The Wareham Hurricane Sandy Coalition is continuing to collect fire extinguishers and combination carbon monoxide/smoke detectors in an effort to meet a need in Oakwood Heights, a waterfront community in Staten Island, N.Y.

Many residents remain without power and are relying on generators. As demolition and clean-up continues, the need for fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors is paramount, said Claire Smith, Wareham's town moderator and a member of the Coalition.

"Their houses have been underwater," Smith noted, explaining that to avoid additional difficulties, residents are now required to have fire extinguishers and proper detectors before utility companies turn power back on.

In addition to the detectors, specifically needed are new ABC dry chemical extinguishers, either 2½ pounds or 5 pounds, as well as non-latex, vinyl synthetic gloves, protective "N95" masks, and extra batteries.

Donations can be dropped off at the Wareham Fire Station on Main Street, the Onset Fire Station in Onset Village, and at Eastern Bank locations in Wareham.

The Coalition, formed earlier this month, is in contact with Guyon Rescue, a volunteer-driven organization providing assistance to Staten Island families. An area in Oakwood Heights has become a 24-hour dispensing site for its residents, and for residents of surrounding neighborhoods.

The Coalition learned that at least 3,000 fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide/smoke detectors are needed, and members organized a drive that originally was planned to wrap up after Thanksgiving.

More than a dozen fire extinguishers have been collected, and even more carbon monoxide detectors have been donated. With the need so great, however, the Coalition has decided to continue collecting those items until December 15, before shifting its focus to collecting other much-needed supplies.

"People were away for the holiday," Smith noted. "I really think we can make a big push."

The Coalition is also accepting monetary donations of any amount to assist in purchasing the supplies. An account has been set up through the Onset Bay Association, as OBA President Eleanor Martin is helping to organize the relief effort.

Checks can be made out to the Onset Bay Association and mailed to P.O. Box 799, Onset, MA 02558. Be sure to write "Hurricane Sandy" on the "memo" line.

"The way I look at it," said Coalition member Rudy Santos, "if we help two-dozen families, that's better than doing nothing."