Are your EMFD phone stickers in place?

In the event of an emergency, time becomes a precious factor. Your East Meadow Fire Department prides itself on some of the best response times here on Long Island. But there are ways you can help your own cause.

Time and time again our residents call 911 to report an emergency. In doing so you are participating in one of the best emergency communications system in our country. But here in East Meadow, as in many other volunteer organizations, our agency boasts some of the latest technology in emergency fire and EMS dispatch.

The East Meadow Fire Department urges that, when you request the emergency assistance of the East Meadow Fire Department, the quickest manner to do so is by calling 542-0576.

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, the East Meadow Fire District boasts trained fire and EMS dispatchers ready to handle your emergency whatever it may be.

Calls for the East Meadow Fire Department that come in from 911 will actually be re-routed to EMFD and dispatched by the person directly on the end of the 0576 number.

Calling us directly can cut minutes off your emergency response, and make the difference in a medical emergency or a fire.

Remember, a fire in its free burning stage can double in size in as little as 17 seconds depending on the fuel source, phase of fire, and surrounding conditions.

Most recently, and on several occasions in recent years serious fires were dispatched through the 911 system that could have been called directly into our Fire Headquarters.

Calling 911 during a holiday or weekend when call volumes are generally higher can add to the concern of time. The EMFD raises no doubt that such incidents can have a more positive outcome with a response direct from our own fire dispatch.

Protect yourself and your loved ones. If you do not have phone stickers please contact the EMFD Chiefs Office at 542-0580, drop in at our Fire Dispatch Office at Fire Headquarters (197 East Meadow Ave.), or email us at JOBrien@EastMeadowFD.Com and a set will be dropped off to your home.

John J. O'Brien is an active Ex Chief of the East Meadow Fire Department. He is the District Supervisor of the Jericho Fire District and has over 40 years of Dispatch and Supervisory experience.