DRACUT — Acting Chief Stephen D. Chaput and the Dracut Police Department would like to remind residents to properly dispose of gloves and masks.
Gloves and masks should be disposed of in trash cans or other types of waste receptacles. Residents may also consider keeping an extra plastic or paper bag in their vehicle to put the used gloves or masks in temporarily if a trash bin is not immediately available.
Gloves and masks if not properly disposed of can be extremely harmful to animals if accidentally ingested. If ingested, these items can cause serious gastrointestinal issues and can even cause life-threatening blockages.
The Dracut Police Department asks that residents dispose of PPE in a covered bin to prevent animals from getting to them. Animals could potentially smell food on masks or gloves and ingest them.
Individuals found to be improperly discarding materials can be subject to a fine of up to $1,000.
“We want to remind everyone to be responsible when disposing of their personal protective gear,” Chief Chaput said. “If residents leave their masks or gloves on the ground, animals may potentially ingest them which can result in serious health issues. We’d also like to thank our campaign partners who have helped us raise awareness surrounding this issue.”
Information about how to properly remove and make your own face mask can be found on the CDC’s website here. Information about how to safely remove gloves can be found here.
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