesday that people can even plant flowers around them, but painting or decorating hydrants is a no-no.

Fire hydrants, he said, are supposed to be color-coded to describe their water pressure, availability flow or other special information. That color-coding is next on his agenda.

Years ago, many of Dixfield’s hydrants were painted school colors of blue and white; newer plugs are red.

Hydrants can be found in town, from Route 142 to Route 2, and along the Common Road.

Public Works Director Tim Hanson said those who adopt and care for hydrants can save the town the cost of paying two employees a week or two weeks’ worth of labor, benefits and insurance. Normally, Public Works employees keep the plugs free of winter accumulations for firefighters.

“This is an important role you can play in our community’s safety, and, also, teach children about the importance of good citizenship,” Blaisdell said.

To adopt a fire hydrant, people are asked to visit the town office and pick up an application.