winter safety

Gloucester Fire Department Shares Home Heating Safety Tips

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Gloucester Fire Department
Eric Smith, Fire Chief
8 School St.
Gloucester, MA 01930

 

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019

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

Gloucester Fire Department Shares Home Heating Safety Tips

GLOUCESTER — As the temperature begins to drop this fall, Chief Eric L. Smith and the Gloucester Fire Department wish to share home heating safety tips with residents.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, home heating is the second leading cause of home fires in Massachusetts.

“Unfortunately, this time of year, heating systems pose a serious risk, and we want everyone to take care to make sure they take steps to remain safe this fall and winter,” Chief Smith said. “With Daylight Saving having just ended this weekend, we encourage residents to double check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and review recommended home heating safety tips.”

The Gloucester Fire Department wishes to share the following winter home heating safety tips from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

  • Install and test regularly smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home.
  • Do not use a stove, oven or grill for heat.
  • On an annual basis, furnaces and chimneys should checked by a professional.
  • Make sure to keep appliance vents and exhaust pipes clear of drifting snow and bushes.
  • Practice home fire drills and establish an escape plan with everyone in your household.
  • Practice fire safety and teach children to do the same.
  • If using a fireplace or a solid fuel stove:
    • Have the chimney professionally cleaned on an annual basis.
    • Check that your stove is approved by a national testing agency.
    • Obtain a building permit prior to installing a stove. 
    • Make sure anything capable of burning is three feet away from the stove.
    • Put any ashes in a metal container when disposing of them, and store them away from the house.
  • If you use a space heater:
    • Space heaters should not be used as a primary heating system.
    • Make sure anything capable of burning is kept at least three feet away from the space heater.
    • Never leave a space heater on before falling asleep or going out.
    • It is illegal to use portable kerosene heaters in Massachusetts for the home.
  • When using natural gas to cook and/or heat a home, make sure to maintain that system:
    • On an annual basis, have the furnace and hot water heater professionally checked.
    • Never use or store gasoline or painting equipment indoors where they could be ignited by the pilot light.
    • If you smell something similar to rotten eggs or believe there may be a gas leak, evacuate, do not smoke or turn off electrical switches and call 911. 
  • In order to maintain oil heating systems:
    • On an annual basis, have your boiler professionally cleaned and checked.
    • Do not allow the tank to get completely empty.
    • If the oil burner releases smoke or soot indoors, call for service.

For more fire safety tips and recommendations, visit www.mass.gov/keepwarmkeepsafe.

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(Image Courtesy United States Fire Administration)

Gloucester Firefighters Rescue Deer that Fell Through Ice at Fernwood Lake

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Gloucester Fire Department
Eric Smith, Fire Chief
8 School St.
Gloucester, MA 01930

For Immediate Release

Thursday, March 14, 2019

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

Gloucester Firefighters Rescue Deer that Fell Through Ice at Fernwood Lake

GLOUCESTER — Chief Eric Smith reports that Gloucester firefighters rescued a deer that fell through the ice at Fernwood Lake this morning.

On Thursday, March 14 at 8:14 a.m. firefighters were called to Fernwood Lake for a report of a deer that had fallen through the ice. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a deer struggling in water, dozens of feet away from shore.

Multiple crews from the Gloucester Fire Department collaborated on the rescue, including West Gloucester’s Engine 2 Crew of Firefighter Darrel Dench and Lt. Doug MacArther, and the Gloucester Fire Department Headquarters Ladder 1 crew of Acting Lieutenant Randy Silva and Firefighters Bob Grover, Andrew Pierce, and Jak Letien.

No one was injured and the deer was able to return to its natural habitat Thursday.

In light of this incident, the Gloucester Fire Department wishes to remind residents that it is not safe to step or walk on the ice. In the event a person or animal falls through the ice residents should always call the Gloucester Fire Department for help.

If someone does fall through the ice, and you cannot reach them from the shore, throw something like a rope, jumper cables, or tree branch to try and pull that person out. If the situation is too dangerous, however, residents should never put themselves in danger and instead wait for help to arrive or go find help.

“Thankfully, our firefighters were able to utilize extensive training and equipment to rescue this deer, and no one was injured in the process,” Chief Smith said. “The ice is not safe to walk across or step on, especially as temperatures begin to fluctuate as we head into spring. Residents shouldn’t be on the ice, and should never attempt such a rescue themselves.

Ice Safety Tips

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife offers several ice safety tips, and also warns that there is never a guarantee that ice is safe to walk on and won’t crack or buckle.

If you fall through the ice:

  • Don’t panic.
  • Call for help.
  • Don’t remove winter clothing; air trapped in your clothing may provide warmth and help keep you afloat.
  • Turn the direction you came from–the ice you previously walked on will likely be the safest.
  • Place your hands and arms on an unbroken surface of the ice and kick your legs. Once your torso is on solid ice, roll toward thicker ice to distribute your weight.
  • Once you are out of the water and off the ice, find shelter and warm your body. Change out of wet clothing and find warm, dry clothing. Get to a car or house. If you’re in a remote location, start a campfire.

If someone else falls through the ice:

  • Call 911.
  • Shout to the victim to let them know help is on the way.
  • If you can reach them from the shore safely, extend an object such as a rope, tree branch, or ladder that they can grab hold of.
  • Toss one end of a rope or a similar object that will float to the victim.
  • If you cannot safely help, call 911 or go find help.
  • If a pet falls through the ice, call 911 for help or go find help. It is too dangerous to attempt to save a pet yourself. Always keep a pet leashed while walking on ice or near ice.

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Whitman Fire and Police Offer Tips to Stay Safe and Warm this Winter

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017

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

Whitman Fire and Police Offer Tips to Stay Safe and Warm this Winter

WHITMAN — Police Chief Scott D. Benton and Fire Chief Timothy J. Grenno would like to provide the community with several important tips to stay safe and warm as temperatures continue to drop this winter.

“Now that the really cold weather is here, it’s important for our residents to try and limit outdoor activities for the whole family, including pets,” Chief Grenno said. “Wintertime can be a fun time of year, especially when it snows. But, we want kids and adults to remember to layer up when they do go outside.”

To stay safe, follow these tips from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and Whitman Police and Fire:

  • 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 and Eversource offer 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.
— 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.

“No one should be left out in the cold during the winter. We ask our residents to watch out for each other and luckily we have some fantastic people in Whitman,” Chief Benton said. “If you know of someone who might be struggling to keep the heat on, there are resources available.”

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