Georgetown Fire

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 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 Police and Fire Departments Provide Halloween Safety Tips

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For Immediate Release

Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018

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

Georgetown Police and Fire Departments Provide Halloween Safety Tips

 

GEORGETOWN —  With Halloween right around the corner, Fire Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. and Police Chief Donald C. Cudmore would like to provide the community with several important safety tips.

Each year from 2014 to 2016, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 10,100 fires were reported to fire departments in the United States over a three-day period around Halloween. This caused an estimated 30 deaths, 125 injuries and $102 million in property loss.

Halloween fires typically occur outdoors, and are often caused by open flames coming into contact with flammable decorations. Cooking fires have also historically spiked on Halloween.

Trick or treat hours in Georgetown will occur from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Children should:

  • Only approach well-lit houses and always travel in small groups
  • Wear clothing that is bright, reflective and flame retardant
  • Use flashlights for guidance on sidewalks, walkways and when crossing the street
  • Make sure masks have eye-holes large enough to see any tripping hazards or oncoming traffic, and mouth openings large enough to breathe easily
  • Practice safe street-crossing by using crosswalks and walk signals
    Wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing under costumes

Parents and guardians should:

  • Supervise children under 12 years old
  • Establish a designated curfew for older children
  • Make sure children are wearing safe costumes that fit well and don’t drag on the ground
  • Apply reflective tape to your child’s arms, legs and treat bags
  • Assure costume accessories such as swords and other pointed objects are made with soft and safe materials

Homeowners should:

  • Keep inside and outside lights on during trick-or-treat hours
  • Avoid placing lit candles and jack-o-lanterns on doorsteps and walkways where costumes could brush against them and cause burns or fire
  • Keep Halloween decorations away from open flames, light bulbs and heaters
  • Only hand out candy that is packaged and wrapped
  • Use battery operated candles for Halloween decorations
  • Avoid handing out small toys that could cause choking or lead poisoning for small children

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Georgetown Fire Department Responds to Chimney 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

Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018

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

Georgetown Fire Department Responds to Chimney Fire

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred Mitchell Jr. reports that the Georgetown Fire Department extinguished a chimney fire last week.

On Friday, Feb. 2, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Georgetown Fire Department was dispatched to a residence on Bartlett Drive for a report of a chimney fire.

Engine 1, Engine 4, Ladder 1 and Car 1 responded.  Upon arrival, firefighters on Engine 1 found embers and smoke emitting from the chimney.

Crews from Engine 1 then entered the residence to assess the fireplace and check for extension to the first and second floors, along with the attic. Thankfully, the fire had not extended.

Firefighters then placed a ladder up to the chimney and roof. They noticed that there was a blockage approximately 2 feet from the top of the chimney and that the flue had partially collapsed.

Crews quickly extinguished the fire and removed the blockage. No injuries were reported.

“This was a best-case scenario in terms of chimney fires in that there was no extension into the home,” Chief Mitchell said. “We’re thankful that no one was injured, and cannot stress enough the importance of completing fireplace maintenance at the start of heating season to ensure everything is in safe, working order.”

To prevent chimney fires, the Georgetown Fire Department recommends that residents:

  • Have your chimney flue cleaned before each heating season and burn only dry, well-seasoned, hardwood to reduce creosote accumulation.
  • Be sure to check the combustion chamber for damage and look for corrosion or damage to the vent before using.
  • Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
  • Be sure that the damper of the chimney is open before lighting a fire. Failure to do so can result in an accumulation of smoke and carbon monoxide within the home. Do not close the damper before the fire has died out and the embers are cold.
  • Use a fireplace screen to prevent flying sparks and embers from falling out onto the floor.
  • Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Be sure to properly dispose of ashes from chimneys and stoves. Ashes should be shoveled into a metal bucket with a metal lid, placed outside, on the ground, away from the building, to prevent fires. Do not place ashes into a paper bag or cardboard box, as ashes and embers can stay hot for days and ignite combustibles.

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Georgetown Fire Department Reminds Residents to Be Safe During Snow Storm

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

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018

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

Georgetown Fire Department Reminds Residents to Be Safe During Snow Storm

GEORGETOWN — During today’s winter storm, the Georgetown Fire Department reminds residents to stay indoors and follow several important safety tips.

