cold weather safety

Canton Fire Chief Reminds Residents of Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

⋅ Client News, Fire News ⋅ , , , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

Canton Fire Department
Chief Charles E. Doody
99 Revere St.
Canton, MA 02021

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019

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

Canton Fire Chief Reminds Residents of Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

CANTON — With temperatures falling and residents turning their heating systems on for the first time since last winter, Chief Charles Doody would like to remind Canton residents to follow important carbon monoxide safety tips.

Known also as the “invisible killer,” carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, tasteless and poisonous gas produced whenever any fuel is burned, such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal. Other sources of CO include furnaces and water heaters, chimneys, wood stoves, grills, camping stoves, gas ovens and gas snow removal or yard equipment machines.

“People can be exposed to dangerously high levels of CO and not even know about it,” Chief Doody said. “Early symptoms are similar to the flu, which is why it’s especially important to make sure your home is safe, you know the warning signs of CO poisoning, and you’re prepared to act fast in case of a leak.”

Chief Doody says that all homes should have CO detectors and if a CO detector goes off in your home, all residents should leave the house immediately and call 911 from outside or from a neighbor’s house.

“Opening windows and doors can be helpful to ventilate the home, but in the event of a leak the best thing to do is seek fresh air outdoors,” Chief Doody said. “And it is recommended that residents not re-enter the home until emergency personnel arrive on scene.”

Any resident with questions regarding CO detectors can contact Lt. Tom Norton in the Fire Prevention Division, at [email protected] or 781-575-6654 ext. 3104, Chief Doody said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year, at least 430 people die and approximately 50,000 people visit the emergency room as a result of accidental CO poisoning in the United States.

Know the Symptoms

The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu, without the fever. They include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.

High-level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination, loss of consciousness and ultimately death.

Installing Carbon Monoxide Alarms

According to the nonprofit organization Safe Kids Worldwide, residents should make sure they have a working carbon monoxide alarm installed on every level of their home, especially near sleeping areas. Alarms should be tested every month and replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

It is also important to have both CO alarms and smoke detectors in your home. Combination CO/smoke alarms are available, but if you have separate alarms for both, make sure you know the different sound of each alarm in order to react properly in case of an emergency.

Additional Safety Procedures

The Canton Fire Department recommends that residents follow these safety procedures outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

  • Before the heating season every year, have a qualified service technician inspect your appliances.
  • Check vent pipes, flues and chimneys for leaks or blockages.
  • Always make sure furnace and dryer exhaust vents are clear of snow.
  • Use care when shoveling out vehicles, and be sure the tail pipe and undercarriage are free of snow before turning on the engine.
  • Don’t leave a vehicle running inside a garage, even if the door is open. Fumes will quickly build up inside a home if the two spaces are connected.
  • Never use a charcoal grill or gasoline-powered engines (generators, chain saws, blowers, weed trimmers, mowers, or snow blowers) indoors or near doors or windows.
  • Place grills and generators outside, facing away from doors, windows and vents.
  • Do not use a gas oven to heat your home.
  • Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home within 10 feet of bedrooms. Do not place a CO alarm in a garage or near the stove or fireplace. Always install an alarm according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Locate CO alarms near bedrooms so family members will wake up if the alarm goes off at night. Alarms should be kept away from open windows or doors, excessively hot, cold or damp areas and “dead-air spaces,” such as corners of rooms and peaks of ceilings.
  • To ensure that carbon monoxide alarms are functioning properly, they should be replaced every five to seven years according to directions. After a prolonged power outage, back-up batteries should be checked.

For more information about carbon monoxide poisoning, visit the Department of Fire Services website.

Easton Fire Department Provides Cold Weather Safety Tips

⋅ Client News, Fire News ⋅ , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

Easton Fire Department
Kevin Patridge, Fire Chief
413 Bay Road
South Easton, MA 02375

For Immediate Release

Monday, Dec. 10, 2018

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

Easton Fire Department Provides Cold Weather Safety Tips

EASTON — Fire Chief Kevin Partridge would like to provide the community with several important tips to stay safe and warm as temperatures continue to drop this winter.

