Georgetown Fire

Georgetown Fire Department Discusses Staffing and Response Procedures During COVID-19 Crisis

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GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. and the Georgetown Fire Department wish to convey to the residents and business owners of Georgetown the status of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services in the town.

The Georgetown Fire Department is fully staffed and prepared to respond to any emergency.

All fire department stations and lobbies are currently closed to the public. Residents are encouraged to call the Fire Department business line at 978-352-5757 for most inquiries. Always dial 911 case of emergency. Residents are asked not to dial 911 for questions about COVID-19/Coronavirus. The state has set up the phone number 211 to answer questions that residents may have concerning COVID-19.

Firefighters and medics may appear different and may be wearing additional personal protective equipment (PPE) when responding to calls and their interactions with the public will be different, out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of first responders.

If emergency fire or medical services are needed, residents should inform the 911 dispatcher if they or anyone they have been in contact with is experiencing signs and symptoms consistent with the COVID-19 virus. The dispatcher should also be alerted if individuals or anyone they live with or have come in contact with have been required to self-quarantine.

Residents should also take precaution when disposing of cleaning products and chemicals as they sanitize their homes. To prevent fires caused by hazardous waste, people should properly follow instructions for the use and storage of chemical products. They should also closely read labels to know how to properly dispose of these products and to reduce the risk of them mixing with other chemicals. Never mix chemical cleaning products with other products, as incompatible products may react or ignite.

“The Georgetown Fire Department is prepared to help people through a multitude of situations during this uncertain time,” Chief Mitchell said. “We ask our residents to help  first responders by providing important health information if they call 911 and by regularly disinfecting their home. Everyone should also remain aware of other safety precautions they should take unrelated to COVID-19, such as general safety when using chemical products.”

COVID-19 is the illness associated with the novel coronavirus. It has led to declarations of a Global Pandemic by the World Health Organization, a national emergency by President Donald Trump and a state of emergency for Massachusetts. At this time, there are no known positive or presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Georgetown.

During this time of global pandemic, public health officials are strongly advising citizens to practice social distancing — remaining at least six feet away from others.

Chief Mitchell shares the following public guidelines, which have also been circulated widely by public health professionals and physicians:

  • If you are sick in any way, stay home
  • If you are over age 60 or have a preexisting medical condition, stay home
  • If you have a fever, aches, a cough, or sore throat, stay home and isolate yourself from others
  • If you can do your job from home, stay home and do so

Residents should continue to follow recommendations made by the Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH) and the CDC:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
  • Keep your hands away from your face.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
  • Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.

For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.

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Town of Georgetown Closes All Municipal Buildings, Outdoor Properties in Response to COVID-19

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GEORGETOWN — Town Administrator Michael Farrell reports that the Town of Georgetown is expanding its closures and cancellations to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to include all Georgetown buildings and facilities.

At this time, there are no known positive or presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Georgetown.

“We have made the decision to close the Town’s facilities after significant consideration, in an effort to do what is best for the health and well-being of our entire community,” Town Administrator Farrell said. “I’d like to thank our residents, as well as the Town’s staff, for your continued patience, understanding and cooperation through this complex, evolving situation. We will continue to provide updates regularly as new information becomes available.”

Effective today, Friday, March 20, the Town of Georgetown is closing all its facilities to the public, including parks, playgrounds, American Legion Park, the East Main Street recreation facility, Camp Denison, Harry Murch Park, the West Main Street fields and all Georgetown Public Schools playgrounds and fields.

All municipal buildings will remain closed to the public until further notice, though essential staff will continue to work in the Town of Georgetown. Residents should plan to conduct their business with the town either by email or over the phone. Visit the Town’s website at www.georgetownma.gov.

Earlier this week Town leadership also announced the closure of Town Hall, Georgetown Peabody Library and Council on Aging facilities until at least Monday, April 6.

