With Plenty of Summer Left, Fire Officials Warn About Outdoor Perils

GOLDEN'S BRIDGE, NY — There is no reason to start the countdown to fall just yet. In fact, safety experts say that there is good reason to remember that this is the season for outdoor fun and the challenges that go along with playing outside.

From the Golden's Bridge Fire Department.

Although retailers are advertising back-to-school sales, there’s still plenty left to the summer season – and with the hottest summer on record, residents continue taking advantage of the great outdoors and enjoying the area’s natural resources. Which is why the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department is sounding the alarm on outdoor safety – whether you’re swimming in a lake or your backyard pool, hiking on a local nature trail, fishing on the Muscoot reservoir, or barbecuing with family and friends.

“It’s human nature, people get lax, they tend to let down their guard and pay less attention to safety – and that’s when accidents happen, when the exuberance of outdoor activity can quickly turn into an emergency,” cautions Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief Albert Melillo.

“But the good news is prevention and awareness – and following sound advice – can go a long way toward your safety and well-being, and enjoying the rest of the summer,” added Fire Chief Melillo.

The Golden’s Bridge Fire Department Marine Unit, along with other firefighters providing support from the shore, recently participated in water rescue drills that included deployment of their Marine 25 rescue boat and other apparatus and equipment that would typically be utilized in emergencies on local reservoirs and lakes – including throw-rope and boat-launch exercises.

“Our extensive training and the repetition of these drills and exercises throughout the year sharpens the skills of our firefighters and enhances their preparedness for potential emergency conditions. Every second counts when someone is having a medical episode on the water, or is barely staying afloat – and in every other type of emergency situation,” said Fire Chief Melillo, who noted that the area’s picturesque lakes, reservoirs and trails are used recreationally by local residents and visitors from New York City.

"Even the most experienced swimmers can find themselves in distress, and the most seasoned hikers can run into problems on a trail because of unanticipated hazards and challenges. You can twist an ankle or become disoriented from dehydration while on a nature walk, and your boat can capsize or you can’t climb back into the vessel because you’re too exhausted after a swim. But accidents can be avoided if everyone would take the time to practice awareness, prevention, and good safety measures," added Fire Chief Melillo.

The Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief offered safety measures for those who boat, swim and fish on local lakes and the reservoir system, walk on local nature trails, and enjoy activities around their home:

• Always deploy the buddy system when you go out on the water; one of you can call 911 from your cellphone if the other develops an emergency.
• When fishing in the reservoir system or a local lake, be mindful of the weight capacity of your row boat and limit cargo to avoid capsizing.
• Know your physical abilities and limitations when you leave the vessel for a swim; medical emergencies and exhaustion often occur when a person is unable to climb back into the boat.
• Always wear a life jacket, and never consume alcoholic beverages on the water.
• Never go on the water in a thunder and lightning storm.
• Never hike alone, carry a cellphone, and stay on marked trails so first-responders can easily find you in case of an emergency.
• Bring enough water to stay hydrated throughout your hike, and carry a first-aid kit to treat minor injuries and insect bites.
• Never leave children unattended in a swimming pool or pool area.
• Make sure children are wearing flotation devices while in the pool – even when you’re with them.
• Keep children and pets away from barbecue grills that are in use, and until they have completely cooled down.
• Keep your grill clean and free of grease buildup to avoid fires and flare-ups.
• Check propane cylinders, lines and connections for leaks by spraying with a soapy water solution; the formation of bubbles indicates a leak. Keep the cylinder valve closed and immediately contact a propane professional.

The Golden’s Bridge Fire Department responds to all 911 emergency calls involving structure, vehicle and brush fires, carbon monoxide alarms, vehicle accidents, downed power lines, toppled trees and other storm-related disasters, medical emergencies, and water and ice rescues in the entire hamlet of Golden’s Bridge and small swaths of Somers and North Salem. For information on how to become a volunteer firefighter with the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department, go to www.goldensbridgefd.org, or call 914-232-1769.