safety tips

Bedford Police Offer Back to School Road Safety Tips

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

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019

Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Bedford Police Offer Back to School Road Safety Tips

BEDFORD — As the start of the school year approaches, Chief Robert Bongiorno and the Bedford Police Department would like to offer road safety tips for motorists, children, parents and guardians.

“As kids head back to class, school buses will be on the roads again and children will be waiting at bus stops to be picked up,” said Traffic Enforcement Officer Thomas Devine. “There will also be children and teens walking and biking to school in the mornings and afternoons. This means drivers need to be more vigilant than ever. Watch out for kids on the roads, slow down, and never, ever use your cell phone while driving.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has several tips for motorists as the school year begins:

  • Look for children walking or bicycling when backing out of a driveway or garage.
  • Be vigilant and watch for children who may be walking or bicycling to school in neighborhoods with school zones.
  • Watch out for children who may be crossing the street.
  • Be mindful of children who may be standing in a group or playing near a bus stop.
  • Slow down.
  • Remember: yellow flashing lights signify that a bus is slowing down to either pick up or drop off children. Prepare to stop your vehicle.
  • Remember: red flashing lights and extended stop arms signify that a bus has stopped to pick up or drop off children. Drivers traveling in both directions are required to stop their vehicles and wait until the lights stop flashing, the extended stop arm is withdrawn and the bus continues driving.

The Bedford Police Department also wishes to remind drivers to stay off of all electronic devises while driving, as even a moment of distraction can cause a deadly accident. Drivers are also reminded to keep the windows of their vehicle clean and clear.

The NHTSA also has several tips for children and parents at bus stops:

  • Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early, and wait approximately six feet away from the curb.
  • Do not allow children to run or play at a bus stop.
  • Wait until the bus stops completely, the door opens and the driver says it is safe to board the bus before getting on.
  • Use the handrails on the bus while boarding.
  • Do not walk behind a school bus.
  • If a child drops an item near a school bus, he or she should first tell the bus driver about the dropped item.
  • If a child needs to cross the street to board the bus, he or she should make eye contact with the driver, use the sidewalk until crossing, and walk approximately 10 feet in front of the bus.

Anyone with questions about road safety is encouraged to contact Bedford Police Department Traffic Enforcement Officer Thomas Devine at 781-275-1212 or [email protected].

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North Haven Fire Department Offers Campus Fire Safety Tips Ahead of College Move-in

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North Haven Fire Department
Paul Januszewski, Fire Chief
11 Broadway
North Haven, CT 06473

For Immediate Release

Monday, Aug. 19, 2019

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

North Haven Fire Department Offers Campus Fire Safety Tips Ahead of College Move-in

NORTH HAVEN, Conn. – As college students start to head back to campus, Chief Paul Januszewski would like to remind students how to avoid fire dangers in their dorms and apartments.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), close to 4,000 fires occur each year in university housing across the nation. The leading causes of campus housing fires include cooking, arson, careless smoking, unattended candles and overloaded extension cords, power strips or outlets.

The most effective fire prevention measure is the use of fire alarms and sprinklers. Fire alarms keep residents safe by warning them of a potential fire. Sprinkler systems can help to control the fire immediately, often extinguishing the fire or greatly limiting a fire’s ability to spread.

“We encourage college students to learn about the dangers of campus fires in order to determine how they can do their part to both prevent fires and protect themselves and their roommates in the event of a fire,” Chief Januszewski said.

To prevent accidents and injuries, the North Haven Fire Department recommends the following safety tips from the USFA:

Escape Plans

  • Always know two ways out, no matter where you are. Plan and practice your escape routes.
  • Keep escape routes clear of clutter.
  • Determine an outside meeting place with roommates or neighbors.
  • Get low to the ground and go under the smoke to escape to your safe exit. Keep your mouth covered.
  • Feel the door before opening it. If it is hot, use your second way out.
  • Use the stairs. Never use an elevator during a fire.
  • Leave immediately, closing doors behind you, and knock on roommates’ and neighbors’ doors as you exit.
  • Once you’re out, stay out! Never go back inside a building until it is cleared and determined safe.

Fire Sprinklers and Smoke Alarms

  • Never disable or remove batteries from smoke alarms.
  • Don’t hang things on or cover fire sprinklers. This can affect their ability to work properly.
  • When the smoke alarm sounds, immediately evacuate the building. Don’t assume it’s a false alarm.
  • When looking at a prospective building for housing, ensure it has working smoke alarms and sprinkler systems.

Cooking

Cooking is the cause of 83 percent of campus housing fires.

  • Never leave cooking unattended.
  • Cook only where it is permitted.
  • Stand by your pan — if you leave the kitchen, turn the burner off.
  • If a fire starts in a microwave, keep the door closed and unplug the unit.
  • Frying poses the greatest risk. Never put water on a grease fire — put a lid on it.

Smoking

  • Smoke outside of the building and always put it all the way out before you discard it.
  • Soak smoking materials in water before throwing them away.
  • Use deep, wide and sturdy ashtrays. Place ashtrays on something sturdy and difficult to ignite.
  • After a party, check under cushions for smoking materials —
    furniture burns fast.
  • It is risky to smoke when you have been drinking or are drowsy.

