LVFD HAS A BUSY WEEKEND
An intense storm ravaged Long Island Saturday March 13th and Sunday March 14th wreaking havoc in the Locust Valley Fire District. The fire department responded to 21 calls for assistance this weekend, with many calls being attributed to the storm. 12 calls for power lines down, 2 hazardous materials calls, 2 carbon monoxide calls, 2 automatic fire alarm calls, 2 ambulance rescue calls and a car fire were responded to by Locust Valley's Bravest.
LVFD also assisted in many instances by using chain saws to clear trees from roadways in order to keep them clear for passing traffic.
On Sunday, at about midnight, LVFD Dispatcher received a call from a resident for a natural gas leak on Piping Rock Road. Upon arrival of Deputy Chief Brian Nolan (5402), a heavy gas leak was detected at the outside meter of the residence. The leak was caused by a large fallen tree which caused the gas main to sever. Natural gas had also began to rapidly fill the house. Engine 544 with crew Lt Steve Kelly, Lt. Chuck Savinetti, FF Ralph Longo, III, and Engineer Kevin Barry cautiously made entry into a dangerous situation and turned off the residences power. This was to prevent an explosion due to heavy gas inside the building. Chief Nolan called for National Grid to respond immediately and summonded for a second Engine to secure a hydrant out on Piping Rock Road. Engine 545 responded and provided extra manpower to help mitigate the situation. The crew of Engine 544 was able to delicately get to the source of the leak and turn it off at the valve. Kudos to the crew and the LVFD members that responded to the alarm.
The fire department would like to remind all residents to be aware of fallen power lines and other dangers associated with storms. Never assume that a power line is dead. Power lines could deliver an electrical shock that can be fatal. When a storm hits, please stay indoors and avoid walking under trees or telephone poles. Report situations to the dispatcher 24 hours a day at 671-2600. Please also understand that sometimes we do not have the resources to deal with high call volumes for power lines and fallen trees. LVFD, LIPA and the police departments will do their best to prioritize your call and responded as soon as practical in a speedy manner.