The Smithtown Fire Department expect areas along the Nissequogue River to be problematic during Hurricane Sandy and spent Sunday planning on how to battle flooding and potential blazes in those areas.
“We're preparing for anything, for our fire district it will be areas that normally collect water with heavy rain,” said Tim Murphy, second assistant chief with the Smithtown Fire Department. “Most of them will be along the Nissequogue River, whether it be River Road or Riverview Terrace and Landing Meadow over in that area, as to what potentially could be water flooding issues.”
The area surrounding the Smithtown railroad trestle was another area Murphy identified as an area for possible flooding they would be paying close attention to.
Murphy said the Town of Smithtown met Sunday afternoon to coordinate efforts with all the other fire departments in the township and prepare to help each other out if needed and coordinate recources, including the Hauppauge Fire Department relocating some emergency equipment to Smithtown's unused firehouse on the west side of the town. The Smithtown Fire Department will have in-house crews to respond to emergencies as necessary, according to Murphy.
Murphy also provided some tips for locals to keep in mind before, throughout and after the storm, including keeping bags with necessities ready in case you must leave your home, to consider all down wires to be live wires, and to use caution from a fire safety standpoint when using gas stoves, candles and portable heaters.
