Georgetown Fire

Georgetown Fire Department Offers Evacuation Plan Safety Tips for National Fire Prevention Week

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GEORGETOWN — With National Fire Prevention Week kicking off this weekend, Chief Fred Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department are encouraging residents to create and practice an evacuation plan.

National Fire Prevention Week, organized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) begins this year on Sunday, Oct. 6 and ends on Saturday, Oct. 12. The annual campaign seeks to educate and provide the public with valuable safety recommendations and steps they can take to prevent possible fires and respond properly in the event of a fire.

The slogan of the 2019 National Fire Prevention Week is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” in an effort to remind people of the critical importance of creating and practicing an escape plan should a fire start.

According to the NFPA, a person may only have a two-minute window to escape from a fire after a smoke alarm is activated.

“This week is a great reminder that everyone needs to plan and prepare for the event of a fire,” Chief Mitchell said. “Creating an escape plan, sharing it and practicing those steps with everyone in your household will save time when it matters the most.”

The Georgetown Fire Department wishes to share the following safety tips from the NFPA:

  • Create a home escape plan, and make a map. Share that plan will all members of your household.
  • Designate a minimum of two ways to get out of each room, if possible.
  • Make sure all doors and windows to the outdoors are easy to open.
  • Designate an outside meeting place a safe distance away from the home where everyone in your household should meet in the event of a fire.
  • Practice a fire drill at home with your entire household, once at night and once during the day time, twice a year.
  • Make sure everyone in your household practices using different routes to exit your home.
  • Teach children how they can escape, should they need to get out of the home on their own.
  • In the event of a fire and while practicing fire drills, close doors behind you as you leave.
  • If the smoke alarm sounds, exit the building and do not go back inside.
  • If you are evacuating and there is smoke, get low and proceed beneath the smoke.
  • Call the fire department once you are outside the building.

For additional fire prevention safety tips, click here.

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*Media Advisory/Calendar Listing* Georgetown Fire Department Announces Annual Open House and 9/11 Remembrance Service

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GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred Mitchell reports that the public is invited to attend the Georgetown Fire Department’s Open House, which will lead into the annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony this September.

WHEN:

Wednesday, Sept. 11

  • Open House begins at 4 p.m.
  • 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony begins at 6:45 p.m.

WHERE:

Georgetown Fire Department Headquarters, 47 Central St.

WHAT:

The Georgetown Fire Department is inviting the public to attend two events next month. The department’s annual Open House, an event that seeks to foster community relationships with the department, and a separate ceremony recognizing the anniversary of 9/11.

The Open House will include tours of Ambulances 11 and 12, and of Engine 1, Ladder 1 and Engine 4. There will also be an interactive Fire Safety House set up, as well as a station where locals will be taught how to properly use a fire extinguisher. Residents will also have a chance to try on firefighter gear, and participate in a junior firefighter challenge.

Local eateries Justine’s Baked Goods and Clancy’s Fried Dough will also be at the Open House event, and will serve hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, french fries, fried pickles, fried dough, cake pops and cupcakes.

“The Open House is a great opportunity for the community to come together and get to know their local firefighters,” Chief Mitchell said. “We’re looking forward to an educational afternoon full of opportunities for residents to learn more about firefighting, and then we will hold our annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, a much more somber event where we ask the community to gather to remember those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.”

The annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony will begin promptly at 6:45 p.m., marking the 18th anniversary observance of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

The ceremony will include a short prayer, words from Chief Mitchell and the ringing of a ceremonial ‘5-5-5’ alarm as is tradition for remembering firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

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Georgetown Fire Department Offers Hot Weather Safety Tips Ahead of Potential Heat Wave

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GEORGETOWN — As this weekend’s projected heat wave approaches, Chief Fred Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department would like to remind residents to take precautions to protect themselves from the heat and humidity.

“We’re encouraging residents to do what they can to avoid strenuous outdoor activities this weekend, especially mid-day and in the early afternoon when the sun is at its strongest,” Chief Mitchell said. “If you have to be outdoors, please take breaks, try to find shade, drink plenty of water and pay attention to your body’s needs.”

The National Weather Service is predicting that temperatures will reach into the high 90s throughout the weekend in Georgetown. Regionally, temperatures are forecast to be in the 90s to lower 100s, and Saturday is expected to be the hottest day.

An Excessive Heat Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for most of Massachusetts on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

To prevent illness and injuries during the heat wave, the Georgetown Fire Department recommends the following safety tips from the American Red Cross, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and National Safety Council:

Heat Safety Tips:

  • Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach over 100 degrees, even on a 70 degree day.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, like water. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and beverages high in caffeine and sugar.
  • Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
  • If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like libraries, theaters, malls, etc. Those without air conditioning who stay at home are encouraged to stay on the lowest floor, out of the sun, avoid using the stove and oven, and use fans.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
  • Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 3 p.m.
  • Postpone outdoor games and activities if the temperature is too hot.
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes.
  • Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
  • Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
  • Learn to recognize and treat heat illnesses.

