Thursday, October 1, 2026
Amid summer’s higher temperatures and outdoor activities, local fire officials are reminding residents that a few simple precautions can help prevent house fires, grill accidents, drownings and heat-related medical emergencies.
Fire chiefs from Glenwood Hook and Ladder Engine and Hose Company, the Sea Cliff Fire Department and Atlantic Steamer Fire Company said that many of the most common seasonal emergencies are preventable with adequate planning, safe equipment use and proper supervision.
One of the biggest concerns during the hottest months is the increased use of air conditioners, according to Glenwood Hook and Ladder Chief Donald Sinski.
“The biggest thing with air conditioners is electrical cords, and you have to use the proper cord for the air conditioner,” Sinski said. “You just can’t buy a regular little extension cord.”
Air conditioners draw significant electrical power, he explained, so extension cords must be rated for that load. He also warned residents never to run extension cords underneath carpeting or rugs, calling it “a recipe for disaster,” because damaged insulation or unseen sparks can ignite a fire.
SCFD Chief Brian O’Donnell echoed those concerns, urging homeowners to avoid overloading electrical outlets and inexpensive multi-outlet strips.
“If you’re going to buy something, make sure it’s up to date,” O’Donnell said. “Make sure it’s in good condition before you decide to plug things in. If there’s any loose or exposed wires, you should not be going to use it.”
Flickering or dimming lights, he added, can be an early warning sign that a home’s electrical system is overloaded, and simple tricks like not having a number of appliances running at the same time can help keep a home safe.
Second Assistant Chief Frank Ozol, of Atlantic Steamer, said that residents using extension cords with air conditioners should avoid connecting multiple cords together. “The more extension cords you have connected to one air conditioner, the more likely of having some kind of a major problem like a fire,” Ozol said.
Take care when cooking outdoors
Outdoor cooking presents another potential fire hazard. “It’s always good to have a barbecue away from your house,” Sinski said. “Another thing with LPG, liquid propane gas, is never stored inside, not in the garage, not in the shed.”
He added that gasoline containers also should never be kept in a garage, because heat and everyday ignition sources such as garage door openers and vehicle engines, can create dangerous conditions.
Ozol said that propane tanks deserve special attention in hot weather. If pressure builds inside a tank, he said, the pressure-relief valve may release propane gas, which can ignite with a spark.
“You want to keep it out of the sun, because the propane can heat up in the bottle in the tank,” he said. “If it explodes, you’re losing your house and your neighbor’s house.”
O’Donnell advised residents to keep grills at least 10 feet from their homes to reduce the chance of flames or grease fires spreading to siding or other combustible materials. He also reiterated that “Barbecues are strictly for outdoor use only,” and recounted an incident in which one misguided backyard chef brought his grill inside to cook ribs because it was raining, which led to a house fire.
Fire pits also require caution, particularly during dry weather. Sinski said that enclosed pits fitted with spark arrestors help prevent burning embers from escaping and igniting nearby brush or neighboring property.
O’Donnell encouraged homeowners to only use controlled fire pits, to keep children and pets away, to keep a garden hose nearby and to never leave a fire burning overnight. “Do not, under any circumstances, go to bed with an active fire lit in your backyard,” he said.
Be vigilant around the water
Water safety is one of the season’s top concerns. Sinski stressed the importance of fencing pools, using self-latching gates and securing hot tubs when they’re not in use, and he recommended emptying kiddie pools immediately after their use.
Ozol said that backyard fencing alone may not be enough if young children can still access the pool area.
He also encouraged residents to learn CPR, adding that many local fire departments offer training classes.
All three chiefs had the same advice for residents during periods of extreme heat, urging them stay hydrated, to recognize the signs of heat illness and, if someone shows those signs, to seek help quickly.
“Most of the heat affects people that have health compromises,” Sinski said. “In other words, extremely high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, anything like that, you shouldn’t really stay out in the sun or the heat.”
Residents should hydrate before beginning outdoor activities, in addition to during and after, Sinski said. He also pointed out that water often isn’t enough, and that people also need to replenish their electrolytes while working or spending extended time outside.
O’Donnell emphasized that people should never hesitate to call for help. He recalled several instances in which residents delayed calls because they didn’t think it was serious or thought it was too late or early in the day to call.
“We tell them, hey, you know, it’s not a bother, you can call 24/7, 365, and somebody will be there,” O’Donnell said. “No phone call is a stupid phone call.”
Sinski also advised residents not to reset tripped circuit breakers or fire alarm systems before firefighters arrive, because doing so can make it more difficult for them to determine the cause of the problem.
For more information on the fire departments, and to learn about volunteering, visit facebook.com/GlenwoodFireCo/ for Glenwood Hook and Ladder and Facebook.com/IVOSCFD/ for Sea Cliff.