“Now is the time of year when people use their space heaters, fire places and other heating sources to heat their homes,” Chief Partridge said. “Please be sure to always have a fire extinguisher in your home and don’t keep it right next to the fire place. Keep it in a place where you will be able to safely access it should a fire occur.”

To stay safe, follow these tips from the Easton Fire Department and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA):

  • If outside, dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves) and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
  • For your car, check your antifreeze, battery, defroster, windshield wipers, wiper fluid and other vehicle equipment to make sure they are ready for winter driving.
  • Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel, as well as alternate emergency heating equipment in case you lose electricity. There are many resources available for low-income residents who meet certain requirements. National Grid offers discounted rates on services to those who are eligible. The state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program can help certain households pay for a portion of their heating bills.
  • When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as an emergency generator, your fireplace, wood stove, or space heater, take necessary safety precautions:
    -Keep a fire extinguisher handy and ensure everyone knows how to use it properly.
    -Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven or charcoal barbecue grill.
    -Be sure to have your wood stove, fireplace and heating system serviced once a year as part of its regular maintenance schedule.
    -For space heaters, keep a three-foot circle of safety around the heater at all times. Do not have anything blocking the heater.
    -Never leave candles unattended and keep them in a place where they cannot be knocked down or blown over.
    -Make sure all heating devices are properly ventilated and always operate a generator outdoors and away from your home. Improper heating devices can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in the home.
    –Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause flu-like illness or death. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911 immediately, get the victim to fresh air and open windows.
  • Check on your elderly neighbors or any neighbors that may live alone.
  • For pet owners unsure of what protections their pets need during cold weather, the Humane Society provides the following tips for keeping animals safe:
    -Keep pets sheltered and inside. Cats should never be left outdoors in cold weather, even if they roam outside during other seasons. Dogs should be taken out frequently for walks and exercise, but kept inside the rest of the time.
    -Bundle up dogs, especially short-haired dogs, with protective gear, such as sweaters and boots, to avoid the risks of frostbite and hypothermia from exposed skin and paws.

###

UPDATE #42 (11 a.m.) Town of Andover, Baker-Polito Administration and MEMA Remind Impacted Customers of Available Housing Options and Provide Home Safety Tips

⋅ City/Town News ⋅ , , , , , , , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018

Media contact: John Guilfoil
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 617-993-0003

Town of Andover, Baker-Polito Administration and MEMA Remind Impacted Customers of Available Housing Options  and Provide Home Safety Tips 

Impacted Columbia Gas customers who choose to be placed in alternative housing should call the Columbia Gas Claims line: 1-800-590-5571

ANDOVER —  As temperatures turn colder, Andover Town Manager Andrew P. Flanagan, the Baker-Polito Administration, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and other officials are encouraging impacted residents who are without heat in their homes to seek available alternative housing options, such as hotels, apartments and trailers, if needed. Residents who choose to stay in their homes are asked to take steps to keep warm and safe while they are without heat.

While residents are strongly encouraged to seek alternative housing during cold weather, the Town of Andover and state officials have issued guidance for those who choose to stay in their homes regarding ways to stay warm and, in coordination with Andover Fire Rescue and the state Department of Fire Services, has issued tips for home fire safety.

Residents should not use space heaters if their homes were inspected by an electrician and deemed unsafe for space heater use.

Daytime temperatures in the area over the next week are forecast to be in the 40s and 50s while overnight lows are forecast to be in the 30s and 40s. As announced on October 5, alternative housing is available to customers impacted by the September 13th gas line incident who choose not to stay in their homes as the weather turns colder.  

“Providing housing to those in need is our priority as we plan for the coming weeks. Colder weather is imminent and I encourage residents to take advantage of the alternative housing options that are available,” said Andover Town Manager Andrew Flanagan. “We will continue to provide the appropriate resources necessary to meet whatever the demand may be and will remain committed to helping our residents get through this period while Columbia Gas and its partners complete the necessary work to restore gas service.”

