Fair Harbor Fire Department

Thinking about using a space heater to keep yourself warm this weekend? Be sure to follow these important safety tips: - Make sure your space heater has the label showing that it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory. - Before using any space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully. - Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater.... - Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you're leaving a room or going to sleep, and don't let pets or children play too close to a space heater. - Space heaters are only meant to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes. - Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month. - Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs. - Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard. - Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater. - Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire. - Always unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use. See more

There is a HIGH risk of Rip Currents today. The water may be dangerous for all levels of swimmers! Remember to practice good beach safety, and do not swim alone.

The US National Weather Service New York NY has issued a Tornado watch until 8pm tonight. - Watch out for dark, rotating clouds. If you see one, take shelter immediately! - Be mindful of changing weather conditions.... - Stay indoors during periods of lightning. - Be alert for downed wires. If you see a downed wire, assume it is live and call 911. - Have charged flashlights available for use during a potential power outage. Do not use candles to light your home in an emergency. - Keep other electronic devices (phones, computers) fully charged.

The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Prediction Center has placed the area in an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms this afternoon into this evening. Severe thunderstorms are likely with damaging wind gusts of 60 mph or higher, along with large hail as the primary threats. An isolated tornado is also possible along with brief heavy rainfall. Follow these tips: - Stay indoors during periods of lightning.... - Be alert for downed wires. If you see a downed wire, assume it is live and call 911. - Have charged flashlights available for use during a potential power outage. Do not use candles to light your home in an emergency. - Keep other electronic devices (phones, computers) fully charged.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. The Coast Guard is scheduled to present a Public Service Award to the crew of the Fireball, a Fire Island Ferries Inc. ferry, on Tuesday, August 25. The Fireball crew will be recognized for their heroic efforts in rescuing six people from a vessel in distress near Fire Island, New York, on July 26. On July 26, the captain and crew of Fireball noticed a vessel in distress, sitting low in the water along their route in the Great South Bay. As the Fireball approached, the vessel suddenly capsized, tossing all six persons aboard into the water. The crew of the Fireball maneuvered the vessel in high winds and dense vessel traffic, while rigging rescue equipment. Their heroic actions resulted in the swift rescue of all six persons in the water and their safe transfer to a Coast Guard small boat.

Thinking about using your fireplace? Follow these important safety tips: - Inspect the fireplace prior to use, and ensure that the chimney is clear and in good repair. If you're unsure about the condition of your fireplace, consult a professional for an inspection. - Keep the top of chimneys clear of tree limbs or other debris. - Install a chimney cap to keep debris out.... - Always open the damper before lighting the fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. This will help prevent the build-up of poisonous gases, such as carbon monoxide. - Make sure you use the proper fuel. Do not burn trash (such as paper or cardboard) in your fireplace. - Never use gasoline or other liquid fuel to start the fire. - Always use a screen around the fireplace to prevent sparks from flying out. - Keep children away from fire. - Never leave a fireplace unattended. - Ensure you have functioning smoke detectors and CO alarms in your home. See more

Tropical Storm Isaias will impact Fire Island Tuesday into Wednesday. Fire Island Ferries Inc. service will be suspended Tuesday afternoon. Be prepared: - Make a family emergency plan (https://www.ready.gov/plan). - If any members of your household (including pets) have special dietary or medical needs, ensure you have an adequate supply of appropriate food or medication. - Avoid swimming during rough ocean conditions. If you do go swimming, ensure lifeguards are present.... - If you own a boat, make sure it's adequately secured, and ensure that all batteries and bilge pumps are functioning. - Secure all items left outdoors prior to periods of heavy winds. - If you live in a flood-prone area, relocate items which could be damaged or displaced by flooding. - Stay indoors during periods of lightning. - Be alert for downed wires. If you see a downed wire, assume it is live and call 911. - Have charged flashlights available for use during a potential power outage. Do not use candles to light your home in an emergency. - Keep other electronic devices (phones, computers) fully charged. See https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes for additional planning tips.

A tropical storm warning has been issued for our area. Be prepared: - Make a family emergency plan (https://www.ready.gov/plan). - If any members of your household (including pets) have special dietary or medical needs, ensure you have an adequate supply of appropriate food or medication. - Avoid swimming during rough ocean conditions. If you do go swimming, ensure lifeguards are present.... - If you own a boat, make sure it's adequately secured, and ensure that all batteries and bilge pumps are functioning. - Secure all items left outdoors prior to periods of heavy winds. - If you live in a flood-prone area, relocate items which could be damaged or displaced by flooding. - Stay indoors during periods of lightning. - Be alert for downed wires. If you see a downed wire, assume it is live and call 911. - Have charged flashlights available for use during a potential power outage. Do not use candles to light your home in an emergency. See https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes for additional planning tips.

