MAYNARD — Chief Anthony Stowers would like to remind residents to follow good hand hygiene and social distancing practices in an effort to protect community members, Maynard firefighters and other first responders.
If emergency fire or medical services are needed, residents should inform the 911 dispatcher if they or anyone they have been in contact with is experiencing signs and symptoms consistent with the COVID-19 virus. The dispatcher should also be alerted if individuals or anyone they live with or have come in contact with have been required to self-quarantine. Firefighters can protect themselves with proper protective equipment, but will only do so if there is a valid concern for their health based on information provided by the caller.
“Our core mission is to protect Maynard’s residents and visitors, and we appreciate residents’ extra awareness and vigilance when reporting their symptoms to dispatchers,” Chief Stowers said. “Our goal is to maintain a high level of service to the community while keeping our firefighters healthy during this outbreak.”
Public safety is the Maynard Fire Department’s primary responsibility and crews will always respond immediately to 911 emergencies and urgent calls for service.
Residents are reminded that they should NOT dial 911 for general COVID-19 related questions. The state has set up the phone number 211 to answer questions that residents may have concerning COVID-19.
Residents should continue to follow recommendations made by the Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH) and the CDC:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
- Keep your hands away from your face.
- Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
- Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.
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