Chief Scott Duffey

Rockland Fire Department Offers Hot Weather Safety Tips Ahead of Potential Heat Wave

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Rockland Fire Department
Chief Scott Duffey
360 Union St.,
Rockland, MA 02370

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Rockland Fire Department Offers Hot Weather Safety Tips Ahead of Potential Heat Wave

ROCKLAND — As the hottest weeks of summer approach, Chief Scott Duffey would like to remind Rockland residents to take safety precautions during their summer activities, especially those that take place outdoors.

“We ask residents to check on their neighbors who are elderly or disabled and may not have air conditioning during this heat wave,” Chief Duffey said. “If necessary, we will be opening a cooling center in town for those who want to get out of the heat.”

The National Weather Service is expecting temperatures to reach into the 90s throughout the weekend in Rockland.

To prevent illness and injuries, the Rockland Fire Department recommends the following safety tips from the American Red Cross and National Safety Council:

Heat Safety Tips:

  • Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach over 100 degrees, even on a 70 degree day.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, like water.
  • Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
  • If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like libraries, theaters, malls, etc.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
  • Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 3 p.m.
  • Postpone outdoor games and activities if the temperature is too hot.
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes.
  • Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
  • Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
  • Learn to recognize and treat heat illnesses.

Tips for Parents: 

  • Limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses.
  • Avoid burns. If playground equipment is hot to the touch, it is too hot for your child’s bare skin.

If deemed necessary by town officials, Rockland will open cooling locations for residents to seek relief during extreme heat.

To learn more about summer safety, visit the American Red Cross or National Safety Council websites.

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Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Rockland Fire Department Reminds Residents that Open Burning Season Ended May 1

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Rockland Fire Department
Chief Scott Duffey
360 Union St.,
Rockland, MA 02370

For Immediate Release

Friday, May 3, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Rockland Fire Department Reminds Residents that Open Burning Season Ended May 1

ROCKLAND — Chief Scott Duffey would to remind residents that the town’s open burning period ended Wednesday, May 1.

Residents were able to burn brush, cane, driftwood, tree pruning and other forestry with a permit granted by the Rockland Fire Department. The burning period spanned from Jan. 15 to May 1.

“I would like to thank our residents for another safe Open Burning Season this year,” Chief Duffey said.

 

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Rockland Fire Department Encourages Residents to Test Smoke and CO Alarms During Daylight Saving

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Rockland Fire Department
Chief Scott Duffey
360 Union St.,
Rockland, MA 02370

For Immediate Release

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Rockland Fire Department Encourages Residents to Test Smoke and CO Alarms During Daylight Saving

Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday at 2 a.m.

ROCKLAND — Chief Scott Duffey and the Rockland Fire Department wish to remind residents to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors this weekend as daylight saving time approaches.

Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 10 at 2 a.m.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having working smoke alarms reduces the risk of dying in a fire by 50 percent and, on average, three out of every five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

The Rockland Fire Department asks that all business owners not only change the batteries in their clocks, smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, but also replace the batteries on wall mounted emergency lights and exit signs. All businesses should have emergency backup lighting as a safety feature to provide temporary lighting in case of power failure.

In order to continue to keep your home safe and prevent fires, Chief Duffey recommends that residents follow safety tips outlined by NFPA:

  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace alarms immediately if they don’t respond properly when tested.
  • Replace batteries in smoke and CO alarms when you change your clocks.
  • Replace all smoke alarms when they reach 10 years old. Replace CO detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area, on every level of the home, and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
  • If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay in that spot until emergency personnel arrive.
  • Develop and practice a home escape plan with all members of the household.

For more information on smoke detector and CO alarm safety, visit the NFPA website or contact the Rockland Fire Department at 781-878-2123.

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Rockland Seeking Volunteers to Serve on New Community Emergency Response Team

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Rockland Fire Department
Chief Scott Duffey
360 Union St.,
Rockland, MA 02370

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Rockland Seeking Volunteers to Serve on New Community Emergency Response Team

ROCKLAND — Rockland Emergency Management Director and Fire Chief Scott Duffey would like to invite residents to attend an information session later this month about the town’s formation of a new Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

WHEN:

Thursday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.

WHERE:

Rockland Senior Center, 317 Plain St., Rockland

WHAT:

The Town of Rockland is working to put together a brand-new CERT program and Chief Duffey is seeking residents who are interested in volunteering to be a part of the team to attend the upcoming information session.

Rockland CERT will be a group of community volunteers trained to assist and augment the Rockland Police and Fire Departments during emergencies or large events.

CERT educates individuals about disaster preparedness, specifically regarding hazards that may impact their area, and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Using training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT volunteers can assist others in their community following a disaster when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

CERT volunteers are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking an active role in emergency preparedness projects.

“We are hoping to have a large turnout of people interested in being the first members of this new Rockland CERT program,” Chief Duffey said. “CERT members can be a valuable asset to a community in helping to respond during emergency situations and events. Members will receive vital training that they can also apply to their everyday lives when the unexpected occurs.”

For more information, please call Chief Duffey at 781-878-4094.

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