With storm season in full swing, Long Island faces increasing risks from major storms and flooding, particularly in coastal areas like Sea Cliff and Oyster Bay. Firefighters play a crucial role in keeping residents safe, but as weather events become more severe and frequent, as seen with the recent storms hitting the American Southeast, preparedness remains key.
When storms hit, the combination of high winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding creates hazardous conditions for residents and emergency services. Firefighters see an uptick in incidents ranging from trees and power lines coming down to flooded roads.
“Visibility during these storms is poor,” Anthony Grella, chief of the Sea Cliff Fire Department, said. “We’re dealing with trees on houses, wires down, and increased car accidents because people don’t adjust their driving for the weather conditions.”
One of the greatest dangers during flooding is driving through water. Despite repeated warnings, many people still attempt to drive through flooded roads, often underestimating the depth. This endangers the driver and requires firefighters to perform rescues that could have been avoided.
“We see it all the time,” Grella said. “People think they can make it, and then their car stalls, trapping them.”
Fire departments across Long Island prepare extensively for storms, maintaining a wide range of equipment to manage different emergencies. One critical resource is the dive rescue team at Atlantic Steamer Fire Company, which is the only one of its kind on the North Shore of Nassau County.
“We’ve been called all over the North Shore and even to the South Shore with our jet skis,” Bill Gagliano, who oversees the boat operations, said.
Having specialized teams like the dive rescue unit allows firefighters to navigate flooded areas and rescue stranded individuals. Gagliano explained that their equipment, including dry suits and rafts, is crucial for safely conducting rescues in flooded streets and homes. However, these operations are inherently dangerous, especially when combined with downed power lines or unstable structures.
Frank Ozol, an ex-chief at Atlantic Steamer, highlighted another often-overlooked risk: carbon monoxide poisoning.
“We had incidents where people brought grills inside their homes during storms, which is incredibly dangerous,” he explained. “Carbon monoxide can build up, and you wouldn’t even know it until it’s too late.”
He advised residents to never use outdoor equipment like grills or generators indoors, especially during power outages.
While firefighters are ready to respond, residents can take steps to ensure their own safety and reduce the strain on emergency services. One of the simplest ways to prepare for a storm is to create a “go bag” with essential supplies, including water, food, flashlights, batteries, and medications.
Gagliano and Ozol also stressed the importance of moving vehicles to higher ground before a storm hits.
“During a nor’easter in 1991, cars left in driveways were submerged in five feet of water, and there was no salvaging them,” Ozol remembered.
In addition, people should avoid leaving electronics plugged in during a storm, as power surges caused by high winds and downed power lines can lead to electrical fires.
“Unplug non-essential items, especially your computer or TV,” Grella advises. “The voltage fluctuations can damage them or even cause a fire.”
For those who choose to hunker down and ride out the storm at home, it’s critical to have enough water and non-perishable food to last at least a week, particularly if power outages are expected. Flashlights with extra batteries are essential, and residents also charge any essential electrical devices, like phones, before the storm hits.
The most important advice from firefighters is to heed official warnings.
“In today’s age of technology, if they’re telling you to evacuate, listen to them,” Gagliano said. “They’re not trying to scare you—they know what’s coming.”
One common mistake during storms is underestimating the danger posed by floodwater. Even shallow water can sweep vehicles away or trap individuals in hazardous conditions.
“If you’re safe, stay put,” Gagliano said. “Move to the second floor if necessary. We’ll come for you if it gets worse, but the best thing you can do is avoid putting yourself in danger in the first place.”
As storm risks grow, Long Island’s fire departments continue to adapt. At Atlantic Steamer, the firefighters ensure that teams are always ready with dry suits, rafts, and other specialized equipment. They’ve also trained extensively for ice rescues, given the year-round risks presented by Long Island’s waterways.
“We’re constantly adding to our equipment and preparing for different scenarios,” Gagliano said. “But no matter how prepared we are, we can’t do it alone. People need to take responsibility for their own safety, too.”
In the end, protecting Long Island from the dangers of storms is a team effort between firefighters and the community. By staying informed, preparing ahead of time, and following safety guidelines, residents can help ensure that they and the first responders stay safe when the next big storm hits.
“There’s a saying in the fire service, called ‘the five p’s’,” Ozol concluded. “’Prior planning prevents poor performance.’ If you expect disaster, do everything you can to be ready for it.”