Monday, March 13, 2017

For Immediate Release

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

*Joint Press Release* West Newbury Police and Fire Offer Snow Safety Tips

WEST NEWBURY — As residents prepare for tomorrow’s storm, Police Chief Art Reed and Fire Chief Michael Dwyer are offering several important tips to best ensure the safety of all.

The West Newbury Fire Department will have firefighters on duty throughout Tuesday, and residents are encouraged to call with any storm-related issues. Additionally, Atlantic Ambulance will be on standby for emergencies.

“If an issue arises tomorrow, we will be working and encourage community members to contact us for assistance,” Chief Dwyer said. “Please ensure that your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly so that you will be alerted in the event of an emergency.”

The West Newbury 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.

“With little to no visibility forecasted during the peak of the winter storm Stella, we strongly advise that residents keep off the roads,” Police Chief Art Reed said. “Complete your storm preparations today and stay safe tomorrow.”

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 West Newbury 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 West Newbury Police Department’s business line, 978-363-1213 or West Newbury Fire Department’s business line, 978-363-1111

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