Norfolk County

Canton Firefighters Responding to Provide Support in Merrimack Valley and North Carolina

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

For Immediate Release

Friday, Sept. 14, 2018

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

Canton Firefighters Responding to Provide Support in Merrimack Valley and North Carolina

CANTON — Chief Charles E. Doody reports that several members of the Canton Fire Department have been deployed and are on standby to provide support with emergency situations in the Merrimack Valley and North Carolina.

On Thursday night, dozens of explosions and fires were reported at several homes and buildings in Andover, North Andover and Lawrence, due to what is believed to be an issue with the gas service in those communities. One person has died and several others were injured.

On Friday morning, members of Canton Fire Department Ladder 1 were deployed to Lawrence as part of a Norfolk County task force assisting with operations in the affected communities. Lt. Ryan Patrician, Firefighter John Buckley, Firefighter Tom Brown, Firefighter Rowan Olmstead and Firefighter Keith Ryan will be going door-to-door in Lawrence to make sure that residents’ gas lines are shut off in their homes.

“We want to provide as much assistance as we can to those communities,” Chief Doody said. “Hopefully the situation will continue to deescalate throughout the day today and our hearts go out to those who have been impacted by this terrible incident.”

As Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina and South Carolina yesterday, multiple Canton firefighters will be heading down to provide support and assistance to operations there.

Captain Andy Morgan and Captain Wendell Robery have been mobilized as part of the Norfolk County Technical Rescue Team as technical rescue specialists.

They will be deploying on Saturday morning to North Carolina where they will assist with rescue operations. Captain Morgan and Captain Robery are highly trained in water rescues, collapse rescues and high angle rescues.

They will be driving Canton Squad 1, a Ford F-550 truck, with a technical rescue trailer in tow full of necessary supplies and equipment.

In addition, Firefighter John Tsohandaridis, a flight medic for the Army National Guard, has been notified that he is on standby to go to North Carolina and South Carolina to assist with rooftop rescues. He is part of a Blackhawk helicopter battalion out of Barnes Air Force Base in Westfield.

“Canton is fortunate to have so many of its firefighters with the specialized training that allows them to assist others in need throughout the county and wherever else they may be needed,” Chief Doody said. “We are very proud of their commitment and wish for their safe return soon.”

Extra personnel have been called in and the Canton Fire Department will remain fully staffed in the coming days and weeks.

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Canton Fire Department Provides Winter Storm Safety Tips

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

For Immediate Release

Monday, March 12, 2018

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

Canton Fire Department Provides Winter Storm Safety Tips

CANTON – In anticipation of the third nor’easter this month, Chief Charles E. Doody and the Canton Fire Department would like to provide residents with several important safety tips as severe weather once again hits the region.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Norfolk County, noting the potential for blizzard-like conditions and heavy snowfall beginning Monday night and continuing throughout Tuesday.

Canton is likely to see between 3 to 7 inches of snow Monday night, with an additional 10 to 16 inches throughout Tuesday. Wind gusts may reach as high as 44 mph. There will be a chance of snow and showers Wednesday morning into the evening.

“During storms like this week’s nor’easter, it is imperative that residents have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,” Chief Doody said. “If you lose power and have a generator, remember to never use it indoors and to always ensure your vehicle’s tailpipe is clear before operation to prevent CO poisoning.”

BEFORE THE STORM

  • Check the surrounding areas outside of your home and examine trees that have been weakened or uprooted from last week’s storm. If there is a tree that you believe is unstable and may fall, please contact a local tree trimming service company immediately.
  • Residents should be prepared for more power outages and stock up on batteries for flashlights or battery powered lanterns. If using candles, keep them away from anything flammable and never leave them unattended.
  • Keep cell phones charged as much as possible. Consider an external battery for your mobile phone.
  • Clear any storm drains of debris from the last storm to avoid flooding.

DURING THE STORM

  • Stay off the roads and stay indoors, if possible. Give plow and sand/salt trucks the space they need to operate.
  • If power goes out during the storm, contact Eversource at 800-286-5000 to report an outage.
  • To report a gas leak, call 911. Residents can also contact Columbia Gas at 800-525-8222 for gas-related issues.
  • Follow the Canton Fire Department on its Facebook page and Twitter account for updates during and after the storm. The fire station will be open throughout the storm and can be reached at 781-821-5095.
  • If you have an emergency, call 911.

AFTER THE STORM

  • Do not go near or drive over any downed power lines.
  • Check your property for any trees that could be in danger of falling near your home or vehicles.
  • Clear any debris from storm drains near your home to allow water to drain.
  • Do not pump water from sump pumps into the road. The water can freeze and cause hazardous conditions if the temperature dips.

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