Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department

Heat is going to be a real concern over the next few days.

If you have an older neighbor, a family member without AC, or someone you know who may not ask for help, please check on them. A quick call or knock on the door matters. Make sure they are cooling off, drinking water, and not sitting in a hot house with just a fan.

The Library on the Avenue is a cooling center, if needed and closes at 6pm

Facts from NYC DOHMH:

New York City is under a heat advisory Thursday and Friday, with heat index values expected to reach at least 95°F.

Air conditioning is the most effective protection during a heat wave.

Fans alone may not provide enough cooling in these conditions.

People are most at risk inside homes without air conditioning or where AC is not being used.

Older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, diabetes, limited mobility, or those who are socially isolated are at higher risk.

If someone in Gerritsen Beach needs help, call GBFD at 718-332-3333.

Power Outage Notice

Con Edison is currently responding to a power outage affecting most of the old section of Gerritsen Beach.

We are part of this community and are monitoring the situation along with our neighbors. If you need assistance or have a concern related to the outage, please contact the Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department at 718-332-3333.

Generator Safety Reminder: Never operate a generator inside a home, garage, basement, shed, or any enclosed area. Keep generators outside and away from doors, windows, and vents. Make sure carbon monoxide alarms are working, and never refuel a generator while it is running or still hot.

Please stay clear of any downed wires and report electrical hazards directly to Con Edison.

We will provide updates as information becomes available.

Community Notice: Low-Flying Helicopter for Mosquito Larviciding

The NYC Health Department has announced planned aerial mosquito larviciding for June 8, 9, and 10, 2026, between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

This treatment will be done by low-flying helicopter over marsh and wetland areas in parts of Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Locally, the map includes areas around Marine Park and Fresh Creek Park.

This is not an emergency. We are sharing this so residents are aware ahead of time in case they see or hear a helicopter flying low over the area during those dates and times.

The Health Department says the treatment is intended to reduce mosquito activity and lower the risk of West Nile virus by targeting mosquito larvae before they become biting adult mosquitoes.

The treatment is focused on marsh and wetland areas, not residential homes or yards.

If weather delays the operation, the backup dates are June 11, June 12, and June 15.

Residents can also help reduce mosquitoes around their homes by removing standing water from buckets, planters, toys, tarps, pool covers, clogged gutters, and any other containers that collect water.

For more information, visit NYC.gov/health or call 311.

Tick Season Is Here in Gerritsen Beach This Is Not New

As the weather gets warmer, ticks become more active across New York City, including here in Gerritsen Beach.

For newer residents who may be surprised by this: ticks are not new in our area. Gerritsen Beach has grass, brush, weeds, yards, parks, trails, marsh areas, pets, wildlife, and plenty of places where ticks can be picked up. This has been a known seasonal concern for years.

NYC DOHMH 2026 Health Advisory #14 reminds New Yorkers to take precautions during tick season. Ticks are most active in the spring, summer, and fall, and several types of ticks have been found in New York City. NYC reported nearly 3,000 Lyme disease cases in 2025, along with other tick-borne disease cases.

The point is not to panic. The point is to be aware.

Take basic precautions:

Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to see.

Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants when walking through brush or tall grass.

Tie hair up or wear a hat.

Wear gloves when gardening.

Stay on trails when walking through parks or wooded areas.

Keep lawns and weeds trimmed.

Check yourself, children, and pets after being outside.

Use EPA-registered insect repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

After being outdoors, check behind the knees, behind the ears, around the waist, in the hairline, between the legs, and in skin folds.

If you find an attached tick, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers. Do not use heat, nail polish, or petroleum jelly. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop fever, body aches, rash, or other symptoms after a tick bite.

More information:
https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/ticks.page

Be aware, take precautions, and do your tick checks.

NOTICE: Phone Service Outage

Our emergency and non-emergency phone lines are currently down due to a service outage.

We are monitoring the situation and will provide an update when service is restored.

If you have an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Please do not rely on calling the firehouse directly until this issue is resolved.

Spring is here. Summer is right behind it, and Gerrittsen Beach gets busier this time of year.

The Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department is looking for new members.

You do not need experience. We will help you get trained.

You can become an EMT, firefighter, dispatcher, or help support the department in other ways.

Training may be available at no cost to you, including EMT and firefighter classes.

Some members may also qualify for money back for their time and training.

This is a real way to get involved, learn useful skills, and help your neighborhood when it matters.

Take a look at what we do ⬇️
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xji_m9LDLmg

We have always been there. Be there with us.

Volunteer Firemen’s Assoc. of the City of New York 22 likes, 4 comments. "Gerrittsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department | Volunteer Firemen's Association of the City of New York"

Join us Saturday June 27th for our annual Raffle Night!

What better way to begin your 4th of July celebrations!
This year we are celebrating 250 years of America's independence!

Reserve your seats today!

Gerritsen Avenue Traffic Safety Reminder

🚨 Did you know you must STOP for pedestrians in a marked crosswalk even without a traffic light?

Drivers are not consistently stopping at the enhanced crosswalks on Gerritsen Avenue, and that needs to change.

As the weather warms up and more people head to the soccer and fields, there is increased foot traffic at Devon, Everett, Gotham, Bartlett, Cyrus, and Lois.

These are enhanced crosswalks with no signals. Drivers must STOP for pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Failure to stop can result in a summons, points on your license, and significant fines.

For drivers: Slow down when approaching these crossings. Watch for pedestrians stepping off the curb or already crossing. STOP for anyone in the crosswalk. Do not proceed until the crossing is clear and it is safe.

For pedestrians: Do not assume a driver sees you. Look for approaching vehicles before stepping out. Make eye contact when possible. Cross only when vehicles have stopped or the roadway is clear.

⚽ As activity at the fields increases, please remind your children to stay alert when crossing, and avoid double parking near the fields it creates dangerous blind spots.

Please slow down and stay alert.

NYPD 61st Precinct
GBPOA Gerritsen Beach Property Owners Association
Gerritsen Beach Little League
All American Soccer

Community Reminder

We appreciate the support and generosity of our community. We do want to remind everyone that the firehouse is not a general drop-off location for clothing, medical supplies, walkers, wheelchairs, stuffed animals, or similar items.

At times, the department may be able to accept certain items, but only if it has been arranged in advance. Please do not leave items outside the firehouse unless you have confirmed with us ahead of time.

Items left unattended cannot be accepted and will need to be discarded.

Thank you for your understanding and for continuing to support the department.

🚑 Become a New York State Certified EMT – Right Here in Gerrittsen Beach

We’re excited to announce a full EMT Original Course being hosted at Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department this summer.

If you’ve ever thought about getting into EMS, this is your opportunity.

📅 Course Schedule:
Start: June 2, 2026
End: August 10, 2026

💻 Online Lectures (Live on Zoom):
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
Choose daily:
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
or
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

📍 In-Person Skills (At GBFD):
Sundays starting June 7
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

✅ What’s Included:
• EMT textbook
• CPR certification
• Student uniform shirt
• Full EMT equipment package (yours to keep)

💲 Not a member?
Tuition is $1,399 with a payment plan available.
EMS agency members using a voucher only pay a $300 administrative fee.

This is more than a class. It’s a pathway into EMS, public safety, and helping your community when it matters most.

👉 Register here:
https://auraprep.enrollware.com/enroll?id=12841361

Spots will fill quickly. If you’re interested, don’t wait.

Class Enrollment Are you ready to start your career in Emergency Medical Services? This EMT Original Course, conducted by Rescue Training International (a NYS-approved Course Sponsor) at Gerrittsen Beach FD, gives you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed as a New York State Certified Emergency Medical...