Mayor’s Comments

Okay, before we begin, I want to recognize a few February observances that are meaningful to many in our community. February is Black History Month, a time to reflect on black history and celebrate the many contributions of Black Americans to our country. February is also American Heart Month, a reminder to focus on cardiovascular health and look out for one another. Looking ahead on the calendar:

• Valentine's Day is this Saturday, February 14 
• President's Day is Monday, February 16 
• The Lunar New Year begins on Tuesday, February 17. To everyone celebrating, I wish you a happy and healthy New Year. 
• Ramadan is expected to begin at sunset on Tuesday, February 17, with the first day of fasting on Wednesday, February 18. To everyone observing Ramadan Mubarak, wishing you a month of reflection, compassion, and peace. 
• Ash Wednesday is Wednesday, February 18, marking the start of Lent for many Christian residents

Scarsdale is strongest when we show respect for each other's traditions and take the time to learn from them. Thank you.

 Manager’s Comments

With the winter break coming up for many, I wanted to remind the community about the Dark House program through our Scarsdale Police Department. If you plan to be away, you can register to have the Police Department check on your home by contacting 914-722-1200.

I'd like to turn over the remainder of my time to Fire Chief Christopher Mytych with some important information on home heating safety for the winter.

Scarsdale Fire Chief Mytych's Report

Since the onset of freezing temperatures on January 24, the Fire Department has observed a 56% increase in emergency responses compared to the same period last year. Frost heave in soil and thermal contraction of underground metal pipes have resulted in a higher number of water main breaks and natural gas leaks. Inadequately insulated plumbing has also given rise to several water conditions in homes and businesses throughout the Village. 

Of greater consequence is the heavier burden placed on stationary and portable heating equipment during this cold spell. Heating is the second-leading cause of home fires, injuries, and fatalities. I humbly present the following home heating safety tips to carry us through the remainder of this winter season. 

• Never use your oven to heat your home as this increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and burn injuries. 

• Heating equipment, fireplaces, and chimneys should be cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional to ensure proper function and venting. Malfunctioning or poorly vented fuel-burning appliances may introduce smoke or carbon monoxide to living spaces. 

• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to State and Village codes, and manufacturer’s instructions. 

• Keep anything that can burn, including furniture, storage, children, and pets, at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater. 

• We recognize that some residents may supplement central heating with portable electric space heaters. 

o Purchase a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek (ETL). 

o Choose a heater with a thermostat, overheat protection, and tip-over protection. 

o Plug portable space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord. 

o Remember to turn portable space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. 

• Regarding the use of fireplaces, please consider the following. 

o Be certain the damper or flue is open before starting a fire. Keeping the damper or flue open until the fire is out will draw smoke out of the house. 

o Use dry and well-aged wood. Wet or green wood causes more smoke and contributes to soot buildup in the chimney. 

o Use a high-quality grate or fireplace and irons, which prevent logs from rolling out and help protect the firebox floor. 

o Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy metal, wire mesh, or heat-resistant glass screen to block embers and sparks from entering the living space. Last month, our members responded to a fire caused by embers that migrated between a gap in a mortar joint between the firebox and hearth during normal use of a fireplace. Though a screen was in place, a defect that developed over time allowed the fire to escape the confines of the fireplace. 

o Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Make sure it is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house. 

o Put ashes in a metal container with a lid. Place the container outside at least 10 feet from your home. This past Sunday, our members responded to a fire caused by ashes that had inadvertently been discarded in a combustible container inside the home. Though the fire burned through the adjacent floor system, the residents safely evacuated and called the Fire Department immediately upon detection. 

Before I close, I’d like to acknowledge the efforts of my staff, our career and volunteer firefighters, as well as our partners in public safety, Chief DelBene and David Raizen. I’d also like to thank Superintendents Coleman and Gonnella, and their staff. While we often associate a safe and reliable water supply with the conveniences of household hygiene, this system, coupled with Fire Department personnel and equipment, silently protects our residents 24 hours a day. 

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t remind our residents that the keys to a successful operation begin with those reporting the emergency. Early detection and early notification lead to early intervention by the Fire Department. Smoke and carbon monoxide will not wake you from your sleep. Please ensure that you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home and call 911 to report all emergencies. 

I also encourage our residents to contact us by phone at (914) 722-1215, or by email at fire@scarsdale.gov, with any non-emergency questions or concerns. We are happy to offer complimentary home fire safety surveys as well.