Floodplain
Floodplain refers to a flat area of land next to a river or stream that is prone to flooding. It’s the land that gets covered when a river or stream overflows its banks.There are a few isolated areas in the borough that have been subject to localized flooding and storm water back-ups.
The Borough can provide direction on determining if you are in a floodplain area and the required permits needed for building, altering, regrading, or filling in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
- SFHA is defined by FEMA as the land area covered by the floodwaters of the base flood on NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) maps. In Brookhaven, the SFHA includes, but is not limited to, Zones A, A1-30, and AE.
For more information, refer to Flood Hazard Information for Residents and Businesses of Brookhaven.
The Brookhaven Fire Company Siren
The siren pattern is different depending on it’s purpose, please take a moment and know what to listen for…
- When the siren sounds for Fire Company alarms it will only alert (rise and fall) for 30 seconds and the siren will then shut off.
- When the siren is needed for Emergency Management use, it will sound at full volume for a steady 3 minutes this long siren blast is to alert residents that there is a weather emergency (flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, high winds, snow and ice emergencies).
In the event that the siren sounds for Emergency Management, residents are advised to turn to local news, the borough cable channel, or this site for additional information.
Things to think about if the siren sounds…
1. Be aware of your surroundings!
2. Refrain from potentially hazardous activities.
3. Prepare for potential power outages.
4. Be alert for directions from emergency personnel.
Generator Safety
Click here for OSHA FactSheet, Using Portable Generators Safely
Many households may have purchased a generator to use during power outages. These useful items can be extremely dangerous if used improperly, please follow these tips to avoid a tragedy.
- Read the manual and abide by manufacturers recommendations.
- Install CO detectors inside your home.
- Avoid an overload by knowing the specifications of your generator.
- Never run your generator in an enclosed space such as a basement or garage; generators should be operated away from homes so that the exhaust may safely vent, do not run a generator near a window or air intake.
- Use appropriate power cords for your appliances, using a cord that is not rated for the appliance can result in a fire.
- Use caution when refilling the generators fuel supply, the heat from the generator could ignite the fuels.
- Allow the generator to cool before storing it after use, even if it is not running it can be hot enough to start a fire.