Fire At 5 East Main Street - Kings Park

Information and Photos courtesy of Smithtown Fire Department PIO - Jeff Bressler

Saturday, December 17, 2011 - Smithtown Fire Department Engine 4-2-2 was working a standby at the Kings Park Fire Department’s Main House. The Department was getting ready to celebrate the holiday with residents during their annual Christmas parade and 4-2-2 was in Kings Park serving as first due Engine.

A signal 13-35 indicating a working structural fire was toned out at 14:41 (2:41pm) with the location of 5 East Main Street. The block features stores with apartments above.

With 4-2-2 as the engine standby they were dispatched as the first apparatus on the scene. 

There was extensive damage as a result of the fire. No injuries were reported. Click Here for Smithtown FD Photos.

Being Prepared For Power Outages

You and an Electric Generator by Fred Kruger

There are times when a weather event or local “man-made” event can cause a loss of electric power……. sometimes lasting much more than a few hours. At these times,  a relatively small electric generator can help to reduce stress and provide somewhat more normal home living. First, if you don’t have them, purchase and connect AC powered Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors with 9-volt battery back-up.

When you begin to shop for your generator, first prioritize your needs and make a list of the items you believe must operate in an emergency. Also write down answers to the following questions (to take with you as you shop).

• ·      How much power is actually required: 1. to start each appliance, and 2. to run each appliance. Read the nameplate information on motors and appliances to determine power demands (Power in watts = Current (amps) x Voltage (volts). Most generator manufacturers can provide brochures with typical power requirements for appliances, lights, and equipment to help plan your total power requirements.
• ·      How much gasoline is consumed per hour?
• ·      What size tank is on the generator?
• ·      How much additional gasoline are you willing and able to safely store? (Before an emergency, be sure to fill your car gas tank. You may need some of it for your generator. But, always leave enough gas for emergency evacuation or other transportation  needs.
• ·      How will the generator be connected to electrical devices in your house – via separate extension cords or via a special wall connection and a transfer switch,?   Never use an electric cable with male connectors (plugs) at both ends.

Then consider reality: A smaller generator may actually be better for you. Run time is a major concern. If most of your neighborhood is without power, there’s a good chance that your local gas station(s) won’t have power either! With no power, there’s no way for them to  pump gas. The gas supply you have in the generator and your storage containers must last as long as possible. Your priority consideration is to determine what things you actually need to power in an emergency. Remember, you can save gas by using appliances only as needed. If no appliances are running, shut off the generator. If you’re just running a few lights, consider using a few battery powered lights to save gas (and money). Refrigerators may only need to run a few hours a day to preserve food. Using a refrigerator thermometer, aim to maintain 40 degrees in the refrigerator compartment and 0 degrees in the freezer. Use lower power requirement CFL lights.

All generator manufacturers rate their generator’s fuel consumption based on running with a load that is 1/2 the rated capacity. It can be misleading, but they all do it! So make a list of what will need power; a few lights, a radio, your refrigerator, maybe your gas or oil heating system, etc. For example, my generator is rated for 1500 watts continuous load. It has a 1 gallon gas tank. It is a quiet model that slows down with reduced load—-thereby further reducing gas consumption and noise, while maintaining 120 volts AC at 60 Hz. If needed, a second of these small generators might be used to support the electric power needs of a gas furnace, while using very little additional gasoline per hour (Most 4-5 kilowatt generators consume almost 1 gallon per hour at half-load and are much noisier).

During Hurricane Irene, our 2000 watt/1500 watt generator ran our refrigerator, some lights, Amateur Radio equipment, weather and FM radios, and small device battery chargers; consuming about 1 gallon of gas every 13 hours, while supporting about a 700 watt load. I had approximately 9 gallons of gas available and that was sufficient for the 52+ hours we had no power. We had heavy duty extension cords running all over. While running, our generator was about 8 feet from the house. Extension cords were run through a window opening, which was carefully sealed (top and bottom) with foam and multiple layers of duct tape. Blue painters’ tape was used to prevent tripping and to keep wires in place. WARNING: Always keep generators away from all open doors and windows – your’s and your neighbors’  - to prevent deadly exhaust fumes from entering. Gasoline-powered generators produce deadly carbon-monoxide fumes. You can’t trust your senses for protection from carbon monoxide; this deadly gas is invisible and odorless. When buying a generator, also buy an AC/battery-operated carbon-monoxide alarm. It works like a smoke alarm, sounding an alert if carbon-monoxide levels become dangerous.

