Ahead of Massive Winter Storm, Golden’s Bridge Fire Department Coordinates Multi-Agency Emergency Response, Plans to Maintain Full Complement of Firefighters and Additional Crews at Firehouse

In preparation for the impending winter storm that meteorologists are describing as “massive” and “catastrophic,” the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department is taking significant action in advance of the storm’s arrival, including the coordination of a multi-agency emergency response, to keep community residents and first-responders as safe as possible.

Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief Albert Melillo said a number of comprehensive measures are already in motion and will remain active throughout the duration of the snowstorm – a storm that meteorological experts say could dump two feet of snow and ice in Northern Westchester, including the GBFD’s coverage area of Golden’s Bridge hamlet in the Town of Lewisboro, and swaths of North Salem and Somers.

“The measures we are implementing in advance and all aspects of our coordinated planning are designed to execute a rapid and effective emergency response during what is expected to be challenging conditions. We are working in collaboration with other agencies to keep the community and emergency responders as safe as possible,” explained Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief Melillo.

“We are prepared for all emergencies, whether a fire, medical, vehicle accident, downed power lines and trees, ice and water rescue, and every other emergency imaginable,” he added.

Fire Chief Melillo outlined the steps being taken:

• Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps Captain Dan Murtha, in collaboration with the GBFD, is staging an ambulance at the Golden’s Bridge Firehouse during the duration of the storm to enhance response to medical emergencies in the fire district.

• The Golden’s Bridge Fire Department will have a full complement of firefighters on standby at the firehouse, along with additional crews, throughout the duration of the storm. Although personnel will be stationed at the firehouse, Fire Chief Melillo advised residents to call 911 for all emergencies.

• Firefighters installed a snow plow on GBFD Rescue 25 to assist all fire engines and other apparatus with emergency response.

• Firefighters will place GBFD UTV 25 and its off-road capabilities into action for emergency response on large acreage properties, backyards, and hiking trails.

• In addition to all regular rescue apparatus, GBFD fire trucks are carrying cold water ice rescue suits in the event that the Department’s Ice Rescue Team has to respond to ice and water rescue emergencies.

• To further support emergency operations, Fire Chief Melillo is providing Lewisboro Highway Department personnel with access to the Golden’s Bridge Firehouse throughout the duration of the storm. In collaboration with the Lewisboro Highway Department, Superintendent John Winter has assured the GBFD that the plow/salt spreader dedicated to Golden’s Bridge will be available to clear roads for emergency response.

• Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief Melillo has shared contact information of GBFD personnel with the head of Lewisboro’s senior program to expedite response to elderly residents in need of emergency assistance.

“With coordination among agencies, we are prepared for whatever this storm throws our way. But it’s also important for community residents to take some safety precautions of their own to minimize emergencies, or avoid them altogether,” the Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief said.

He urged residents to heed the following recommendations:

• Make every attempt to stay off the roads because driving will be treacherous during the storm, and it will enable the Highway Department to clear snow and treat local roadways.

• Keep space heaters on non-combustible surfaces and at least five feet away from combustible materials. Make sure space heaters are always on level ground.

• Emergency standby generators can cause dangerous carbon monoxide seepage into homes, so be sure to have new batteries in your CO alarm devices to detect unsafe levels. Immediately leave the house if your CO alarm sounds, then call 911.

• The use of auxiliary heating sources, such as space heaters, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, increases fire risk, so be sure to have new batteries in your smoke alarm devices.

• Keep electronic devices fully charged in case of a power outage.

• Additionally, residents are encouraged to be aware of their physical limitations when they venture outside to shovel their steps or walkway. Always let a family member know when you’re going outside and have them check on you in case you slip and fall.

“We are proud of the dedication of our Golden’s Bridge firefighters who always put the community first, even ahead of their own families. They are deeply committed to serving and protecting residents. Everyone, please stay safe in the days ahead. We will be here to respond to your emergencies,” said Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief Melillo.