The Oceanside Fire Department responded to 73 alarms during Tropical Storm Isaias on Aug. 4, dispatching 109 members of the volunteer department in 12 trucks.
At the height of the storm between 12:30 and 5:30 p.m., the department responded to 59 alarms. The calls mostly included trees that fell onto homes and fallen wires. Two of the alarms included minor fires, including one at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital, and two ambulance calls.
On Aug. 5, the department responded to 11 alarms, which mostly included downed wires and on Aug. 6, it dealt with 17 issues.
The OFD has offered the following tips to residents:
Never use water on an electrical fire
The wires on the lower half of the telephone poles are communication wires
The wires on the upper half are electrical wires
If you are unsure, contact the power company or the Fire Department
Never touch power lines
Always assume that power lines are energized
When to call the power company:
If the electricity goes out
When electric lines are down whether on a pole or attached to your house and there is no fire or sparking
When to call the Fire Department:
When a tree falls onto your house and compromises the roof
For any type of electrical issue, whether inside or outside your home, such as a fire or sparking
If you experience a fire, smoke in the house, a burning smell or an electrical issue, get out and stay out. Notify the Fire Department from outside the house or building
You experience any injury or medical emergency
The Fire Department’s emergency number is (516) 766-0245. Its business line is (516) 766-2717.
Courtesy Oceanside Fire Department; compiled by Mike Smollins