General Information
To deal with emergencies, follow these instructions:
Massapequa Fire Department: 798-0040
Electric: Call PSEG Long Island at 1-800-490-0075
Gas: Call National Grid Long Island at 1-800-490-0045
No matter what the season, emergencies, resulting from weather and other causes, are bound to occur. Snow removal can be an especially critical task considering the number of vehicles normally parked on the Village streets. In the event of heavy snow (3 or more inches), the Village will mobilize manpower and equipment to keep streets clear. Village main streets, such as Lakeshore Dr., Park Blvd., Clark Blvd., Whitewood Dr., and Harbor Lane, are given priority to provide access for emergency vehicles. However, the entire Village is cleared as quickly as possible.
During extreme weather emergencies, the Village will put emergency messages or information on its 24-hour telephone tape (798-0244, Ext. 39) and/or post pertinent information on the website, facebook or twitter.
School emergency closing information can be obtained from the radio. Do not call the school. Both District 23 (Massapequa) and District 22 (Farmingdale) announce closings on radio stations WGBB (1240) and WHLI (1100). In addition both Districts may use other stations such as WGLI (1290), WNBC (660), WOR (710), WGSM (740) and WBAB (1440).
To facilitate emergency vehicles and mail carriers, each house must display a house number that is clearly visible both day and night. The number may not be obstructed by shrubs or decorations.
Snow Removal
To ease the snow removal process and enable plows to clear a two-lane path on every street, the Village has an alternate side of the street parking plan. This parking restriction will remain in effect for 24 hours following the end of the storm. When a snow emergency arises (3 or more inches) cars are permitted to park on one side of the street only as follows:
- During odd-numbered years, parking is permitted on the odd side of the street only.
- During even-numbered years, parking is permitted on the even side of the street only.
Cars should be parked in garages, driveways, or if necessary, in front of a neighbors house on the proper side of the street. Do not permit the car to extend into the street as the car could be hit by a plow operating in blinding snow. Fines of up to $250 may be levied for improper parking.
Cars stuck in the snow and blocking roads will be towed away at the owners’ expense.
Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after snow stops falling. Reasonably safe pedestrian passage must be provided.
Shoveling snow into the cleared street creates a hazard and is illegal.
Catch basins should be cleared to reduce flooding from thaws. With more than 1200 basins in the village, resident assistance and cooperation is essential to facilitate runoff of water from melting snow, since Village personnel will still be busy clearing streets.
Covered fire hydrants should be dug out and identified with a pole stuck into the snow.
Cars may be moved back to the prohibited side only after the snow has stopped falling and the street has been cleared.
Power Failure
Residents should prepare against power failures by keeping alternate sources of heat and light on hand. Be aware of the following:
- Catalytic heaters (used for camping) give off a potentially fatal gas in an non-ventilated area.
- Charcoal, when burned in a closed area also gives off a poisonous gas.
- A gas stove flame will reduce oxygen in a closed house and produces poisonous fumes.
- Candles are apt to cause fires and should be shunned in favor of batteries and kerosene or propane lanterns, although the latter two also can deplete oxygen and give off poisonous fumes in an non-ventilated area.
Flashlights, battery-powered radios, and spare batteries (kept in the refrigerator in a plastic bag to prolong battery life) should be available for power failures.
Falling trees and branches are a major cause of power failures in bad weather conditions. All trees are the responsibility of the homeowner. Weak or dead limbs should be removed.
Water-Related Issues
Water problems may arise at any time. Burst pipes or pipes clogged by tree roots are the homeowners responsibility for lines between the house and the street water main. Winter power failures may result in frozen pipes, so the homeowner should allow faucets to drip continuously for some protection against frozen pipes. The Massapequa Water District is responsible for the water main. For emergency service to the water main call the Water District, 798-5266.