The Town of Georgetown encourages residents to practice social distancing, and the town is urging private organizations to consider cancelling or rescheduling events that would gather large numbers of people or result in groups of people being in close proximity.

Local, state and federal health officials are encouraging residents to take the following precautions to prevent infectious diseases, such as the flu and COVID-19, from spreading:

  • Washing hands with soap and water, scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%-95% alcohol.
  • Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces, including phones, tablets, keyboards, doorknobs, light switches, faucet handles, toilet flushers, countertops.
  • Avoid sharing personal items such as ChapStick, water bottles, eating utensils, etc.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing and then wash hands.
  • Community members should stay home and avoid contact with others when
    experiencing flu-like symptoms including a fever of 100.4 and should remain home until symptom-free and/or fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

Governor Charlie Baker’s office also issued an order today making a change to the inspection statutes that require a smoke and carbon dioxide alarm inspection prior to a residential real estate transaction. The Order would permit the inspection to be deferred if the buyer contractually assumes responsibility for installing the detectors and the subsequent inspection happens within 90 days of the conclusion of the COVID-19 emergency.

The state has also set up the phone number 211 to answer questions that residents may have concerning COVID-19.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website here or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s (DPH) website here.

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Georgetown Firefighters Graduate from Call/Volunteer Firefighter Training

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GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. is pleased to announce that Firefighters Sean Manion Jr. and Bryan Pasdon graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy yesterday. 

Firefighters Manion and Pasdon were among 27 graduates from the MFA’s Call/Volunteer Firefighter Training Class 81 who were recognized on Thursday, Feb. 27, at a ceremony held at Masconomet Regional Middle School in Boxford. 

During the 16 week training, firefighters learned the basic skills they need to respond to fires, including how to contain and control them, public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, firefighter self-rescue and vehicle extrication. 

In order to graduate, firefighters completed 240 hours of training, all on nights and weekends, while demonstrating proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation and fire attack in situations ranging from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multi-room structural fires.

“Graduating from the Massachusetts Fire Academy’s program requires rigorous work, time and dedication to the fire service,” Chief Mitchell said. “We’re thrilled to congratulate Firefighters Manion and Pasdon on this accomplishment, and look forward to their assistance in serving the Town of Georgetown.”

Firefighter Manion joined the Georgetown Fire Department on Dec. 12, 2015, and Firefighter Pasdon has been with the department since July 24, 2019.

Firefighters Manion and Pasdon are both EMT certified, and live in Georgetown. Firefighter Manion is also a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, and graduated from Georgetown High School. 

Firefighter Pasdon is the son of Ret. Peabody Fire Chief Steve Pasdon, and Firefighter Manion is the son of Revere Fire Deputy Chief Sean Manion Sr.

The other 25 graduates represent the fire departments of Boxford, Dunstable, Groveland, Hamilton, Haverhill, Lynnfield, Middleton, Newbury, Rowley, Topsfield, Tyngsborough and Wenham. 

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Georgetown Firefighter Glenn Silva Retires after 41 Year Career

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GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. would like to announce the retirement of Firefighter and EMT Glenn Silva after a 41 year career with the Georgetown Fire Department. 

A Georgetown resident, Firefighter Silva joined the department in 1978 and rose through the ranks, serving as a Lieutenant, Captain and Deputy Chief throughout his career. He also served as the department’s Fire Chief for three years in the 1990s. 

Firefighter Silva’s last day with the Georgetown Fire Department is today, Tuesday, Dec. 31. 

“Firefighter Silva has been a tremendous asset to the Georgetown Fire Department for many years, and it has been a pleasure for us all to work alongside him,” Chief Mitchell said. “Georgetown has been very fortunate to have someone as dedicated to this community and the fire service as Firefighter Silva, and we wish him the very best in retirement.”

Firefighter Silva is trained in numerous areas of the fire service, including ice rescue and auto extrication, and assisted the department in implementing its Master Box Fire Alarm system for the town shortly after he joined the department. 

