freezing temperatures

Bedford Police Warn Residents to Take Precautions Ahead of Freezing Weather

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Bedford Police Department
Robert Bongiorno, Chief of Police
2 Mudge Way
Bedford, MA 01730

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019

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

Bedford Police Warn Residents to Take Precautions Ahead of Freezing Weather

BEDFORD — Chief Robert Bongiorno is reminding residents to be cautious as they commute home Wednesday amid anticipated snow squalls and as temperatures drop below freezing into Thursday morning.

Town officials are continuously monitoring the weather and receive regular updates from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. Further information will be released to the public as it becomes available.

“Commuters Wednesday night need to take precaution,” Chief Bongiorno said. “Snow squalls pose a significant danger to drivers. Residents should drive slow, leave plenty of room between yourself and the driver ahead, make sure your headlights are on, and share your estimated time of arrival with someone.”

“Drivers should also take care to clear ice and snow from their vehicles,” Bongiouno added. “When ice and snow slides off a vehicle driving down the road, it poses a huge risk for other drivers and pedestrians.”

The National Weather Service has provided the following forecast information concerning snow squalls and strong winds that may impact this afternoon’s commute, along with extreme cold tonight into tomorrow.

From the National Weather Service

High Impact Snow Squalls Between 3-7 p.m. this Evening Along With Brief Strong To Perhaps Damaging Wind Gusts:

  • Scattered to numerous snow squalls cross eastern Massachusetts between 5-7 p.m. this evening.
  • Brief very heavy snow, near white-out conditions and strong to perhaps damaging wind gusts anticipated. Very hazardous travel for parts of the evening rush hour.
  • Snow squalls last less than 30 minutes in most locations but drop a quick coating to 1.5 inches of snow. Very localized 2-3 inch amounts can not be ruled out in the heaviest squalls.
  • Brief 40-60 mph wind gusts possible with the heaviest snow squalls. Localized tree damage/isolated power outages possible.
  • Wind advisories posted for most other locations in southern New England.

 

The Bedford Police Department asks that residents follow these tips from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

  • Minimize outdoor activities for the whole family, including pets.
  • 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 and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs during the coldest portions of the day
  • Be a good neighbor. Check with elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors to ensure their safety.Additionally, because of the extreme cold, other areas of your home and vehicles may be affected:

Driving Safety

Avoid driving during the worst part of a storm and use extreme caution during a sudden snow squall.

  • Always clear snow and ice from windows, lights, the hood and the roof before driving.
  • Leave plenty of room for stopping.
  • Don’t try to out drive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
  • Know the current road conditions. Call 511 from your cell phone or 617-986-5511 from either your cell phone or landline phone
  • Brake early and correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
  • Don’t use “cruise control” driving in wintry conditions. Even roads that look clear can have sudden slippery spots. Using your brake on these spots will deactivate cruise control, possibly causing you to lose control of your vehicle.
  • Look further ahead in traffic than normal.
  • Trucks are heavier than cars, making their brake time slower. Avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
  • Don’t crowd the plow. Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows. Stay back at least 200 feet and don’t pass on the right.
  • Remember to slow down and always wear your seat belt.
  • Let others know your destination, route and expected travel times.
  • Allow for extra travel time.
  • Drive with your headlights on at all times to see and be seen.

Other Safety Tips

Increased fire risk due to unsafe/improper use of alternative heating sources or people trying to thaw frozen pipes with blowtorches or similar devices.

  • If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the area of the water pipe that might be frozen. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
  • Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame devices. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.

Possible increase in incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning from unsafe/improper use of alternative heating sources.

  • Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel, as well as alternate emergency heating equipment in case you lose electricity.
  • When utilizing alternate heating sources, including a fireplace, wood stove or space heater, make sure chimneys have been properly cleaned and devices are properly ventilated
  • Always operate generators outside and away from your home.

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Wenham Police Provide Cold Weather Safety Tips in Anticipation of Freezing Temperatures

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Wenham Police Patch

Wenham Police Department
Thomas Perkins, Chief of Police
1 Friend Court
PO Box 536
Wenham, MA 01984

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018

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

Wenham Police Provide Cold Weather Safety Tips in Anticipation of Freezing Temperatures 

WENHAM — Chief Thomas Perkins and the Wenham Police Department would like to provide several important safety tips in anticipation of freezing temperatures early tomorrow morning.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a freeze warning from midnight to 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 19. Temperatures could reach as low as 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

This type of weather will kill sensitive vegetation and can damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

“We generally don’t see this type of weather until November or December, so we want residents to be prepared,” Chief Perkins said. “Bring plants inside, be careful when outdoors, especially with pets, and make sure you have a proper heating system in place.”

The Wenham Police Department also advises residents follow important safety tips from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

  • Minimize outdoor activities for the whole family, including pets.
  • 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.
  • Be a good neighbor. Check with elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors to ensure their safety.
  • Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel, as well as alternate emergency heating equipment in case you lose electricity.
  • When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as an emergency generator, your fireplace, wood stove or space heater, make sure they are properly ventilated and always operate a generator outdoors and away from your home. Improper use of heating devices can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in the home.

