Golden's Bridge Fire Department Issues Important Safety Alert to Community

For Immediate Release

Golden's Bridge Fire Department Issues Important Safety Alert to Community

On the heels of the July 4 rain and wind storm that ripped through the town and left downed power lines and tree limbs in its wake, the Golden's Bridge Fire Department today cautioned residents to avoid walking, jogging or biking near electrical wires that are dangling from above or laying across local roadways.

"Assume that downed power lines are live wires. If you are walking, jogging or biking - and you're approaching downed power lines - we recommend that you turn back. The surrounding ground, even at a distance from the actual downed wires, could be electrified. Until NYSEG responds and takes appropriate action, stay clear of all downed electrical power lines. Making contact with live wires and electrified ground could be fatal," said Golden's Bridge Fire Chief Albert Melillo. "For safety's sake, please avoid jogging, walking or biking on local roads until NYSEG addresses these emergency conditions throughout the community," the Golden's Bridge fire chief added.

Golden's Bridge firefighters have been responding to emergencies around the clock. As of 8:00 p.m. Saturday night and through 11:30 a.m. today (Sunday, July 5), the Golden's Bridge Fire Department has responded to nearly 20 alarms, the majority of which have consisted of downed electrical wires and transformers, and toppled tree limbs, in roadways, and a combination of other calls that have included residential carbon monoxide alarms and non-storm-related emergencies.