[0:05] This season, our firefighters need your [0:08] help. They're reminding residents that [0:09] it's important to keep fire hydrants [0:11] clear of snow during the winter so [0:13] they're accessible in case of an [0:14] emergency. Just make sure to remove snow [0:17] and ice within a 3-foot perimeter and [0:19] clear a path from the street to the fire [0:21] hydrant. Did you know a fire can double [0:23] in size in as little as a minute? Every [0:26] second counts, so consider adopting a [0:28] hydrant near your home to keep clear and [0:30] accessible. Thank you for doing your [0:32] part to help keep our community safe. [0:35] Ebikes and e- scooters will be popular [0:37] gifts this holiday season, but they come [0:40] with a few important rules. In [0:42] Minnesota, ebike riders must be at least [0:44] 15 years old, and helmets are required [0:47] for anyone under 18. Motors must be 750 [0:51] watts or less, and assisted speeds can't [0:53] exceed 28 mph, depending on the bike's [0:56] class. ES scooters have their own [0:58] requirements. Riders must be at least 12 [1:00] years old, and they're limited to 15 [1:02] mph. Helmets are required for anyone [1:05] under 18, and e- scooters must be ridden [1:08] in street or bike lanes, not on [1:10] sidewalks. Finally, lights are required [1:13] after dark. As electric mobility becomes [1:16] a more common holiday gift, make sure [1:18] you know the laws before purchasing, [1:20] especially if the rider will be a child. [1:23] Every year, many of us cycle through [1:25] holiday string lights, using what we can [1:28] and tossing those that refuse to light [1:30] up. Whether your lights have aged or [1:32] you've opted for energyefficient LED [1:34] holiday lights, we want to help you be [1:36] smart about disposing of the string [1:38] lights that are forever sentenced to [1:40] your storage unit or worse, the trash. [1:43] Instead, you can recycle your old [1:45] lights. In Apple Valley, residents can [1:48] bring their unwanted light strands to [1:50] the Western Service Center during the [1:51] holiday season now through the end of [1:54] January. For more information and a list [1:56] of additional dropoff locations, please [1:59] visit Dakota Valley Recycling.gov. [2:02] And that's the vibe in Apple Valley. [2:04] Stay up todate by visiting our website [2:06] and following us on social media.