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Newburyport Fire Department Offers Cold Weather Safety Tips

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Newburyport Fire Department
Christopher LeClaire, Fire Chief
3 Greenleaf St.
Newburyport, MA 01950

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017

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

Newburyport Fire Department Offers Cold Weather Safety Tips

NEWBURYPORT — With extremely low temperatures hitting New England, which are not expected to let up until some time in January, Chief/Emergency Management Director Christopher LeClaire and the Newburyport Fire Department would like to provide the community with several important safety tips.

According to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, daytime high temperatures will likely not rise above the teens from Thursday through the weekend, and high temperatures in some inland locations may not rise above the single digits. Overnight low temperatures will likely drop below zero.

The coldest periods are forecast to be Wednesday night into Thursday morning and Thursday night into Friday morning. Another bout of especially cold wind chills is possible Saturday night into Sunday morning and Sunday night into Monday morning.

“When temperatures are this low, it can quickly become very dangerous to be outside for any period of time,” Chief LeClaire said. “We ask that residents take precautions if and when they have to be outdoors, and that they prepare their homes and vehicles for the cold weather.”

With this type of weather, frostbite and hypothermia are possible for those without proper protection from the cold. To stay safe, the Newburyport Fire Department asks that residents follow these tips from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

  • Minimize outdoor activities for the whole family, including pets.
  • 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.
  • Be a good neighbor. Check with elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors to ensure their safety.

Additionally, because of the extreme cold, other areas of your home and vehicles may be affected:

Increased fire risk due to unsafe/improper use of alternative heating sources or people trying to thaw frozen pipes with blowtorches or similar devices.

  • If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the area of the water pipe that might be frozen. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
  • Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame devices. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.

Possible increase in incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning from unsafe/improper use of alternative heating sources.

  • Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel, as well as alternate emergency heating equipment in case you lose electricity.
  • When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as an emergency generator, your fireplace, wood stove or space heater, make sure they are properly ventilated and always operate a generator outdoors and away from your home. Improper use of heating devices can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in the home.

Possible vehicle failure.

  • Make sure your car is properly winterized. Keep the gas tank at least half-full. Carry a winter emergency car kit including blankets, extra clothing, a flashlight with spare batteries, non-perishable foods, windshield scraper, shovel, sand, tow rope and jumper cables in the trunk.

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*Joint Press Release* Newburyport Police and Fire Department Offer Cold Weather Safety Tips

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Newburyport Police Department
Mark Murray, City Marshal
4 Green St.
Newburyport, MA 01950
GNewburyport Fire Department
Christopher LeClaire, Fire Chief
3 Greenleaf St.
Newburyport, MA 01950

For Immediate Release

Friday, Feb. 12, 2015

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

*Joint Press Release* Newburyport Police and Fire Department Offer Cold Weather Safety Tips

NEWBURYPORT — As temperatures continue to drop this weekend, Fire Chief Christopher LeClaire and City Marshal Mark Murray would like to remind residents to take safety precautions when inside and outside their homes.

On Saturday and Sunday, temperatures are predicted to be in the teens during the day and drop to below zero at night — some of the coldest weather the region has experienced this year.

“When temperatures drop this low, residents are encouraged to stay inside as much as possible,” Marshal Murray said. “If you have to go outside, plan ahead and dress in the appropriate cold weather attire to protect yourself and prevent frostbite or hypothermia.”

To stay safe and to prepare for extreme weather, the Newburyport Fire and Police Departments recommend that residents follow several best practices outlined by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

    • When outside, dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, rather than a single layer of heavy clothing. Wear a hat, mittens (rather than gloves) and sturdy waterproof boots, protecting your extremities, and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
    • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
      — Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, seek medical help immediately.
      — The warning signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If the person’s temperature drops below 95 degrees, get medical help immediately.
    • Have a well-stocked home emergency kit that includes a flashlight, sleeping bag or blanket, portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food.
    • Make sure your car is properly winterized. Keep the gas tank at least half-full. Carry a winter emergency car kit including blankets, extra clothing, a flashlight with spare batteries, a can, waterproof matches (to melt snow for drinking water), non-perishable foods, windshield scraper, shovel, sand, tow rope and jumper cables in the trunk.
    • Be a good neighbor. Check with elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors to ensure their safety.
    • Limit outdoor time for your pets. Freezing temperatures are dangerous to animals as well as humans.
    • Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel, as well as alternate emergency heating equipment in case you lose electricity. 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.
      — 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.

“Space heaters are not a sufficient heating source and should not be used as one. Be sure to have them on only intermittently for an extra heat source and turn them off when you leave the room and before you go to bed,” Chief LeClaire said. “Remember to check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they’re working properly so that if an emergency occurs you will be alerted.”

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