There are two basic connection options:

1.  Use heavy-duty 3-prong outdoor rated extension cords to connect appliances and lamps  directly into the generator’s outlet. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for grounding the generator.

Or:

2. Have a licensed electrician connect the generator to your house wiring using a “listed” transfer switch, which means it meets nationally recognized (and local) safety standards as indicated by the UL Listing Mark on the product. Having an electrician install the listed transfer switch will safely prevent your generator from back feeding utility lines, thus avoiding a safety hazard to you, your family, neighbors and utility workers, and preventing possible damage to your generator when utility power is restored. Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring.

Remember:

• ·      You don’t need to run everything at the same time; rotating larger items allows the use of a smaller generator, which costs less to buy, is easier to move and consumes less gasoline.
• ·      Never operate a generator inside your home, garage, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar spaces even if you plan to use a fan, an open door, or open windows for ‘ventilation’.
• ·      Never refuel a hot generator or one that is running; hot engine parts or exhaust can ignite gasoline.
• ·      Turn off all connected appliances before starting your generator.
• ·      Turn connected appliances on one at a time, never exceeding the generator’s rated wattage.
• ·      Read and follow the manufacturers instructions that came with the generator, as well as those on their website.
• ·      Don’t leave a running generator unattended; if possible, turn it off at night and when away from home.

When you are not using your generator, fill its tank with fresh gasoline and add the proper amount of fuel stabilizer. Change the engine oil if needed. Drain the carburetor float bowl. Drain the sediment cup (if one is installed). Change the engine oil, if needed.

In Summary:

• Read, understand and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Operate outdoors in a clean, dry area.

• Generator must be properly grounded.

• After losing power, turn off main breaker or pull main fuse block.

• Generators that are directly connected to existing wiring systems must be connected through a double-pole, double-throw (DPDT) transfer switch; which assures that the generator is never connected to the outside power service lines. NEVER directly connect your generator to your house wiring. It is very dangerous and introduces an electrocution risk to your neighbors and to utility workers who may be working on power lines to restore service.

• All electrical connections must comply with the National Electric Code.

• Do not overload your generator with too many appliances.

• Use properly sized extension cords in good condition.

•Two small generators may be easier to move and use and more fuel efficient than one large one.

• You may be liable for damage or injury to people and property that may result from an improperly installed or operated emergency generator.

Finally:

Consider how much interaction you want with your back-up power system and how much you’re willing to spend. Generators for home use range from small “pull start” and/or “battery start” portable units to large, fully automatic power systems. In this paper, we have discussed only the former. You can purchase a generator which will run from bottled gas (propane) and/or from the natural gas supplied to your home via underground pipes. There also are larger, semi- and fully automatic “standby” generators. These may be the subject of a future article.

Police Respond To Halo Lounge Smithtown One Arrest Made

Suffolk County Police today arrested a man who ran over a Brentwood man with his vehicle and injured him in Smithtown early this morning.

Fourth Precinct police officers responded to Halo Lounge, located at 281 West Main Street in Smithtown, after a 911 caller reported a fight at that location at 1:59 a.m. When officers arrived, witnesses stated that Richard Beltre struck Geraldo Martinez with a 2009 Maserati. Witnesses also stated that a second person may have been hit but that person left before officers arrived.

Martinez , 20, of Brentwood, was transported to Stony Brook University Medical Center with a broken hip.   Fourth Squad detectives charged Beltre, 22, of 50 North Ronald Drive, Amityville, with Assault 2nd Degree and Reckless Endangerment 2nd Degree.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8452.

A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty

Smithtown Students Write Essays For VFW Essay Contest

PHOTO CAPTION – HS WEST: left to right: Mr. Tom Mooney of Smithtown’s VFW Post 10870, Finalists Jessica Cichy, Elizabeth Rus, Claire Taveras, Third Prize Winner Matthew Rodriguez, Finalist Lauren Jusas and Mr. Ed Hemp of Smithtown’s VFW Post 10870.Over 180 students at HSW and HSE participated in the Veterans of PHOTO CAPTION – HS EAST: left to right: Assistant Superintendent Maria Rianna, Superintendent Edward Ehmann, Michael Chlystun Social Studies Director, Tom Mooney of Smithtown’s VFW Post 10870, 2nd Place Winner Victoria Timmel, 1st Place Winner Shaina Ailawadi, Michael Reed, HSE Principal Ed Thompson, Ed Temp of Smithtown’s VFW Post 10870 Kneeling: Sarah Spellman, Amanda Stoerback, Social Studies Teacher Shaun Minton  Foreign Wars essay contest.  Five finalists from each building were invited to record their essays to be submitted for judging by the VFW, and three students were selected to receive scholarships.  The first and second prize winners are students at High School East and the third prize winner is a student at High School West.  All ten students were honored at awards breakfasts in their buildings on Wednesday, November 30.  Mr. Tom Mooney and Mr. Ed Hemp of Smithtown’s VFW Post 10870 were in attendance to present scholarship checks to the top three finishers and certificates of achievement to all students.  The students from HSW are: Third Prize Winner: Matthew Rodriguez   - Finalists:      Jessica Cichy, Lauren Jusas,  Elizabeth Rus and Claire Taveras.  The students from HSE are: First Prize Winner: Shaina Ailawadi - Second Prize Winner: Victoria Timmel - Finalists:  Michael Reed, Sarah Spellman and Amanda Stoerback.

