chris

CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES: AL
* Physical data
1. Atomic weight: 26.98
2. Boiling point (at 760 mm Hg): 2327 degrees C (4221 degrees F)
3. Specific gravity: 2.70 at 4 degrees C (39 degrees F)
4. Vapor density: Data not available.
5. Melting point: 660 degrees C (1220 degrees F)
6. Vapor pressure at 1284 degrees C (2343 degrees F): 1 mm Hg
7. Solubility: Insoluble in hot or cold water, concentrated nitric acid, and hot acetic acid; soluble in hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and alkalies.
8. Evaporation rate: Data not available.
* Reactivity
1. Conditions contributing to instability: Contact between aluminum powder and ignition sources may create a severe explosion hazard. Because it is strongly electropositive, aluminum corrodes rapidly in contact with other metals.
2. Incompatibilities: Aluminum is an extremely reactive metal. Contact between aluminum and acids, caustics, combustible materials, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and strong oxidizers should be avoided.
3. Hazardous decomposition products: None reported.
4. Special precautions: Aluminum may corrode in contact with other metals.
* Flammability The National Fire Protection Association has assigned a flammability rating of 1 (slight fire hazard) to aluminum (dust or powder).
1. Flash point: Data not available.
2. Autoignition temperature: Data not available.
3. Flammable limits in air: Data not available.
4. Extinguishant: Do not use water, carbon tetrachloride, or halon to fight fires involving aluminum. Control small fires with sand, talc, or sodium chloride. Dry chemical or carbon dioxide extinguishers are also acceptable. Fires involving aluminum should be fought upwind from the maximum distance possible. Keep unnecessary people away; isolate the hazard area and deny entry. Containers of aluminum may explode in the heat of the fire and should be moved from the fire area if it is possible to do so safely. If this is not possible, cool fire exposed containers from the sides with water until well after the fire is out, but be careful not to get water inside containers. Stay away from the ends of containers. Firefighters should wear a full set of protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving aluminum.
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthguidelines/aluminum/recognition.html

In my humble opinion, you should have quit right there, because now your post raises a host of questions.
And you know this because of how? Have you spoken with FD & PD chiefs throughout Westchester, in this case along the Hudson River in the Hudson Valley? Are you aware of any Westchester depts. who might utilize the Water Taxis that work the Hudson, as they seem to be able to respond rather quickly?
So, it's a foregone conclusion that:
#1 FDNY & NYPD "will arise to the occasion" as you put it
#2 "and save the day yet again."
1.Are you saying FDNY/NYPD WILL RESPOND to a Westchester water emergency? Do you know this for fact? Last I checked FDNY has only minimal mutual-aid agreements in place with certain cities in Westchester, although I am aware that recently the brothers were training together for a Westchester mutual-aid response INTO NYC, so this might have been updated.
Can you site the mutual-aid agreement you are refering too?
2.IMHO: It is NEVER a foregone conclusion that ANYONE will "save the day" let alone "yet again." I'm suprised by your bravado. Better start pullin up dem boots "brother"!
The Westchester Career Chiefs have brought forward a plan of consolidation which could significantly improve the delivery of fire services in southern Westchester. Have you heard of this study, or possibly read it?
Are you dismissing without thought the efforts of all the volunteer fire depts. along the Hudson River? Do you not think they would respond to ANY kind of water emergency to the best of their ability?