| This past weekend, Rye residents sought refuge from the intense heat in their swimming pools, at the beach, or perhaps in an air-conditioned home. However, the members of Rye Fire Department had little time for a dip in the Sound or to catch a baseball game on the TV.
Between 12:56pm on Saturday and 7:58pm on Monday, firefighters responded to 15 calls ranging from electrical fires, to automatic alarms, to wires down and burning.
The first heat wave of the year always takes a toll on the electrical infrastructure in our area, and this year has not proven to be any different. Residents are reminded that the hotter it gets, the more likely aging or overloaded electrical systems are to fail. If your air conditioner plugs into a wall outlet, make sure that no other major appliances are plugged into that same circuit, and avoid using extension cords or power strips. Always make sure your AC unit is properly grounded, follow all the manufacturer's operating instructions and keep your air conditioner's filters clean for maximum efficiency.
...and don't forget to properly maintain yourself, too! Stay hydrated and put on that sunscreen.
Last, but never least, now is a great time to test your smoke detectors! |