Assemblyman Fitzpatrick - "No Ifs, Ands Or Buts"

Part II

For Part I click here

The month of December is holiday month.  Gift giving and preparations for holiday celebrations take priority over what is happening in Albany. And while business owners are focused on sales and profits, there seems to be a collective sense that by enacting the Middle Class Tax Cut and Job Creation Plan, NYS government has “done the right thing”.

The Middle Class Tax Cut and Job Creation Plan includes the following; In Suffolk County over 34,000 businesses will no longer have to deal with what has been called the “job-killing MTA Payroll Tax.” There has been a restructuring of the tax rates that will benefit middle-class taxpayers and an infrastructure fund has been created to rebuild roads and bridges.

Senator John Flanagan issued a statement “This was a truly bipartisan effort that should show our residents and all businesses that New York is changing how we operate.  Over the past year, the Senate has worked with Governor Cuomo to make the changes New Yorkers need and deserve and this plan is another great step forward in that process.  This plan delivers tax relief to residents who sorely need it, provides businesses with incentives to grow and create jobs and invests in our infrastructure so our state will continue to recover.”Offering a counter view of the Middle Class Tax Cut and Job Creation Plan is Assemblyman Fitzpatrick.

Assemblyman Fitzpatrick took a hard line on the legislation.  “Politics good, economics not good.” But, according to some like Kings Park resident (and 2010 Democratic Assembly candidate) Richard Macellaro “voting against this legislation which decreased taxes for the middle-class, reduced or revoked the MTA tax on small business and established a fund to repair roads and bridges was just wrong.  It sends the message that the MTA tax is acceptable, that crumbling bridges and roadways are acceptable, and it sends a message that tax credits for the rich are more important than helping the middle class.”  

Fitzpatrick disagrees with the logic behind the legislation “you cannot single out a specific group (the legislation increases the tax rate for those who have incomes of more than $2 million dollars) and increase their tax burden while cutting taxes for everyone else. The people in this group are mobile and have options.  Changing their residency to low tax states is a real concern that would further reduce the state’s revenue.” 

Fitzpatrick argues that without addressing the issues of escalating health care costs, defined pension costs and reworking the Triborough Amendment, New York State government cannot survive let alone thrive.  “I have put forward a plan to remove elected officials from the defined pension program, which I see as the first step in reforming the state’s pension program.  All of our schools, libraries and local governments are facing the reality of shrinking revenues, tax caps and increased pension costs.” 

Fitzpatrick finds the Triborough Amendment troublesome.  The Triborough Amendment established in 1982 prevents public employers from altering provisions of expired contracts until an agreement is reached.  The amendment allows employees with expired contracts to continue to accrue pay increases (steps) and longevity pay. The Triborough amendment with the Taylor Law (1967) set out rules for contract negotiation in the public sector.  The Taylor Law allows for the right to organize, and permits collective bargaining for wages, benefits and working conditions.  The law prohibits strikes by public workers.  “We must rein in some of the costs associated with the our public workers.  Establishing an additional Tier, removing automatic step increases and reworking the state’s pension system will help the public more than the “peanuts” they are being offered in the form of tax cuts. Singling out those who contribute much and take risks is not the answer to New York State’s economic problems.”

The political pressure for enacting this legislation came from all over the Occupy Wall street message provided the impetus, and legislators reacted. I do not believe in raising taxes and this is a tax increase no ifs ands or buts” Fitzpatrick stated

Richard Macellaro offered his vision of elected office.  “Governing is not about saying no to everything whereby nothing gets done.  Governing is finding a compromise between two different points of view with the interests of the public as priority number one. “