RANDOLPH — Chief Richard Donovan reports that the Randolph Fire Department will be limiting access to the public at its fire stations as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus.
The Randolph Fire Department will continue to respond to all emergencies. However, the department will be limiting access to the fire stations to outside visitors for non-emergency, walk-in business and for events such as fire station tours and public education events until further notice.
Residents are encouraged to call the Fire Department business line at 781-961-0991 for most inquiries. Residents who do come to any of the Randolph Fire Stations will be required to utilize an intercom. Depending on the matter, Fire Department personnel will answer questions over the intercom or a department representative will meet them at the door.
The Randolph Fire Department will continue to respond to all emergencies. Always dial 911 case of emergency.
Residents are asked not to dial 911 for questions about the coronavirus. The state has set up the phone number 211 to answer questions that residents may have concerning the virus.
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 coronavirus. 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.
This proactive approach in limiting public access to fire station lobbies will limit the risk of coronavirus exposure to fire personnel and is meant to enhance the practice of social distancing.
As part of the state of emergency that went into effect Tuesday, March 10, Gov. Charlie Baker has ordered that any smoke and CO detector inspections required under law shall be deferred for up to 90 days after the state of emergency is lifted. The order is effective immediately and shall apply to any sale or transfer of property that occurs while the order is in effect. The order should remain in effect until rescinded or until the state of emergency is terminated, whichever happens first.
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