For Immediate Release
Monday, March 13, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
*Joint Press Release* Groveland Police and Fire Offer Snow Safety Tips In Anticipation of Tuesday’s Storm
GROVELAND — With Winter Storm Stella scheduled to hit Massachusetts on Tuesday, the Groveland Police and Fire Departments are reminding residents to follow safety procedures to ensure they are prepared during and after the inclement weather.
“To keep the public safe, we are advising that all residents stay indoors and keep off the roads during tomorrow’s forecasted storm,” Groveland Police Deputy Chief Jeffrey Gillen said. “We also would like to remind the community to keep their phones and other electronics charged in case the power goes out.”
The Groveland Police and Fire Departments advise that residents:
- Never use their oven as a heat source.
- Do not use electric or space heaters while sleeping.
- Place electric or space heaters at least 3 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.
- Make sure phones, laptops and other communication devices are charged.
- Beware of carbon monoxide and stay safe by never warming up your car in the garage, servicing your heating system at least once per year, and making sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
- ALWAYS clear the tailpipe of a vehicle that is buried in snow BEFORE you start or warm up the vehicle to prevent exposure to carbon monoxide. Failure to do so can be fatal for those inside the vehicle.
- 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.
- Reserve calling 911 for emergencies only.
The Groveland Fire Department will have additional staff on duty throughout Tuesday to assist residents if they are in need.
“Keeping residents safe is our number one priority,” Fire Chief Robert Lay said. “Please don’t hesitate to call us, we know that things go wrong during storms. We will be working and are available to help with any kind of situation.”
Residents should also remember not to park on the streets, especially overnight, to allow plows to clear routes.
After the snow falls, you can help the Groveland Fire Department by shoveling out your nearest fire hydrants. Also, make sure that your home or business sidewalks are properly shoveled and place salt or ice melt to prevent people from falling.
When shoveling, or walking outside for more than a few minutes, dress appropriately, with exposed skin covered and wear a hat and gloves. Frostbite can strike quickly when temperatures are low. Do what you can to avoid getting wet and take frequent breaks.
If roads become impassable by debris or snow, notify the police and highway departments, which will be out to ensure roads remain open at all time.
Emergency numbers:
Call 911, a direct line to the police department and fire/EMS, for emergencies only. All other questions or concerns should be reported to the Groveland Police Department’s business line, 978-521-1212 or Groveland Fire Department’s business line, 978-374-1922.
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