Tips for Parents: 

  • Limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses.
  • Avoid burns. If playground equipment is hot to the touch, it is too hot for your child’s bare skin.

To learn more about summer safety, visit the American Red Cross or National Safety Council websites.

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Georgetown Fire Department Hires First Full-Time Firefighters

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GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred Mitchell is pleased to share that the Georgetown Fire Department has hired its first crew of full-time firefighters.

Firefighters James Driscoll, of Salisbury, Bret Moyer, of Georgetown, and Brian Belfiore, of Haverhill, began their new roles today, Monday, July 1. 

Firefighter Moyer’s father and grandfather both served on the Georgetown Fire Department.

“This is second nature for me,” Firefighter Moyer said. “I was born and raised in Georgetown. I enjoy helping the community where I live and work.”

Firefighter Moyer has worked part-time at the Georgetown Fire Department since 2005, and Firefighter Belfiore has worked part-time for the department for approximately three years. 

Firefighter Belfiore is also a call firefighter for the Groveland Fire Department, and Firefighter Driscoll is a call firefighter for the Newbury Fire Department and has previously volunteered for the South Hampton, New Hampshire Fire Department. 

“I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter,” Firefighter Driscoll said. “I’m a first generation firefighter, the first in my family. Growing up I loved looking at the trucks and visiting the stations.”

The Georgetown Fire Department also hired Firefighter Jennifer Hicks, of Groveland, who will begin her new post on Sept. 2. Firefighter Hicks started as a call firefighter in Groveland approximately four years ago and began working for the Georgetown Fire Department part-time about two years ago. 

All four full-time firefighters have completed the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Firefighter I and II training, and are certified EMTs. 

The Georgetown Fire Department was given funding by the town to hire the full-time firefighters after Municipal Resources Inc. Consulting Group conducted a study that analyzed the department’s staffing needs. In fall 2018, the consulting firm recommended that the town eventually hire six full-time firefighters to meet its staffing needs. 

“Georgetown is growing, and with a larger population and increased development in town, the Fire Department needs to evolve and grow to meet the community’s needs,” Chief Mitchell said. “We’ve also seen that it’s become increasingly challenging to staff our day shifts with part-time firefighters. It’s a huge commitment, and we need full-time staff to provide a consistent, full response.”

The four firefighters will work the Monday through Friday day-shift, two firefighters from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and two firefighters from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chief Mitchell hopes to hire two more full-time firefighters for the 2021 fiscal year. The department will continue to be staffed by full-time, part-time and call firefighters.

“This is an exciting time for our department and the town,” Chief Mitchell said. “We’ll be able to provide a more consistent response by having a group of full-time firefighters available during the day to assist our part-time and call firefighters. This is a great model that works well for the needs of the town.”

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Georgetown Fire Department Shares Summer Safety Tips

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GEORGETOWN — With summer on the horizon and spring in full swing, Chief Fred Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department wish to remind residents of important warm weather safety tips.  

“It’s grilling season, and as the weather warms up it’ll soon be pool swimming season too,” Chief Mitchell said. “It’s a fun time of year for us all to get outside, but it’s important that everyone remembers to grill responsibly and practice safe swimming habits.”

According to a report issued by the National Fire Protection Association this April, approximately 10,200 home fires nationwide are started each year by grills.

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services has several tips for grilling safely in the coming weeks and months:

Safety First

  • Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
  • Place grills away from the house, deck railings and out from under eaves of overhanging branches.
  • Grills should only be used on first floor porches, decks, or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.
  • Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grilling area. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders.

Gas Grill Safety

  • Make sure 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.
  • Check that all connections are tight before turning on the gas.
  • Clean the grease trap every time you grill.
  • Check the propane tank hose for potential leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle. See if any bubbles appear around the hose. If no bubbles appear, the grill is safe to use.
  • If you smell gas while cooking, turn the grill off and move away from it. Call 911 from a safe location. Do not move the grill.
  • Store propane cylinders upright in an outdoor, shaded area. Cylinders should not be used, stored or transported where they can be exposed to high temperatures.

Charcoal Grill Safety

  • Use only charcoal starter fluid. Never used gasoline or kerosene to start a fire in a grill and never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals.
  • Always use charcoal grills in a well-ventilated area. Charcoal briquettes emit carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.
  • Properly dispose 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.

Pool Safety:

According to the American Red Cross, 10 people die daily due to unintentional drowning and approximately 20% of those people are under the age of 14. 

Chief Mitchell is also urging residents to take heed of several pool safety tips this summer.

