Fred A. Mitchell Jr., Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Georgetown Fire Department Reminds Residents to Always Dial 911 During an Emergency
Delayed 911 Calls Can have Disastrous Effects
GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. and the Georgetown Fire Department are issuing a reminder to all residents to always dial 911 promptly during an emergency and to always heed the warnings of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the home.
Over the past month, three “near-miss” incidents occurred when residents delayed calling 911, including an activated carbon monoxide detector that had been sounding for several hours and a small residential kitchen fire. In every emergency situation, promptly dialing 911 and summoning first responders can mean the difference between life and death or property that is saved or lost.
“Kitchen fires have a way of flaring back up, and a build up of carbon monoxide or noxious gas in the house can go from a nuisance alarm sounding in your ears to a potentially deadly situation in a matter of minutes,” Chief Mitchell said. “We are here, and we are here to help. Never hesitate in calling the fire department for help. Trust me, you’re not bothering us!”
When to call
The Georgetown Fire Department and The National Association of State 911 Administrators remind residents to dial 911 for:
- Fires, even fires that have “gone out” or been extinguished
- Medical emergencies
- Any crime in progress
- A motor vehicle crash, whether someone is injured or not
- When you feel in danger or unsure about something — for example, if there is a strange odor or sound coming from your electrical outlets or circuits
- When in doubt, dial 911
Be a prepared caller: Always give your full name and the location of your emergency. Click here to view an educational video on calling 911.
Chief Mitchell also wishes to reiterate to residents that they should test and maintain their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
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