Candles

Candles are one of the leading causes of fires in both on and off campus housing, despite the fact that most colleges and universities do not allow candles in residence halls. Twenty percent of fires in dorm rooms are started by candles.

  • Make sure candles are in sturdy holders and put out after each use.
  • Never leave a burning candle unattended.
  • Use a flashlight — not a candle — for emergency lighting.
  • Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
  • It is better to use flameless candles, which are both safe and decorative.

The North Haven Fire Department also reminds students that alcohol or drugs and fires don’t mix. These substances increase your chance of falling asleep while cooking or while a candle is lit and limit your ability to respond to a fire alarm. According to the USFA, approximately 25 percent of all campus fire fatalities occur following a party.

As always, the North Haven Fire Department wishes all college students a safe and fun return to campus!

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Whitman Fire Department and Board of Health Offers Safety Reminders After EEE Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes in Town

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For Immediate Release

Monday, Aug. 12, 2019

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

Whitman Fire Department and Board of Health Offers Safety Reminders After EEE Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes in Town

Whitman’s Current Risk Level is ‘High’

WHITMAN —  Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Timothy Grenno and Whitman Board of Health Chairman Eric Joubert would like to provide residents with safety reminders after the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus was confirmed in mosquitoes tested in Whitman last week.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has confirmed that the EEE virus has been detected in mosquito samples collected in Whitman this year. As a result of the tests, the MDPH has announced that the current risk level for Whitman is high.

Aerial spraying for mosquitoes in Whitman was completed by the MDPH and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) over the weekend. MDPH and MDAR officials will monitor the area over the coming weeks and plan to conduct a second round of spraying.

“The Board of Health is monitoring the situation and will continue to keep the public updated,” Chairman Joubert said. “We would also like to remind Whitman residents that there are health regulations in place regarding standing water in yards and unkempt yards which are common areas where mosquitoes breed.”

Whitman’s environmental regulations for mosquito reduction can be found here.

EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. While EEE can infect people of all ages, people under 15 or over 50 years of age are at the greatest risk for serious illness.

“Though scheduled outdoor activities are not affected by the results of the tests, taking preventative measures, especially the use of proper bug repellent, is a necessity for any outdoor activities, including sporting events,” Chief Grenno said.

Chief Grenno and the Whitman Board of Health recommends the follow safety precautions offered by the MDPH to protect yourself and your loved ones:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

  • Be aware of peak mosquito hours: The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellent.
  • Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites: Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks while outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
  • Apply insect repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied directly to your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

  • Drain standing water: Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change water in birdbaths frequently.
  • Install or repair window and door screens: Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Information about EEE and reports of current and historical EEE virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website here.

 

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Canton Fire Department Offers Grilling Safety Tips

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

For Immediate Release

Friday, Aug. 2, 2019

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

Canton Fire Department Offers Grilling Safety Tips

CANTON – Chief Charles Doody would like to remind Canton residents to make sure they’re practicing safe grilling habits while cooking outdoors this season.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, fire departments throughout the state responded to 474 fires involving grills, hibachis and barbecues between 2014 and 2018. The fires caused 19 civilian injuries, seven firefighter injuries and $3.8 million in property damage.

“Grilling is a favorite summer and fall pastime for many people,” Chief Doody said. “We want to urge residents to make sure they understand how to safely operate their grill as to not create a serious fire risk.”

To practice safe grilling and prevent grilling fires and injuries in the coming weeks and months, Chief Doody recommends the following safety tips provided by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

Safety First

  • Always grill outdoors.
  • Grills cannot be used on a porch, balcony or deck with a roof, overhang or wall (other than the exterior of the building).
  • Grills can only be used on open first floor porches, decks or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.
  • Grills must be 10 feet from the side of a building unless the manufacturer’s instructions say it can be closer. Make sure grills are not underneath overhanging branches.
  • Grills cannot be used on fire escapes.
  • Place grills away from the house and deck railings.
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from grills. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders. Keep all matches, lighters and lighter fluid away from children.

Gas Grill Safety

  • Never leave a burning grill unattended.
  • Make sure that the lid of a gas grill is open when you light it. Propane can build up
    inside and when ignited, the lid may blow off.
  • If you smell gas while cooking, turn off and get away from the grill. Call 911 from a
    safe location. Do not move the grill.
  • Always turn off the burners and close the propane cylinder when done cooking.
  • Keep all propane outdoors, at least 10 feet away from building openings such as doors, windows and dryer vents, and 20 feet away from air intake vents and ignition sources.
  • Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
  • Clean the grease trap every time you grill.
  • Replace propane cylinders that are old, rusty, or showing any other signs of disrepair.

Charcoal Grill Safety

  • Use only charcoal starter fluid. Gasoline and kerosene should not be used to start a fire in a grill. Never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals. Doing so may cause a flash fire and result in serious burn injuries.
  • Charcoal briquettes give off carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Always use charcoal grills in a well-ventilated area. Never use charcoal grills indoors.
  • For proper disposal of grill ashes, allow the coals to burn out completely and then cool for 48 hours before disposal. If you must dispose of ashes before they are completely cooled, thoroughly soak them in water before putting them in a metal container.

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