From the CDC: Planning to visit the beach this summer? Take steps to lower your risk of COVID-19 and help reduce the spread: Keep at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with, as others may be coming from out of town where COVID-19 cases might be greater.... Don’t share food, equipment, toys, or supplies with people outside of your household. Wear a mask when not in the water.

Hurricane Isaias is currently predicted to pass over Long Island between Tuesday and Wednesday. Be prepared: - Make a family emergency plan (https://www.ready.gov/plan). - If any members of your household (including pets) have special dietary or medical needs, ensure you have an adequate supply of appropriate food or medication. - Secure all items left outdoors prior to periods of heavy winds.... - If you live in a flood-prone area, relocate items which could be damaged or displaced by flooding. - Stay indoors during periods of lightning. - Be alert for downed wires. If you see a downed wire, assume it is live and call 911. - Have charged flashlights available for use during a potential power outage. Do not use candles to light your home in an emergency. See https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes for additional planning tips. From US National Weather Service New York NY: Current track takes #Isaias over the South Fork of Long Island. Up to a 20% chance of seeing tropical storm force winds for the forecast area most likely arriving Tuesday evening, but may arrive as early as Tuesday morning. Widespread 2-4 inches of rain is forecast, with 4-6 inches possible across higher terrain. Locally heavier amounts are possible.

Fifteen New Mosquito Samples Test Positive for West Nile Virus Residents and visitors advised to take precautions Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter and Suffolk C...ounty Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott announced today that 15 additional mosquito samples, all Culex pipiens-restuans, have tested positive for West Nile virus. The samples were collected on July 21 and July 22, and those within the Town of Islip were from Brentwood (1), Bay Shore (6), Islip (3) and Great River (1). To date this season, Suffolk County has reported 18 mosquito samples that have tested positive for West Nile virus. West Nile virus, first detected in birds and mosquito samples in Suffolk County in 1999 and again each year thereafter, is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild or no symptoms, but some can develop severe symptoms including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. The symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. Individuals, especially those 50 years of age or older, or those with compromised immune systems, who are most at risk, are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. The confirmation of West Nile virus in mosquito samples indicates the presence of West Nile virus in the area, said Dr. Pigott. While there is no cause for undue concern, we advise residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to reduce exposure to West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases. Supervisor Carpenter offers the following tips to avoid mosquito bites: Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn. Wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when mosquitoes are active. Use mosquito repellent, following label directions carefully. Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair. Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs inside and outside of your home. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out containers that hold water, such as vases, pet water bowls, flowerpot saucers, discarded tires, buckets, pool covers, birdbaths, trash cans and rain barrels. Download a copy of Suffolk County’s informational brochure Get the Buzz on Mosquito Protection, available in English and Spanish, and share it with your community. Dead birds may indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds, call the Bureau of Public Health Protection at 631-852-5999 from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents are encouraged to take a photograph of any bird in question. To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270. For further information on West Nile virus, visit the Department of Health Services’ website. https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov//Arthropod-born/Mosquitoes

A message from the Chief: The Fair Harbor Fire Department (FHFD) was dispatched at 1258 hours on Saturday July 25th for a structure fire at 50 Sandpiper Walk in Dunewood. This call was immediately confirmed by the FHFD as a working fire in progress and mutual aid was requested from the Kismet Fire Department (KFD), the Saltaire Volunteer Fire Company (SVFC), and the Ocean Beach Fire Department, NY (OBFD). The fire appears to have started in the rear of an attached shed and qu...ickly spread to the exterior rear wall of the house itself. The fire was extinguished before spreading heavily into the interior of the house but did manage to destroy decking and penetrate some walls and the roof causing extensive smoke and water damage. The combined efforts of approximately 87 firefighters, EMTs and paramedics working in high heat and humidity stopped this fire from spreading to other houses. The cause of the fire has not been determined at this time. Regards, Brendan Reynolds Chief FHFD Photo: Duncan Weir

Air Quality Health Advisory for Sunday, July 26 The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality health advisory for Sunday July 26, 2020 for Long Island and the Metropolitan New York City Region. The pollutant of concern is ozone. Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott advises that all residents, especially young children, seniors, those who exercise or are involved in strenuous outdoor work, and those with pre-existing respira...tory or heart problems, limit strenuous outdoor activity. Ozone levels are often elevated after noon through early evening on hot, sunny days. Air Quality Forecasts are available on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/cfmx/extapps/aqi/aqi_forecast.cfm Information about ozone and health is available on the New York State Department of Health website: http://www.health.ny.gov/environment/outdoors/air/ozone.htm

Heat Advisories have been issued for Sunday afternoon through Monday evening, and an air quality advisory is in effect tomorrow. Stay safe - follow these tips from the US National Weather Service New York NY.