People only just realising what yellow H symbol on lampposts actually means

The symbols, which are also commonly seen on drain covers and on street markers, show two numbers within the large H - and it's important for firefighters

Every day, people stroll by without a second glance, yet their presence is crucial.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue has taken to social media to shed light on the significance of the yellow H symbols found on lampposts, explaining their critical role in emergency responses.

In a viral TikTok video, with views topping one million, they revealed: "Point of view: You've walked past these small yellow signs your whole life but it was today you realised, finally, after all these years, they are there to tell firefighters where the hydrants are."

These symbols, also spotted on drain covers and street markers, feature two numbers within the prominent H. The upper number denotes the diameter of the water main connected to the hydrant, measured in millimetres, while the lower number shows how far the hydrant is from the sign, in metres.

At times, an arrow at the bottom of the sign will point towards the hydrant's location, reports the Mirror.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service issued a statement saying: "Seen one of these yellow H signs in the street? These indicate that a hydrant is nearby. We use these to access the water main when we need to refill our engines or access an additional water supply. We may need to access a hydrant at any time, so please be sure to keep them clear."

On the viral TikTok video, one user confessed: "I only learned the other week that they don't carry all of the water on the trucks - so I'm doomed."

Another chimed in with a more apathetic view: "It's nothing to do with me so I just walk on by. What do I need to know for? " A third was under a misapprehension previously, revealing: "I used to think it was H for helicopter landing."

Expressing surprise at their own ignorance, a teenager commented: "I had no idea and I am a teen I think we need to be educated on the real world as well as things like maths and science."

Yet, several respondents admitted long-time awareness, with one person pointing out: "I was taught that in primary school."

Meanwhile, a different user reminisced: "My mum has one in her garden. I used to love it when the fire engine used to come and fill up."