The Georgetown Fire Department held a surprise retirement party for Firefighter Silva at the Erie Fire Station on North Street on Saturday, Dec. 28.

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Georgetown Fire Department Offers Holiday Fire Safety Tips

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GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. and the Georgetown Fire Department wish to remind residents of important safety tips this holiday season. 

More than half of fires in December sparked by holiday decorations are caused by candles, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

“There are a lot of fire hazards present over the holidays, and it is important for everyone to pay attention as they set up their holiday trees and decorations, prepare meals, light candles and so on, to prevent fires,” Chief Mitchell said.

The Georgetown Fire Department wishes to share the following holiday safety tips from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

Christmas Tree Safety

  • It is recommended that residents seeking a natural tree purchase one that is fresh and cut it an inch or two from the bottom before putting it in water as soon as possible.
  • To test to see if a tree is too dry, bend a pine needle. If it breaks before bending in half, it is too dry. If pine needles fall off while you slowly pull your hand along the tree while holding it still, this is also a sign the tree may be too dry.
  • Water natural trees daily.
  • When the tree becomes too dry, dispose of it. Also dispose of trees soon after the holidays end.
  • Trees and decorations need to be displayed away from heat sources including heaters, fireplaces and candles.
  • Trees should be placed on stands with wide feet to prevent tipping, and wires can be used to tie a tree to keep it steady.
  • Residents should use electric holiday lights listed by an approved testing agency to decorate trees. People should also follow manufacturer instructions for tree lights. LED lights also use less electricity and are cooler in temperature. When using old lights, examine them for damage including frayed wires.
  • Do not allow tree light bulbs to directly touch the tree, curtains, wrapped gifts or anything flammable. Never place lit candles on or near a tree, and turn off tree lights when going to bed or leaving home.
  • For more information, visit www.mass.gov/news/state-fire-marshal-issues-holiday-decorating-safety-tips.

Outdoor Decoration Safety Tips

  • Only use lights rated for outdoor use when decorating outdoors.
  • LED lights are more energy efficient options and produce less heat.
  • Make sure to properly secure outdoor lights and decorations with insulated holders or hooks.
  • Keep water out by using electrical connection protectors.
  • Electric outdoor decorations should be plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter. Portable units can be purchased for outdoor use, or they can be permanently installed by an electrician.
  • Do not overload circuits.
  • Do not put nails, staples or tacks through wiring insulation.
  • After the holidays, take down and bring in outdoor electrical lights.

Candle Safety

  • When burning a candle, make sure there is a 1 foot circle around it that is cleared of anything flammable.
  • Blow out candles before leaving a room or building. Do not leave candles burning unattended.
  • Use a saucer or candle holder that is fireproof.
  • Make sure candles are kept out of reach of children and pets.
  • Consider using a flameless candle.

Cooking Safety

  • In the event of a grease fire, smother flames with a lid and then turn off the heat. Baking soda will also work.
  • Do not move a burning pan, which can spread the fire.
  • Do not throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire, as water will spread the fire and the extinguisher could splash flaming grease.
  • Never leave food, grease or oils cooking on the stove top without supervision.
  • Do not wear loose or long sleeves when cooking, as it can catch fire.
  • Strop, drop and roll if your clothing catches fire, run burns under cool water and call 9-1-1 for help.
  • Keep children and pets three feet away from the stove.
  • Do not store or use flammable objects, such as pot holders, towels, paper or plastic bags, near heating elements.
  • If a fire starts in an oven or microwave, close the door, turn the appliance off and call the fire department.
  • Do not put metal inside a microwave.
  • Unplug appliances such as toasters and coffee makers when you are not using them.
  • Do not store items in an oven.

Chief Mitchell also wishes to remind residents to test and maintain their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly.

