HURRICANE IRENE

BEDFORD VILLAGE FIRE DEPARTMENT HURRICANE RESPONSE

REPORT UPDATED 8/26/11 AT 12:OO PM

The Bedford Village Fire Department is instituting a severe weather response plan to make sure that all emergency calls will be answered as promptly as possible.
Please note the following important points –

1. The Department responds to medical, fire and vehicle emergencies.

2. With the volume of calls anticipated please understand that we will have to prioritize our responses given the type and number of emergencies. We will also have to navigate through expected flooding and downed trees, wires, etc. that may block roadways.

3. Unless posing an immediate hazard to people or homes, downed wires will be referred to the local power companies (NYSEG, CON ED) for repair. Arcing and smoldering wires cannot be handled by fire service personnel until they have been de-energized by power repair crews.

4. The Bedford Village Fire Department does not have pumps, generators, or tarps for general use or to loan to individual households. These may be obtained through general contractors, plumbers, and rental centers.

It is important to understand the need for your family and neighbors to be prepared for what could be a storm that has the potential for heavy wind, rain and property damage.

Please follow these crucial tips -

High winds and heavy rain will take its toll on power lines, trees, unsecured furniture, blocked street drains and areas prone to flooding. The Bedford Village Fire Department is expecting a higher than average call volume to our emergency dispatch center during this time of severe weather and is preparing to meet this challenge as safely and as expeditiously as possible. Please keep in mind that we are 100% volunteer and it may take additional time for us to respond to the firehouse from our homes and families.

We ask residents to do the following prior to the arrival of severe weather:

Be prepared for power outages. Have batteries, flashlights, candles, etc. at the ready.

Charge all items that you may need to in the event of a power outage.

When using candles, make sure they are used in a safe manner that does not pose any fire hazard.

Fuel any generators and make sure they operate safely.

Clean any drains in front of your homes.

Ensure that sump pumps are operational.

Secure any outdoor items that may become airborne during high winds.

Check trees and shrubbery for any limbs and branches that may need to be trimmed so they do not break during a storm.

Have a supply of non-perishable food and drink.

Make sure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly.

During the storm:

Stay in a sheltered area. Do not venture outside during high winds.

Stay away from fallen wires and anything they may be contacting. For example, a wire fallen against a fence may cause that fence to be electrified causing danger to anyone who touches the fence.

Do not operate generators or other fuel operated equipment indoors. This can cause a deadly build-up of carbon monoxide and possibly cause a fire.

Please use 911 and call the Department for emergencies only.