“We encourage residents, particularly our most vulnerable populations, to seek alternative housing options if you cannot stay warm in your home as temperatures drop,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The team of utility workers, state and local staff will continue to work nonstop to offer services and make repairs, so that families and businesses can safely return to normalcy as soon as possible.  Those choosing to stay home should refrain from using space heaters if electricians or fire officials have determined that they are unsafe for your home and review MEMA’s safety tips.”

“As the weather turns colder, MEMA continues to work closely with Columbia Gas and the impacted communities to ensure that alternative housing options are available for those in Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover who do not have heat in their homes,” said MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz. “People do not need to be cold in their homes; hotel rooms, apartments and trailers are available for immediate occupancy by calling Columbia Gas, and a warming center with hot showers is available during the daytime.” 

Housing Alternatives

Residents without heat who feel that it is too cold to stay in their homes, particularly the most vulnerable gas customers, including the elderly, families with young children, and people who have access and functional needs or medical conditions are encouraged to request alternative housing from Columbia Gas. Impacted Columbia Gas customers who choose to be placed in alternative housing should call Columbia Gas’ Claims line: 800-590-5571. A member of the Housing Assistance Team will gather information from the customer, including information about access and functional needs, size and family makeup, and individual and family needs.  This information will be used to identify housing options for customers. Columbia’s Housing Assistance Claim Team will offer customers one of the available housing options including hotel rooms, apartments, travel trailers, and congregate sheltering.

Transportation arrangements will be provided for residents staying in hotels and apartments who do not have their own means of transportation, including Uber and Lyft rideshare services.  Information will be provided to residents during the placement process.

Impacted customers who need immediate relief from cold temperatures can go to the combination warming center and congregate shelter located at IndusPAD, 46 Stafford St. in Lawrence. Columbia Gas customers can visit the shelter during the daytime for hot showers and to use it as a warming center.  The overnight shelter includes cots for sleeping and the shelter will be used to meet short-term demand due to cold weather. Impacted customers can go to this site for immediate shelter at any time of day and can do so without a referral placement from Columbia Gas.

Staying Warm If You Choose to Remain in Your Home

While customers are encouraged to use alternative housing if needed, customers who are still in their homes are reminded that there are ways to reduce the impacts of cold temperatures in your home. If these tips are not enough to keep you warm in your home, call Columbia Gas’ Claims line: 800-590-5571 for housing assistance.

  • Weather proof your home by adding weather stripping to exterior doors, stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors or around window frames to block drafts, and insulating windows with do-it -yourself insulating film.
  • Close curtains at night, and keep them open during sunny days. Cover windows and external doors with extra blankets or sheets to retain heat.
  • If some rooms are heated with electric baseboard heaters or space heaters, centralize activities in the heated rooms and close doors to unheated rooms and hang blankets across hallways.
  • Know the symptoms of, and watch out for cold-related illnesses. Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies.
  • Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, and those who may need extra help.

Staying Safe If You Choose to Remain in Your Home

While customers are encouraged to use alternative housing if needed, customers who are still in their homes are reminded to use appliances, space heaters, and alternative heating sources safely to prevent fires and carbon monoxide emergencies. Customers who cannot follow these safety tips should not risk fires or carbon monoxide poisoning – – call Columbia Gas’ Claims line: 1-800-590-5571 for housing assistance.

  • Make sure there are working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and outside each bedroom.
  • Keep space heaters three-feet away from anything that can catch fire. Do not put clothes or anything on the heater and keep children 3-feet away from the heater.
  • Plug space heaters, hot plates, electric skillets or other alternative heating sources directly into the wall; do not use extension cords or power strips.
  • If your home was inspected by an electrician and deemed unsafe for space heater use, do not use one. Doing so could cause an electrical fire.
  • If a space heater, hot plate, or other device trips the breaker or blows a fuse, stop using it right away and call an electrician or ask the landlord to so. More heating safety tips: www.mass.gov/KeepWarmKeepSafe.
  • Practice cooking safety by standing by your pan while cooking, keeping children 3-feet away from cooking appliances, and turn appliances off when not in use. More cooking safety tips.
  • Do not use stoves or cooking appliances for heat which can cause fires.