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Georgetown Firefighters to Host Annual Santa Tour this Weekend

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GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. is pleased to announce that Santa Claus will be visiting every neighborhood in town during the 24th Annual Santa Tour this weekend. 

WHEN:

Sunday, Dec. 8, beginning at 11 a.m. 

WHERE:

The tour will start at the Byfield Town boarder on North Street. To view the tour’s route, see the schedule below.

WHAT:

Georgetown Firefighters are partnering with Santa this weekend to visit the majority of streets in town, during which Claus will collect new, unwrapped toys for children ranging from infants to age 16 from Georgetown residents wishing to donate to those in need.

The Georgetown Fire Department held the first Santa Tour in 1996, and in 2000, the department began collecting toys for Toys for Tots during the tour, which has become a longstanding tradition.

“The Annual Santa Tour is a really special tradition that our department looks forward to each year,” Chief Mitchell said. “Bringing Santa on a tour around town is always a fun way to celebrate the holiday season with the community, as well as a great way to support Toys for Tots and spread joy to children and families in need.”

Anyone who misses the Santa Tour can drop off toys at the Georgetown Police or Fire Stations at 47 Central St. until the end of the day on Friday, Dec. 13.

The department’s goal this year is to collect approximately 3,000 toys for the Toys for Tots program.

Toys for Tots was founded by the U.S. Marine Corps in 1947 to donate toys to kids who are less fortunate during the holiday season.

Below is a schedule (subject to change/delay) for the 2019 Santa Tour:

Please keep in mind that these are approximate times. Please DO NOT call the police or fire departments to find out where Santa is. Listen for the tour, and meet the firefighters and Santa on the edge of the street with your new unwrapped toy donations.

  • 11-11:40 a.m. — North Street to Web Road, North Street to Brownfield Lane, North Street to Wells/Swanton/Derek Circle, North Street to Meadowview Road, Charles Street, Amburg Street, Meadowview Road, Stone Row Lane.
  • 11:40 a.m.-12:45 p.m. — North Street to Thurlow Street, Tiger Row to Thurlow Street, Jewett Street to the Church of Latter Day Saints, Fazio Farm Road, Harris Way, Jewett Street, Jackman Street to Ordway Street, Warren Street to Byfield Parish Church, Jackman Street to Ordway Street, Warren Street to Belleau Woods and Rainbow Ridge Way, Whiffletree Lane, Warren Street to Sage Road, Raymond Court, Pineneedle Lane, Raymond Road, Warren Street to Village Lane, Jewett Street, Forrest Street, Crescent Drive to Warren Street to Jewett Street to Family Housing.
  • 12:45-2:15 p.m. — Jewett Street to Tenney Street, Acorn Way, Hawk Way, Hickory Lane, Tenney Street to Long Hill Road, Birch Tree Drive, Long View Way, Long Hill Road, Norino Way, Access Road to East Main Street, True Lane, East Main Street to Tenney Street, Searle Street, Wilkins Way, Searle Street to Woodland Road, Ledge Drive, Abbey Road, Marlboro Road, White Pine Drive, Lisa Lane, Bussing Way, Vineyard Lane, Grapevine Lane, Searle Street, Fieldstone Lane, Marlboro Road, Tenney Street, Spaulding Road, Tenney Street, East Main Street.
  • 2:45-4 p.m. — East Main Street, Pillsbury Lane, Reynard Lane, Partridge Place, Pillsbury Lane, Ilene Circle, Bernay Way, Pillsbury Lane, East Main Street, Winter Street, Maple Street, Park Street, Pleasant Street, Lincoln Street, North Street, Summer Street, Juniper Lane, Molloy Road, Linden Circle, Larch Road, Parsonage Street to North Street, Pond Street, Mill Street, Emily Lane, Lake Avenue, Prescott Lane, Carriage Lane, Pond Street to Groveland.
  • 4-4:45 p.m. — Thurlow Street, Kenneth Road, North Street, Sawmill Way, Rosemary Lane, Waldingfield Road, North Street to Brookmeadow, Oregon Street, North Street to Pond Street, Prospect Street.
  • 4:45-5:45 p.m. —West Main Street to King Street, Old Jacobs Road, West Main Street to Lakeridge Drive, Trestle Way, Laurel Lane, West Main Street to Spofford Avenue, Chaplin Road, Dodge Avenue, Weston Avenue, West Main Street to Middle Street, Clark Street, School Street, West Main Street to Moulton Street, Railroad Avenue, Monroe Street, Madison Avenue, Nelson Avenue, Andover Street.
  • 6:15-7 p.m. — Andover Street, Cedar Lane, Andover Street to Baldpate Road, Hillside Drive, Little’s Hill Lane, Londonderry Lane, Canterbury Drive, Andover Street to Lakeshore Drive, Taylor Street, Bailey Lane, Mohawk Circle, Lower Bailey Lane, Taylor Street to Beverly Drive, Lakeshore Drive to Bradford Loop, Hamilton Terrace, Andover Street.
  • 7-7:45 p.m. Andover Street to Upper Bailey Lane, Marion’s Way, Andover Street to Davis Lane, Andover Street to Pine Plain Road, West Street, Andover Street to Spofford Street, Hardy Terrace, Andover Street.
  • 7:45-8:45 p.m. Andover Street to Baldpate Road, Chaplin Hills Road, Blueberry Lane, Baldpate Road to Nelson Street, Central Street, Lantern Lane, Corinthian Way, Central Street to King George Drive, Central Street to Pingree Farm Road, East Street, Central Street to Library Street, East Main Street to Elm Street, Central Street.

