The Purchase Fire Department responded to a total of 67 incidents during the month of January. It was a busy start to the year, with colder-than-normal temperatures and Winter Storm Fern impacting the tri-state area, resulting in numerous weather-related responses, including motor vehicle accidents, water conditions from frozen pipes, and alarm activations.

Our firefighters completed extensive training throughout the month, including annual bailout refresher, F.A.S.T. training, the Westchester Weekly Drill Series, building familiarization walkthroughs, Lt. Andy Fredricks’ Annual Seminar, and our in-house Officer Development Program.

The department continued its commitment to professional development, with more than 9 firefighters completing two modules of the New York State Fire Officer I course that is currently being held at our firehouse.

As we remain in a deep freeze at the start of February, please keep these cold-weather safety tips in mind:

• Insulate exposed pipes
• Use space heaters safely and keep them away from combustible materials.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly.
• Dress in warm layers and limit time outdoors.
• Drive cautiously on icy roads and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.
• Check on elderly neighbors and those who may need assistance.

As always, if you need us, your all-volunteer fire department is staffed and prepared to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week.