Owners of propane tank site say thank you
Propane gas leaked from the red valve on Saturday, causing an evacuation of area. (Jan. 3, 2011) Credit: James Carbone
As the original developer and the current owner of the Southport Shopping Center in Shirley, we were extremely concerned to learn in the early hours of Jan. 1 about the substantial propane leak that was affecting our property and the surrounding community ["Report cites faulty cap, human error," News, Jan. 4].
Our personnel quickly made their way to the temporary command center that was set up by the various public safety agencies at Calabro Airport to provide whatever knowledge and assistance we could about the property and its infrastructure. We quickly came to realize, however, that the Suffolk County police, fire marshals and local officials were in full control of an otherwise tenuous situation, and with the support of various other agencies, they were able to avert a disaster of much greater significance.
We all owe our most sincere gratitude toward those who responded to this event. Although these types of emergency situations are never scripted, nor do they unfold according to a plan, we were nevertheless truly impressed with the efficiency and effectiveness with which the emergency responders reacted.
Stephen Lerner and
Robert Heidenberg
Snow totals may be less across the South Shore A winter storm is expected to pummel LI as artic air settles in across the region. NewsdayTV meteorologist Geoff Bansen has the forecast.
