As parts of Long Island are covered in snow reaching up to 12 inches, 10 inches of snow were reported in Hempstead. There is so much snow, with nowhere to go as resident shovel they put it on empty spaces on the street – that being fire hydrants.
Fire prevention officer, Chris Stafford of the Uniondale Fire Department said the snow is causing hazards, if there is a fire the only way to clear the hard freezing snow is to shovel and attempt to melt the thick layer.
“It can cost a life,” he said in a message. “Just today alone (Monday) I came across residents and had to inform and educate, costing a few minutes to shovel and unfreeze it.”
Once he saw the habit, he posted on social media, winter tips on how to prevent these hazards.
Stafford suggests:
• Clear three feet around the hydrant.
• Shovel a path from the street to the hydrant.
• Keep the caps and outlets fully visible.
• Don’t pile snow on top or in front of hydrants.
With the heavy amount of snow, residents in Uniodale found themselves waiting for the streets to be cleared.
Pearl Jacobs, Uniondale resident and president of Nostrand Gardens Civic Association, called the Town of Hempstead on Monday to plow the dead end streets on Decatur Street. However, she waited half a day for the town to come.
“I was informed that a plow would be dispatched to my location, two hours have passed and we are still waiting for the plow,” she said on Monday.
Kathleen Gallagher, of Uniondale said the amount of snow that is not plowed is not only happening in Uniondale, it was the same in other parts in Long Island.
“I’m retired so it’s really not a problem for me now, the main roads are fine but the side streets, not so much,” she wrote.
Residents also have been reaching out to their local legislators Monday morning sharing the same concern.
According to Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks , several residents reached out with questions about the timeline of when things would be cleared. She advised residents to “be patient.”
Nicks described the storm as one of the largest the area has seen in nearly a decade urging residents to have patience. She thanked county workers, police and first responders for working through hazardous conditions.
“I believe that the county is working hard to make sure that we’re cleaning our areas as best as possible. And really, just want to thank all of the county workers that are out there doing their jobs,” she said.
On Sunday, Nicks was at the Uniondale Fire Department, where she was on standby as a volunteer firefighter. She advised residents to remain indoors unless travel was necessary.
Fire fighters were on standby at approximately 8 a.m. Sunday Morning preparing for possible emergencies. According to Anthtony Lebron the districts fire commissioner.
“A fire is always possible,” he said on Sunday. “Especially when it comes to space heaters where residents are trying to stay warm.”
