Latest news with #RescueandEmergencyServices
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Petersburg flash flooding update: Safety tips
The Petersburg Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services posted a plea on Facebook just before 7 a.m. on July 15 asking drivers to stay off the roads. "Petersburg firefighters, Southside EMS crews, public works and our dedicated 911 dispatchers were running all night long … pulling people from flooded cars, responding to medical emergencies, clearing downed trees, and still answering every call for help," the Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services Facebook post stated. "They're geared up and ready to keep going today as heavy rain continues." The officials warn that the situation is dangerous. Neighborhoods are flooded, trees and power lines are down, and streets that look safe can turn deadly fast. 'Turn around, don`t drown' NWS extends Flash Flood Warning for Colonial Heights, Petersburg. Stay off the roadways unless absolutely necessary. Never drive through flooded streets. It only takes a few inches to stall or sweep your car away. Keep children and pets away from floodwaters — they hide sharp debris, chemicals, and bacteria. Have flashlights ready and charge your phones in case of more outages. Check on your neighbors, especially seniors and those who need extra help. Slow down and move over for emergency crews working these scenes. The post also points out that not all vehicles stuck in the flood were driven into it. "Many cars were parked right outside homes when water quickly rose. Some streets flood so fast there's no time to react. Show some understanding, it could easily be any one of us," the Facebook post stated. "Stay safe, Petersburg. We're still out here …please do your part by staying home and off flooded roads." Petersburg officials strongly urge citizens not to walk through floodwater or flooded areas. Here's why... Stay out of the water. You can't see hidden hazards like sharp debris, open manholes or sudden drop-offs. Avoid contamination. Floodwater is often mixed with sewage, chemicals and bacteria that can cause serious infections. Don't underestimate moving water. Even shallow water can knock you off your feet, putting you at risk of drowning. Keep children and pets away. They're naturally curious, but flood zones are no place to explore. If your home floods, stay inside if it's safe. Don't wade out unless absolutely necessary — wait for help. Follow Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services on Facebook for updates. State: James River advisory issued for Hopewell raw-sewage spill could be lifted by Friday Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly, an award-winning columnist, is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index voted the 2022 Tri-Cities Best of the Best Social Media Personality. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@ follow @KHiggins_PI on X and @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram. Your support is vital to local journalism. Please . This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Petersburg experiences flash floods: Update, safety tips
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
National Guard helps battle wind-fueled wildfires burning on New York's Long Island
Firefighters on New York's Long Island were battling a wind-driven brush fire in the Pine Barrens on Sunday, hours after Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and said authorities were determined to avoid the type of devastation that swept across Southern California two months ago. The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services warned Sunday that wind gusts of up to 40 mph were likely, complicating efforts to douse the flames. "Fire activity is ongoing in Suffolk County," the agency said in a social media post. "There is an elevated wildfire risk in several areas due to dry, windy conditions." Hochul said late Saturday that she had spoken with Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and offered any necessary state resources. She said National Guard helicopters were providing air support and that "multiple state agencies are on the ground." Romaine, speaking at a briefing late Saturday, said county Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services were coordinating the response from about 80 agencies since at least four brush fires ignited Saturday on the East End area of Long Island. All but one fire was extinguished, and the lingering blaze near the town of Westhampton was 80% contained, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico said in a Facebook post. 'We maximized our firefighting capabilities to stop the fire from spreading, then we tried to contain it,' Romaine said. 'But it is not under control as I speak.' Romaine told News 12 that an arson investigation was underway. Romaine said the fire marshal and arson squad are checking cameras in the area, including drones and investigating evidence trying to determine whether the fires were intentionally set. Palisades, Eaton fires 100% contained: California blazes finally extinguished At least one area highway was partially shut down because of the fire. No evacuations had been ordered, but Romaine said that could change if wind gusts fuel an epansion of the blaze. One firefighter suffered burns to his face; no other injuries had been reported. At least two buildings were damaged. "We are working with the town of Southampton closely and multiple police agencies," Romaine said. Hochul told CNN the fires are burning in a nature preserve, but that firefighters feared winds could drive the fire toward populated areas. She said authorities were acutely aware of the destruction cause by the California wildfires that swept through Pacific Palisades and Altadena, killing at least 29, burning almost 60 square miles, and destroying thousands of homes. 'All those images of what happened in the Palisades are so front and center in our minds,' the governor said, recalling the deadly wildfires that devastated California this year. 'We need to be proactive, preventative and try to stop the worst from occurring with all the power that we have and that's exactly what we're doing.' Suffolk County covers much of central and eastern Long Island, the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens are on the eastern end, separated from Suffolk County by Nassau County. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: National Guard helps battle wildfires burning on Long Island
USA Today
09-03-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
National Guard helps battle wind-fueled wildfires burning on New York's Long Island
Hear this story Firefighters on New York's Long Island were battling a wind-driven brush fire in the Pine Barrens on Sunday, hours after Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and said authorities were determined to avoid the type of devastation that swept across Southern California two months ago. The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services warned Sunday that wind gusts of up to 40 mph were likely, complicating efforts to douse the flames. "Fire activity is ongoing in Suffolk County," the agency said in a social media post. "There is an elevated wildfire risk in several areas due to dry, windy conditions." Hochul said late Saturday that she had spoken with Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and offered any necessary state resources. She said National Guard helicopters were providing air support and that "multiple state agencies are on the ground." At least four fires ignited Saturday Romaine, speaking at a briefing late Saturday, said county Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services were coordinating the response from about 80 agencies since at least four brush fires ignited Saturday on the East End area of Long Island. All but one fire was extinguished, and the lingering blaze near the town of Westhampton was 80% contained, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico said in a Facebook post. 'We maximized our firefighting capabilities to stop the fire from spreading, then we tried to contain it,' Romaine said. 'But it is not under control as I speak.' Romaine told News 12 that an arson investigation was underway. Romaine said the fire marshal and arson squad are checking cameras in the area, including drones and investigating evidence trying to determine whether the fires were intentionally set. Palisades, Eaton fires 100% contained: California blazes finally extinguished No evacuations have been ordered as of yet At least one area highway was partially shut down because of the fire. No evacuations had been ordered, but Romaine said that could change if wind gusts fuel an epansion of the blaze. One firefighter suffered burns to his face; no other injuries had been reported. At least two buildings were damaged. "We are working with the town of Southampton closely and multiple police agencies," Romaine said. Hochul told CNN the fires are burning in a nature preserve, but that firefighters feared winds could drive the fire toward populated areas. She said authorities were acutely aware of the destruction cause by the California wildfires that swept through Pacific Palisades and Altadena, killing at least 29, burning almost 60 square miles, and destroying thousands of homes. 'All those images of what happened in the Palisades are so front and center in our minds,' the governor said, recalling the deadly wildfires that devastated California this year. 'We need to be proactive, preventative and try to stop the worst from occurring with all the power that we have and that's exactly what we're doing.' Suffolk County covers much of central and eastern Long Island, the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens are on the eastern end, separated from Suffolk County by Nassau County.