The National Weather Service predicts:

  • The region could see as much as 14 inches of snow.
  • Wind gusts may reach as high as 49 mph and carry with it a windchill factor of 3 below zero.
  • Driving conditions will likely be very poor. Significant reductions in visibility are possible with near white-out conditions for a time Thursday.
  • Damage to trees and power lines is possible. Power outages may occur.
    Friday will likely see a high temperature of 13 degrees and a low of 4 below zero. Saturday could be even colder with a high of 7 degrees and low of 9 below zero.

WEATHERING THE STORM

  • The Police and Fire stations will be open throughout the storm. If you have an emergency, call 911. 
  • Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. Give plows and sand/salt trucks the space they need to operate.
  • Fully charge your cell phone, laptop and any other devices.

COLD CONTINUES ON

With this type of weather, frostbite and hypothermia are possible for those without proper protection from the cold. To stay safe, the Georgetown Fire Department ask that residents follow these tips from the MEMA:

  • Minimize outdoor activities for the whole family, including pets.
  • 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. •
  • Be a good neighbor. Check with elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors to ensure their safety
  • When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as an emergency generator, your fireplace, wood stove, coal stove or space heater, make sure they 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.
  • If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the area of the water pipe that might be frozen. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
  • Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame devices. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.

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Georgetown Fire Department Offers Cold Weather Safety Tips

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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

Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017

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

Georgetown Fire Department Offers Cold Weather Safety Tips

GEORGETOWN — With a stretch of below freezing temperatures expected over the next several days, Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. and the Georgetown Fire Department would like to remind residents to follow several important safety tips.

According to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, daytime high temperatures will likely not rise above the teens from Thursday through the weekend, and high temperatures in some inland locations may not rise above the single digits. Overnight low temperatures will likely drop below zero.

The coldest periods are forecast to be Wednesday night into Thursday morning and Thursday night into Friday morning. Another bout of especially cold wind chills is possible Saturday night into Sunday morning and Sunday night into Monday morning.

“When temperatures drop this low, the risk of fire and injury increases,” Chief Mitchell said. “It is extremely important that residents remember to properly heat their homes and check to make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working in the event of an emergency.”

With this type of weather, frostbite and hypothermia are possible for those without proper protection from the cold. To stay safe, the Georgetown Fire Department asks that residents follow these tips from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

  • Minimize outdoor activities for the whole family, including pets.
  • 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.
  • Be a good neighbor. Check with elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors to ensure their safety.

Additionally, because of the extreme cold, other areas of your home and vehicles may be affected:

Increased fire risk due to unsafe/improper use of alternative heating sources or people trying to thaw frozen pipes with blowtorches or similar devices.

  • If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the area of the water pipe that might be frozen. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
  • Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame devices. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.

Possible increase in incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning from unsafe/improper use of alternative heating sources.

  • Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel, as well as alternate emergency heating equipment in case you lose electricity.
  • When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as an emergency generator, your fireplace, wood stove or space heater, make sure they are properly ventilated and always operate a generator outdoors and away from your home. Improper use of heating devices can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in the home.

Possible vehicle failure.

  • Make sure your car is properly winterized. Keep the gas tank at least half-full. Carry a winter emergency car kit including blankets, extra clothing, a flashlight with spare batteries, non-perishable foods, windshield scraper, shovel, sand, tow rope and jumper cables in the trunk.

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Georgetown Fire Department Extinguishes Fire Outside Johnnie’s Place

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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

Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017

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

Georgetown Fire Department Extinguishes Fire Outside Johnnie’s Place

The Georgetown Fire Department responded to Johnnie’s Place after a fire was reported outside the building. (Courtesy Photo Georgetown Fire Department)

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred Mitchell reports that the Georgetown Fire Department extinguished a fire outside a building in town earlier this week.

On Monday, Aug. 7, at 12:32 p.m., Georgetown firefighters were dispatched to Johnnie’s Place, 69 East Main St., after fire and smoke were reported outside the building.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a working fire on the perimeter of the building and smoke in the building’s basement. The fire did not extend into the building and was quickly extinguished.

There were no injuries or damage to the interior of the building. The facade of the building sustained minor damage.

Crews from the Newbury, Groveland, and Rowley Fire Departments arrived on scene for mutual aid, while the Boxford and West Newbury Fire Department provided station coverage.

The cause is under investigation, however, a preliminary investigation indicates that the fire could have started from an improperly discarded cigarette.

