Dig Out a Fire Hydrant, Earn a Gift Card in Newton

NEWTON, MA – The aftermath of a snowstorm is more than a little inconvenient, but for those responding to a fire, it actually proves to be a safety risk. Fire departments will often ask residents to shovel the nearest fire hydrant so it's accessible in the event of a blaze.

But one Newton official is taking it a step further, offering local kids a pretty sweet reward for assisting the fire department. Here's how it works.

Any kid who shovels out a fire hydrant, and sends "before and after" pictures to the Newton Fire Department and city councilor Scott Lennon will get a $5 gift card for ice cream at Cabot's or JP Licks.

Lennon said Monday morning the deal is back on as the area prepares for an expected foot and a half of snow this week.