Note: The Santa Tour will not be visiting the following streets: Bayberry Lane, Boardman Street, Brook Street, Deer Run Lane, Dummer Avenue, Flint Road, Hart Circle, High Street, Lynn Circle, Maureen Lane, Molloy Road Extension, Noyes Road, Oak Terrace, Old Jacobs Road beyond Gloria Road, Parish Road, Penn Brook Avenue, Phillips Avenue, Pillsbury Street, Pine Grove Avenue, Richardson Lane, Rock Pond Avenue, Robert Drive. 

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Georgetown Fire Department Reminds Residents to Clear Fire Hydrants of Snow

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GEORGETOWN —Following the season’s first significant snowfall, Chief Fred Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department are reminding residents to clear snow away from hydrants to ensure firefighters can access them easily in the event of a fire.

“It is imperative that hydrants are cleared of snow, to make sure firefighters aren’t encumbered by digging a hydrant out in the event of a fire,” Chief Mitchell said. “Every second is critical in an emergency situation like a fire, and we want to ensure no time is lost should such a situation arise.”

The Georgetown Fire Department is asking residents to help clear snow from within 3 feet of hydrants to ensure firefighters can efficiently and effectively respond to emergencies.

Firefighters lose valuable time if they are forced to locate and dig out a fire hydrant buried in the snow when they arrive at the scene of a fire. Having a visible and accessible fire hydrant could be the difference in saving a home or a life in the event of a fire.

Chief Mitchell also offers the following safety tips following a winter storm from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

  • Check in on family, friends and neighbors living alone, especially the elderly, those with medical conditions and anyone who might need help.
  • When shoveling, take frequent breaks to prevent overexertion.
  • Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by clearing exhaust vents from direct vent gas furnace systems.
  • Test and maintain carbon monoxide detectors.
  • To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, also clear snow from the areas around vehicle exhaust pipes before starting the vehicle.
  • Avoid roof collapses by checking your roof and clearing snow that may have accumulated.
  • While driving, watch out for children who may be playing in or near the street. Parents are encouraged to remind children to avoid playing in the street and be careful while playing outdoors.

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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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Department Headquarters

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47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

March 2020
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CHIEF FRED A. MITCHELL, JR.

Georgetown Fire Department.
Always on duty.