Valley Cottage Fire Department 22

06/23/2026

⚡ Lightning Safety Awareness Week: June 21–27, 2026 ⚡

This week marks the 26th annual Lightning Safety Awareness Week, a nationwide effort dedicated to reducing lightning-related deaths and injuries.

Since the first awareness campaign in 2001, the average number of lightning fatalities in the United States has dropped from 55 deaths per year to approximately 20 per year. While this progress is encouraging, lightning remains a serious threat. More than 500 people have lost their lives to lightning strikes during this period.

Many victims were participating in outdoor recreational activities, including:
🎣 Fishing
🚤 Boating
🏖️ Beach activities
⛳ Golf
⚽ Soccer
🏃 Running

A common factor in many incidents is that victims were only moments away from a safe location when they were struck.

⚠️ Remember: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! ⚠️

If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Move immediately to a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle and remain there until 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.

Lightning can strike miles away from a thunderstorm and can be deadly. Taking action early can save your life.

Stay weather aware, especially during summer outdoor activities, and help spread the message of lightning safety throughout the year.

06/21/2026

Warmest wishes on Father’s Day to all members of our community.

06/20/2026

A beautiful sunset during some drivers training this week.

06/19/2026

Please join us for a free child car seat safety inspection on Sunday, June 28th from 9-12 at the Nanuet Fire Dept. substation located at 11 Renee Ln., Bardonia.

This event is by appointment only. Please schedule an appointment by using the link below:

https://www.clarkstown.gov/police/child-safety-seats/

06/18/2026

Friendly reminder for the long weekend. ⤵️

06/17/2026

In the aftermath of three deadly residential fires in Westchester, we’ve had an increase in requests for Fire Prevention information. We’ll be sharing a series of posts containing practical guidance to help residents lower the risk of fire in their homes.

We’ll begin with a look at reducing the risk of electrical fires. About 50,000 electrical fires occur annually nationwide, most of them between midnight and 8 a.m.

Some Practical Tips:
 Always plug major appliances – such as refrigerators, air conditioners, ovens, washers and dryers – directly into a wall outlet. It is not safe to power major appliances and heat-generating appliances with power strips or extension cords.
 If any appliance has a cracked, damaged or loose cord, replace the appliance.
 Do not overload power strips. Use power strips that have internal overload protection.
 Replace worn or damaged extension cords right away.
 Do not run extension cords under rugs or anywhere they can become pinched or damaged.
 Only use lightbulbs with the wattage that is recommended for a particular lamp or lighting fixture.
 Do not overload electric wall outlets.
 Replace wall outlets if plugs do not fit snugly.
 Install tamper-resistant outlets in homes where small children are present.
Always charge electric vehicles or electric devices according to manufacturer’s instructions. Do not block exits with charging items such as scooters, bikes, or other items and do not tamper with the vehicles installed batteries.

Practice Exit Drills In The Home (E-D-I-T-H) with the entire family and have a meeting place outside and away from your home.

We join with the Westchester County community in extending our deepest condolences to the families of the four people who died in these fires.

06/16/2026

This evening, VCFD firefighters discussed and practiced hose line operations, nozzle selection and facilitated pump operator training.

06/14/2026

Your VCFD firefighters participated in the Annual Nyack Fire Department Memorial Service this morning. This service is a 104 year tradition of the Nyack Fire Department, it was an honor to assist NFD in remembrance.

06/14/2026

06/13/2026

Let’s go Knicks.