  • Per Massachusetts regulation, pools should be surrounded by a 4-foot-high barrier that encloses the pool and has an access gate that self-closes, locks and opens outward from the swimming area (even if you don’t have children).
    • Fasten a safety cover over the pool when it is not in use, and remove ladders to further prevent access into the pool. Pool alarms are required whenever a house door leads directly to a pool deck.
    • Never leave children unattended while they are in or near a pool, and make sure they have an adult to accompany them into the water. Young or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket or inflatable arm flotation devices.
    • Make sure children stay away from pool drains, pipes or any other openings to avoid getting trapped or hurt.
    • Set safety instructions and share them with family, friends, neighbors and anyone else who is near or uses the pool. Advise children to stay away from pool deep ends, and to always walk, never run near the pool.
    • Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.
    • Never use the pool if the chemical levels are not correct, or if the water is cloudy and you can’t see the bottom.
    • Take a CPR course for adults and children to be prepared if an emergency situation occurs. Update skills regularly.
    • Watch the local weather reports and do not swim if thunderstorms are in the forecast.
    • Those who are 21 and older should drink responsibly if they choose to consume alcoholic beverages when by the pool. Overindulging increases the risk for injuries or accidental drowning.
    • Avoid using glass containers by the pool. They could break and leave glass around the pool or in the water.
  • For a complete listing of Massachusetts building code regulations regarding swimming pools, click here.

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Georgetown Fire Department Offers Hurricane Safety Tips

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GEORGETOWN — As the Atlantic Hurricane Season begins this month, Chief Fred Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department are recommending a series of precautions for residents to read and understand in the event of a tropical storm or hurricane.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season began on Saturday, June 1, and will end on November 30. Historically, hurricanes and tropical storms in August and September have had the greatest impact on New England communities. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a near normal hurricane season this year, which would result in between nine and 15 named storms. Between two and four of those storms are predicted to be major hurricanes. 

“There are a lot of factors that go into preparing for a hurricane, and now is a great time for residents to plan and familiarize themselves with safety tips,” Chief Mitchell said. “It’s essential to create a plan that meets the needs of everyone in your family, from grandparents, to toddlers, to your pets and for everyone to practice that plan.”

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has several safety tips for residents in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm in our area:

  • Stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts.
  • Develop a family emergency plan by establishing meeting locations, creating an emergency contact plan, planning how to evacuate and learning how to shelter in place. Practice your plan with your entire family, and make sure the plan accounts for individuals who have access needs, seniors, children and pets.
  • Acquaint yourself with the emergency plans at places where your family spends considerable time, such as your workplace or your children’s school.
  • Those receiving medical treatment or home health services can work with a medical provider to learn how to maintain care in the event of a hurricane that requires evacuation.
  • Create an emergency kit that includes items such as bottled water, a three day supply of non-perishable and ready-to-eat foods, can opener, radio, flashlight or lantern, batteries, cell phone and charger, wrench, pliers, prescription medications, personal hygiene items, change of clothe and shoes, important documents and identification materials, money, first aid kit, emergency whistle, waterproof matches/lighter and area maps. Individuals with young children should pack necessities such as diapers, wipes, formula and baby food. Those with pets should pack a collar, leash, harness, crate, food, bowls, current photo, license and medical information.
  • Follow instructions from public safety officials.
  • Maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and check their batteries.
  • Contemplate purchasing a generator. If you do, be sure to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions to use it safely. NEVER run a generator indoors, in a garage or with the exhaust facing the home or home air intakes.
  • Take photos or videos of your possessions to create a record for insurance purposes.
  • Prepare your home if a storm is coming by securing outdoor objects, clearing rain gutters, covering windows with shutters or plywood (do not use tape), turn off propane tanks that aren’t being used, elevate items in your basement in case of flooding, check your sump pump, unplug sensitive electronic equipment, clear nearby catch basins, park vehicles in areas that are unlikely to flood, and remove any boats from the water.
  • Do not go out during a hurricane or tropical storm, if possible.

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Georgetown Fire Department Offers Electrical Safety Tips

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GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department wish to remind residents of important electrical safety tips this May. 

Each May, the Electrical Safety Foundation International launches National Electrical Safety Month, a campaign to raise awareness about electrical safety.

According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, electrical fires are the second leading cause behind fatal residential fires in Massachusetts. 

“It’s far too easy to overlook the warning signs leading up to an electrical fire and we encourage residents to take the time to examine their devices and outlets,” Chief Mitchell said. “Keep an eye on your machines and appliances, and make sure they aren’t being misused or overused.”

