Wantagh Fire Department

Members of the Wantagh Fire Department COVID-19 Task Force participated in a webinar hosted by Governor Cuomo, the NYS Department of Health and members of the NYS Vaccination Task Force regarding NYS’s vaccination program. As of January 11, 2021 NYS, has entered Phase 1B of the vaccination plan. This means in addition to Healthcare Workers at hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, Dentists, EMT’s, Coroners, Medical Examiners and some Funeral ...Workers, and other Medical and Health Department staff; the following residents are eligible to sign up: People 75 and over. Teachers and education workers including substitute teachers, student teachers, school administrators, paraprofessional staff, support staff, contractors in schools and bus drivers. First Responders: Police, Firefighters, and other law enforcement officers. Public Safety Workers, including dispatchers. Public Transportation Workers. Corrections Officers. Court and Peace Officers, sworn and civilian. Grocery store workers that deal directly with public. Residents of homeless shelters Residents from Phase 1A and Phase 1B total approximately 5.3 million people. With the state receiving a supply of approximately 300,000 doses per week it will take approximately 14 weeks to reach the State’s goal of 70-90% of those eligible receiving the vaccine. Hopefully manufacturers will be able to increase production and other vaccines will become available and enter the supply chain, thereby accelerating the process. In the meantime, everyone is encouraged to remain vigilant and continue to wear your masks, wash your hands frequently, avoid large crowds and socially distance as much as possible. If you experience any signs or symptoms you should stay at home and avoid contact with others. To find out if you are eligible for the vaccine and to make an appointment go to https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ NY State residents can also call the State hotline at 1-833-NYS-4VAX (1-833-697-4829). When utilizing the website it is strongly suggested that you check back often as new appointments are added as they become available Kevin Regan, PIO

On Sunday January 3, 2020 at approximately 9:20 am the Wantagh FD received a report of a car accident with fire eastbound on the Southern State Parkway at Route 135. Third Assistant Chief Bill Stevens was first to arrive and he reported a fully involved car fire, with 2 cars into the woods near the overpass. The safety officer arrived moments later and he and Chief Stevens checked the vehicles and adjacent area for victims. First Assistant Chief Tom Bloomfield arrived and ass...umed command. Engines 2, 4 and 7 responded, along with Squad 1. A crew from Engine 2, led by Captain Finocchio began to attack the fire and a second hose line was stretched by Engine 4, led by Captain Mongiello. Due to the extent of the fire and fact that the fuel tank melted, water was off-loaded from Engine 7 to supply Engine 2, which was now applying foam to quench the stubborn and hard to reach fire. When most of the flames were extinguished, a wrecker pulled the car from the wooded area and then flipped it on its side to allow for complete overhaul and extinguishment. The driver of one of the vehicles fled the scene, while the driver of the second vehicle remained at scene and did not report any serious injuries. Her dog, which was an occupant of her car, sustained a minor injury to its paw. NY State Police and Nassau County Police were on the scene and are conducting an investigation. The EMS Captain, Fire Police and Rescues 1, 4 and 5 were also on scene. Units remained at the scene for a little over an hour and there were no injuries reported. Photos by Harry Loud Kevin Regan, PIO

As the rate of those affected with COVID-19 continues to rise, there is a concern that hospitals and EMS systems will become overwhelmed. NYS Health Officials would like to remind you of some steps to take should you experience signs and symptoms of COVID-19 before going calling an ambulance or going to the hospital: Consider taking over-the-counter medications you would normally take for a cough, cold or fever. If under 15, do not take aspirin or aspirin containing product...s. Continue to take your regular medications unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise. Stay at home until you have no fever for 24 hours without fever reducing medication. Avoid close contact with others. Cover your mouth when sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. Wash hands frequently and always after coughing/sneezing, etc. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Do not share eating utensils, cups or glasses. Clean hard surfaces in kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms often with standard household cleaners. Wash bedding often with detergent and warm water, especially after illness/suspected illness. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or conditions worsen. Important resources: NYS COVID-19 Hotline: 1-800-364-3065 or visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov Nassau County Health Department COVID-19 Hotline: 516-227-9570 or www.nassaucountyny.gov Please remember to inform the 911 operator or ambulance dispatcher if you have tested positive or are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 so that responders can take extra precautions to protects themselves and their families. Remember, the best way to stop the spread is to wear a mask, wash your hands frequently and maintain social distancing. Kevin Regan, PIO

The Wantagh Fire Department would like to thank all of our friends for their support throughout 2020 and we wish all of you the very best in the new year!

The NYS Attorney General has issued a Scam Alert regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Residents should be aware that the vaccine will not be available for the general public for several more months. Be alert for suspicious phone calls, emails, text messages or other communications offering early access to the vaccine. Callers may pretend to be public health officials or use titles that sound credible and while it may be tempting to participate, often scammers will collect impor...tant and sensitive personal data from you before you even realize it’s a scam. Elderly residents are often targeted in these types of fraud. It is strongly suggested that you warn older neighbors and relatives, especially those living alone. Simply stated, if it seems to good to be true, it probably is. Important tips to remember to avoid being a victim of fraud: Be alert for anyone asking for your social security, banking or credit card information. As long as we are in a period of public health emergency, there will likely be no fees associated with receiving the vaccine. There are currently no sign up lists for getting the vaccine. If you receive an email communication, look closely at the sender’s domain to ensure that it is in fact from the organization that it is supposed to be. Scammers often use cleverly disguised email addresses, letterhead and artwork that closely mimics legitimate organizations. Never ‘click’ on a link or provide personal information before verifying the legitimacy of the sender. There are currently two FDA approved vaccines for COVID-19, one by Pfizer and one by Moderna. If you have questions about either or when it will be available you should contact a licensed healthcare provider. Additional information is available at https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/safety-measures or www.cdc.gov . Kevin Regan, PIO

On Saturday, December 19th members from the Wantagh Fire Department delivered several bags of toys to the John Theissen Children’s Foundation. Members from Headquarters collected money and purchased toys which were dropped off by a crew from Ladder 1. This effort was spearheaded by firefighter Jonathan Marino. Later, members from Station #2, accompanied by Santa Claus, stopped by to deliver numerous bags of toys which were purchased by the members of Station 2. Standing ato...p Chemical 3 with Santa is John Theissen, while several members from Station 2 stand in front. Mr. Theissen founded the organization approximately 29 years ago in order to collect toys for sick and needy children, and the Wantagh FD has been proud to support them ever since. Additional information can be found at jtcf.org Photo of crew from Ladder 1 provided by Chief Tom Bloomfield. Photo of crew from Station 2 with Santa by Harry Loud Kevin Regan, PIO