What to Do Right Away if You Spot an Oil Spill in NY
- SIH
- July 21, 2025
Finding an oil spill in your neighborhood or even on your own property here in New York can be really concerning. Whether it’s a small leak you notice around your heating oil tank or something more widespread, knowing exactly what to do in those first few moments can make a huge difference. It can help keep you and your family safe, protect your property from further damage, and even lessen the impact on our beautiful New York environment. This guide will walk you through the most important steps to take right away if you ever come across an oil spill in our state.
1. Your Safety Comes First, Always
Seriously, the absolute top priority in any oil spill situation is making sure you and everyone around you are safe. Oil and the fumes it gives off can be harmful if you breathe them in or get them on your skin. So, before you do anything else:
- Don’t Get Too Close: Try your best not to touch the oil directly with your skin. If you have to be near the spill, see if you can put on some gloves and maybe even some old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
- Watch the Wind: Oil spills can release vapors that aren’t good for you to breathe. Pay attention to which way the wind is blowing and try to stay on the side where the wind is coming from, so you’re not breathing in those fumes.
- No Flames or Sparks: Oil catches fire easily. Make sure no one is smoking, lighting matches, or using anything that could create a spark anywhere near the spill. This includes things you might not even think about, like starting your car if the spill is in a garage or using power tools nearby.
- Get Fresh Air: If the spill is inside your house or a building, open up all the windows and doors you can to get some fresh air moving through the space.
2. See if You Can Safely Stop the Oil from Leaking (If Possible)
If you can tell where the oil is coming from, and you think you can stop it without putting yourself in any danger, it’s a good idea to try. This might involve something simple like:
- Turning a Handle: If the spill seems to be coming from a heating oil tank or some other kind of container with a valve, see if you can find the valve and turn it off to stop more oil from leaking out.
- Catching the Drips: If it’s a small leak that’s just dripping, maybe you can carefully place a bucket or an old pan underneath it to catch the oil.
Remember: Your safety is more important than stopping the leak. If you’re not sure what to do or if it seems risky, just leave it for the professionals to handle.
3. Try to Keep the Oil from Spreading Further (If You Can Do It Safely)
If the oil is starting to spread out, and you think you can contain it without any risk to yourself, you might want to try and keep it in one area. This can help prevent more damage. Here are a couple of things you could do:
- Soak It Up: If you have things around like kitty litter, old towels or rags, or even some sand, you can try to make a border around the spill with these materials. They can help soak up the oil and stop it from going to other areas.
- Make a Little Wall: If the spill is outside on the ground, you could try using some dirt or other materials to build a small ridge around it, like a tiny dam, to keep the oil from flowing away.
4. Be a Detective: Write Down and Take Pictures of Everything
It’s really important to keep a good record of the oil spill. This information can be super helpful later on if you need to make an insurance claim or talk to someone about who’s responsible. Make sure you:
- Snap Lots of Photos and Videos: Use your phone or a camera to take clear pictures and videos of the spill from different angles. Make sure you get photos of where the oil is coming from (if you know), how big the spill is, what areas it has affected, and any damage you can see. Try to get the date and time on your photos if possible.
- Keep a Notebook Handy: Write down everything you notice about the spill. When did you see it? What did it look like? Did it have a strong smell? What actions did you take? Also, if you talk to anyone about the spill, write down their name, when you talked to them, and what you discussed.
5. Let the Right People Know: Report the Spill in New York
It’s really important to let the proper authorities in New York State know about the oil spill. This helps make sure the right people are aware of the situation and can take steps to address it. Here are some important numbers and contacts:
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Spill Hotline: You can call them 24/7 at 1-800-457-7362 to report any oil spills.
- Call for Help if It’s an Emergency: If the spill is large, seems dangerous, or if someone is hurt, don’t hesitate to call 911 right away.
- Your Local Fire Department: They are often trained to handle oil spills, especially smaller ones like heating oil leaks in homes. You can usually reach them through your local non-emergency number or 911 if it’s urgent.
- Tell the People Responsible (If You Know Who They Are): If you know where the oil came from – for example, if it was a delivery from your heating oil company – make sure you contact them immediately to let them know what has happened.