Johnnie’s Place reopened after the Georgetown Building Inspector and the Georgetown Board of Health inspected the interior and exterior and deemed it safe.

The Georgetown Fire Department has responded to multiple fires believed to have been caused by the improper disposal of cigarettes, including at the Black Swan Country Club last year. To prevent fires caused by cigarettes, the Georgetown Fire Department reminds residents of several important safety tips:

  • Never toss hot cigarettes butts or ashes into bushes, mulch, or grassy areas that can easily catch fire.
  • Throwing cigarettes on the ground is considered littering.
  • Fully extinguish cigarettes in an ash tray or a non-combustible container.
  • Soak cigarette butts in water before throwing them away.
  • If smoking inside, don’t place ash trays on combustible surfaces.

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Georgetown Fire Department Provides Halloween Safety Tips

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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, Oct. 25, 2016

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

Georgetown Fire Department Provides Halloween Safety Tips

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department are reminding residents of the following safety tips as Halloween approaches.

Halloween, which is celebrated on Oct. 31, falls on a Monday this year. Trick-or-treat hours in Georgetown are from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Georgetown community should also use caution as they celebrate the weekend prior to Halloween, Oct. 28-30.

“Georgetown is a wonderful residential community for trick-or-treating, and the department is committed to insuring everyone’s safety as they walk around town,” Chief Mitchell said. “Drivers, please be extra aware of those out and about on Halloween night. Drive slow, keep your lights on, and yield to all pedestrians.”

The Georgetown Fire Department recommends that residents follow safety tips outlined by the Centers for Disease Control, which ask that people follow the “Safe Halloween” motto.

• Swords and other costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.

• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

• Fasten reflective tape on costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before you eat them.

• Hold a flashlight while walking to ensure that you are visible. Walk and don’t run from house to house.

• Always test makeup in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

• Lower your risk of serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

• Only walk on sidewalks wherever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe and to prevent accidents or injury.

• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.

• Eat only factory-wrapped candy. Avoid eating homemade treats offered by strangers.

• Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.

• Never walk near lit candles or devices with open flames. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Any parents or residents with questions on Halloween safety should contact the Georgetown Fire Department at (978) 352-5757.

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Georgetown Fire Department Reminds Residents of Smoke Detector Safety

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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, Sept. 9, 2016

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

Georgetown Fire Department Reminds Residents of Smoke Detector Safety

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell, Jr. and the Georgetown Fire Department are reminding residents about smoke alarm safety, especially the importance of having up-to-date and properly functioning detectors in your home or business.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire death and injuries. Three out of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Over the past six weeks, the Georgetown Fire Department has responded to at least six homes where smoke alarms were sounding for no apparent reason, which is usually a sign of a faulty detector. In each instance, firefighters discovered that the detectors were well past their expiration date according to manufacturer recommendations.

Chief Mitchell recommends that residents follow these tips outlined by the NFPA to keep homes safe and prevent fires:

  • Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn’t respond properly when tested.
  • Smoke alarms should be interconnected so that when one sounds, they all sound. Interconnection can be done using hard-wiring or wireless technology.
  • When interconnected smoke alarms are installed, it is important that all of the alarms are from the same manufacturer.
  • Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.
  • Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (life-long) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, a warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.

Installing smoke alarms

  • Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in the living room, den or family room, or near the stairway to the upper level.
  • Smoke alarms installed in the basement should be installed on the ceiling at the bottom of the stairs leading to the next level.
  • Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10 feet (3 meters) from a cooking appliance to minimize false alarms when cooking.
  • Mount smoke alarms high on walls or ceilings (remember, smoke rises). Wall-mounted alarms should be installed not more than 12 inches away from the ceiling (to the top of the alarm). If you have ceilings that are pitched, install the alarm within 3 feet of the peak but not within the apex of the peak (four inches down from the peak).
  • Don’t install smoke alarms near windows, doors, or ducts where drafts might interfere with their operation.
  • Never paint smoke alarms. Paint, stickers, or other decorations could keep the alarms from working.

If you are unsure about the safety of smoke alarms in your home, Georgetown firefighters will provide a free inspection. To make an appointment or for more information about properly installing or testing smoke detectors, contact the Georgetown Fire Department at 978-352-5757.

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Department Headquarters

map-marker-icon
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

August 2019
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CHIEF FRED A. MITCHELL, JR.

Georgetown Fire Department.
Always on duty.