More tips to stay warm and safe in English and Spanish.

###

Wakefield Police Department Offers Cold Weather and Ice Safety Tips

⋅ Client News, Police News ⋅ , , , , , , , ⋅ 2 Comments

Challenge-Coin0

Wakefield Police Department
Rick Smith, Chief of Police
1 Union St.
Wakefield, MA 01880

For Immediate Release

Monday, Jan. 11, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Wakefield Police Department Offers Cold Weather and Ice Safety Tips

Guidelines for Heat, Water Pipes, and Elderly Residents as Days Grow Shorter and Temperatures Drop

Ice is NOT Safe for Walking or Skating

WAKEFIELD — Chief Rick Smith and the Wakefield Police Department are committed to the safety, security, and good health of all of its residents, business owners, and visitors.

As the cold temperatures are upon us, the department would like to remind everyone to stay safe, while offering some useful tips for keeping your home and vehicle in good shape during the cold season.

“We have been fortunate to have a mild winter so far, but as temperatures start to drop we want to make sure that everyone in our community remains safe,” Chief Smith said. “Please consider the safety tips provided and also remember to look out for one another. Check on elderly or ill neighbors, and even help to shovel out walkways or sidewalks if you are able. Together we can get through another New England winter safe and sound.”

Chief Smith offers the following tips:

  • Never use your oven as a heat source
  • Do not use electric or space heaters while sleeping.
  • Keep electric or space heaters at least three feet away from bedding or combustible materials.
  • Keep stocks of batteries on hand for radios and flashlights in case of a power outage.
  • Never leave candles unattended.
  • Beware of carbon monoxide and stay safe by: never warming up your car in the garage, serving your heating system at least once per year, and making sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
  • Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and change batteries twice per year. Make sure smoke detectors are working on every floor of your home.
  • During the coldest days, parents are reminded to dress students warmly, in layers, with hats on and exposed skin covered. However, make sure the clothing does not obstruct your child’s visibility as they are crossing the street.

When the snow falls, you can help the Wakefield Fire Department by shoveling out your nearest fire hydrants. Also ensure that your home or business sidewalks are properly shoveled, and place salt or ice melt to prevent people from falling.

When shoveling snow or walking outside for more than a few minutes, dress appropriately, with exposed skin covered, and wear a hat and gloves. Frostbite and strike quickly when temperatures are this low. Also, Do not consume too much caffeine before or during shoveling, avoid getting wet, and take frequent breaks.

ALWAYS clear the tailpipe of a vehicle that is buried in snow BEFORE you start or warm up the vehicle. Failure to do so can be fatal for those inside the vehicle.

Be mindful of pet health as well. Small animals should not be outside for long periods of time during periods of frigid temperatures. Paws can be injured by walking on salted ground as well.

Utilities in Town

GAS and ELECTRIC: Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department 781-246-6363.

To avoid frozen pipes, allow warm water to drip overnight in faucets, ideally from a faucet that is on exterior wall. You may also want to leave cabinet doors open to allow heat to reach pipes that are not insulated.

Thin Ice

The Wakefield Police and Fire Departments report that town waterways are NOT frozen enough to the point where they would be considered safe for walking or skating, and the departments warn that residents should NOT venture out on the ice.

General Ice and Cold Water Safety

Guidelines:

  • Never go onto the ice alone. A friend may be able to rescue you or go for help if you fall through the ice.
  • Always keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue your pet, go for help.
  • New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As the ice ages, the bond between the crystals decays, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.
  • Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing. Snow can also hide cracks, weak, or open ice.
  • Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.
  • Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally 15 percent weaker.
  • Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only one inch thick 10 feet away.

What To Do If Someone Falls Through Ice

General tips in case someone falls through the ice:

  • Reach-Throw-Go. If a companion falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.). If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.
  • If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction you came from. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice.

If you have any questions, feel free to call Wakefield Police at 781-245-1212. If you fear that a neighbor or resident may be in danger, call the police department or dial 911.

###