6. Hold Off on the Major Cleanup: Let the Pros Handle It
While it’s fine to take those initial steps to contain a small spill, it’s generally not a good idea to try and clean up a large oil spill yourself. Oil can be a hazardous material, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, you could accidentally make the problem worse or even put your own health at risk. Professional cleanup crews have the right training, special equipment, and know-how to clean up oil spills safely and effectively.
What Happens If Things Change? Domestic Partnerships and Family Law
If you and your partner decide to go your separate ways, there’s a legal process to dissolve the partnership. This process often involves figuring out how to divide any property you’ve acquired together, and in some cases, one partner might be able to receive support from the other, similar to alimony in a divorce. If you have children together, the laws about custody and financial support for your kids will also come into play, depending on your state’s laws. It’s important for couples to know that the law provides a framework for handling these situations, just as it does for married couples.
7. Get Some Good Advice: Talk to a Lawyer
If you’ve experienced an oil spill in New York that has caused damage to your property or has made you concerned about your health or the environment, it’s a really good idea to talk to a lawyer as soon as you can. An Oil Spill lawyer who has experience with oil spill cases right here in New York can help you understand what your legal rights are and what options you might have. They can give you advice on:
- Figuring out who is legally responsible for the oil spill.
- Dealing with insurance companies or the people who caused the spill.
- Seeking money to cover the costs of cleanup, repairs to your property, and any other losses you might have experienced.
- Making sure the environmental cleanup is done correctly.
Conclusion
Dealing with an oil spill in New York can feel overwhelming, but by taking these immediate steps, you can help protect yourself, your property, and our environment. Remember to always put safety first, document everything you see, and make sure to report the spill to the right people. And if you’re facing the aftermath of an oil spill, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal guidance to understand your rights and how to move forward.
If you’ve been affected by an oil spill in New York, especially here in the Nassau County area, and you’d like to talk about your legal options, please don’t hesitate to contact us at sihattorneys.com or give us a call at 516-352-2100 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to help you navigate this challenging situation and protect your best interests.
FAQ
What if I'm Not Sure if It's a Significant Oil Spill? When Should I Report It?
It’s always best to err on the side of caution and report any oil spill you observe, even if it seems small. The authorities can assess the situation and determine the appropriate response. Early reporting can help prevent further environmental damage.
Who is Responsible for Cleaning Up the Oil Spill on My Property?
The responsible party, which could be an individual, a company (like a heating oil delivery company), or another entity, is typically liable for the cleanup costs. New York law aims to hold those responsible accountable.
What Kind of Information Should I Provide When Reporting an Oil Spill?
When reporting a spill, try to provide as much detail as possible, including the location of the spill, the estimated size, the type of oil (if known), the source of the spill (if known), any potential impacts (e.g., on water bodies or wildlife), and your contact information.
Can I Be Held Liable if an Oil Spill Happens on My Property, Even if It Wasn't My Fault?
Generally, if an oil spill occurs on your property due to the negligence or mistake of another party (like a heating oil delivery company), you should not be held responsible for the cleanup costs. However, it’s important to consult with an attorney to understand your specific situation.
How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action After an Oil Spill in New York?
There are time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for taking legal action after an oil spill. These time limits can vary depending on the specific circumstances. It’s crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
Will the Government Help With the Cleanup of an Oil Spill on Private Property?
While government agencies like the DEC oversee and regulate oil spill cleanup efforts, the primary responsibility for cleanup typically falls on the responsible party. However, there may be state or federal resources available in certain situations.
What if the Oil Spill Has Contaminated My Well Water or Affected My Health?
If you believe an oil spill has contaminated your well water or has caused health issues, it’s essential to report this to the authorities and seek medical attention if necessary. You may be entitled to compensation for these damages.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me After Experiencing an Oil Spill?
An attorney experienced in oil spill cases can investigate the cause of the spill, identify the responsible parties, help you document your damages, navigate the legal and insurance processes, negotiate with the responsible parties, and represent you in court if necessary to ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation.