The National Fire Protection Association offers the following Electrical Fire Safety Tips:

  • Make sure all electrical work is done by a qualified electrician.
  • When buying a new home or remodeling, have it inspected by someone qualified to do so.
  • Don’t plug more than one heat-producing appliance into an outlet, like a space heater or toaster.
  • Do not plug a major appliance, like a refrigerator, dryer, washer, stove or air conditioner, into an extension cord. These machines need to be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet.
  • Consider having an advanced circuit breaker installed, which will shut off electricity when they detect a problem.
  • Do not run electrical cords across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended to be used temporarily.
  • Make sure you’re using a light bulb with the correct number of watts.
  • The National Fire Protection Association also encourages people to call a qualified electrician if fuses blow frequently in the home, circuit breakers frequently trip, you have a tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance, wall outlets are warm or discolored, a burning or rubbery smell is coming from an appliance, flickering or dimming lights, or sparks coming from an outlet.

The National Fire Protection Association also has several tips for outdoor electrical safety:

  • Use lighting and power tools that are meant to be used outdoors and have been listed by a qualified test laboratory.
  • Store electrical tools inside and keep them away from children.
  • Make sure the area around your electric meter and other electrical equipment is clear.
  • Before turning on a light or using an extension cord, check it for damage. Replace damaged cords.
  • Only use extension cords that are meant to be used outdoors and are listed by a qualified test laboratory.

Residents that have an electrical safety question or a concern can reach the Georgetown Fire Department at 978-352-5757.

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Georgetown Fire Department Set to Head Out on 18th Annual Santa Tour

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Georgetown-MA-Alarm-Installation

Georgetown Fire Department
Fred A. Mitchell Jr., Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

For Immediate Release

Friday, Dec. 8, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Georgetown Fire Department Set to Head Out on 18th Annual Santa Tour

The Santa Tour winds through the streets of Georgetown every year. (Courtesy Photo)

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. is pleased to announce that the Georgetown Fire Department will be taking Santa around town this weekend as part of its 18th annual fundraising event for Toys for Tots.

WHEN:

Sunday, Dec. 10, beginning at 11 a.m.

WHERE:

Each of the neighborhoods in town 

WHAT:

Georgetown firefighters and Santa will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for children, ages infant to 16, all along their route. Those who miss the Santa tour can drop off toys at the police or fire station, 47 Central St.

The fire department has been collecting toys to donate to Toys for Tots — a foundation started by the U.S. Marine Corps — since 2000.

“This event is something that our entire department looks forward to year after year,” event coordinator Deputy Chief Rusty Ricker said. “We love the Santa Tour because it’s fun for our residents and firefighters, and gives everyone in the community a chance to give back and make the holiday season memorable for kids in need.”

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Georgetown Fire Department to Host Open House

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Georgetown-MA-Alarm-Installation

Georgetown Fire Department
Fred A. Mitchell Jr., Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Georgetown Fire Department to Host Open House

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. is pleased to announce that the Georgetown Fire Department is hosting its annual open house next month.

WHEN

Saturday, Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE

Georgetown Fire Department, 47 Central St.

WHAT

Residents are invited to participate in the following activities and demonstrations at the Open House:

  • Fire safety house tours
  • Fire truck tours
  • Interactive fire extinguisher simulation
  • Firefighters in gear demonstration, including a walkthrough of the rapid removal of firefighters’ gear during an emergency
  • Learn firefighting skills with authentic training equipment — make your way through the entanglement prop, and show your strength with the forcible entry prop.

Firefighters will also be conducting the Firefighter Challenge for children all day. The challenge includes working the Keiser FORCE machine, an obstacle course, a tunnel crawl, rescuing a mannequin and operating a hose.

Loot bags and helmets are available for everyone while supplies last.   

“This is a great opportunity for the Georgetown community to have a first-hand look at what we do as a department,” Chief Mitchell said. “It also gives us a chance to meet residents in a fun setting, and we hope that as many people as possible can stop by.”

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Georgetown Fire Department Responds To Machine Fire

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Georgetown-MA-Alarm-Installation

Georgetown Fire Department
Fred A. Mitchell Jr., Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

For Immediate Release

Friday, July 14, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Georgetown Fire Department Responds To Machine Fire

The Georgetown Fire Department responded to a fire at the Metaltronics warehouse. (Courtesy Photo)

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. reports that the Georgetown Fire Department responded Thursday morning to a machine fire.

At 10:23 a.m., Thursday, July 13, Georgetown firefighters were dispatched to the Metaltronics manufacturing and warehouse building on East Main Street for a report of a machine fire. Upon their arrival, firefighters learned that a Metaltronics employee had extinguished the fire by the time they arrived on scene, but smoke remained inside the building. There were no injuries.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was likely started by a spark from a processing machine that was drawn up into an exhaust pipe, causing a flash fire. 

The Rowley and Newbury Fire Departments provided mutual aid at the scene, while a Groveland Fire Department engine provided station coverage. 

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Department Headquarters

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47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

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CHIEF FRED A. MITCHELL, JR.

Georgetown Fire Department.
Always on duty.