WEST NEWBURY — Chief Michael Dwyer reports that the West Newbury Police and Fire Departments responded Thursday to an accident at a horse farm on Garden Street.

On Thursday, Oct. 24, at approximately 11:11 a.m., West Newbury Fire, Police and Atlantic Ambulance responded to 168 Garden St., the Indian Meadow Farm Boarding and Training Center, for a rider who was thrown from a horse and injured.

First responders arrived to find that a 34-year-old female was suffering serious injuries. The patient was treated on scene and transported to Cammett Park. From there, she was flown by Boston MedFlight to a regional trauma center.

The Groveland Fire Department provided mutual aid at the landing zone.

No additional information is available.

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Michael Dwyer reports that the West Newbury Police and Fire Departments responded Sunday night when a pickup truck drove into the Merrimack River at a boat ramp.

On Sunday, Aug. 11, at approximately 10:39 p.m., the West Newbury Police and Fire Departments were called to the boat ramp at Church and Bridge streets for a report of a truck that drove into the water. The truck’s driver was reportedly out of the vehicle at the time. 

A preliminary investigation determined that the truck’s driver parked at the boat ramp and forgot to put his vehicle into park before exiting it. The vehicle then entered the water and drifted several yards offshore. 

The West Newbury Police and Fire Departments were assisted at the scene by Merrimac Police, the West Newbury Harbormaster, the Haverhill Harbormaster, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Beverly Dive Team. 

There were no reported injuries.

West Newbury Public Safety and the Council on Aging, SAGE Center wish to share tips for residents to stay safe, cool, and healthy with severe heat expected in the coming days.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory valid from noon on Tuesday, June 18, to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 21. During this time, heat index values are expected to climb as high as 104 degrees. In Massachusetts, temperatures may reach a high of 96 degrees during the day, with not much relief during the overnight hours, as heat indexes are only expected to drop into the 70s.

Cooling centers will be opened up if needed at the West Newbury Public Safety Building.

Even in short exposure periods, severe temperatures such as these can be extremely hazardous and at times fatal. According to the National Weather Service, approximately 1,220 people die each year from extreme heat. Despite the threat heat poses to the body, heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable.

To stay healthy and safe during the heat advisory, the department would like to offer the following tips from the National Weather Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Red Cross.

Heat Safety Tips:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Replace salt and minerals with snacks or a sports drink.
• KEEP COOL – Spend as much time as you can in cooler surroundings. Use air conditioners to cool the air. Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device during a heat advisory.
• 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

• • Factors that may impact a person’s ability to cool off during a heat wave include age, weight, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use.
  • In particular, those over age 65 or under age two, people with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant women are those at the highest risk during an extreme heat event.

• 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.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out.
• 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 or withdraw from outdoor games and activities if the temperature is too hot.
• Use your stove less and try to cook your meals in the cooler part of the day.
• Take frequent breaks if working outdoors. The CDC recommends workers performing heavy-duty work in 96-degree temperatures should work for 45 minutes and rest for 15.
• Hot cars can be deadly. It is never safe to leave a child, disabled person, or pet in your vehicle. Cars can quickly reach 100-degree temperatures, leaving unattended passengers vulnerable to sudden heat-related illnesses.

• • Always leave your car locked when you are not using it, even in your own driveway.
• Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water. Do not leave your animals outdoors unattended for more than 15 minutes.
• Parents should limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize themselves with the signs of heat illnesses. Any playground equipment or outdoor toy that is hot to the touch is too hot for a child to safely use.

The departments also remind the community to remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of heat stroke, including:

• A fever above 103 degrees
• Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Nausea

In case of heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Move the person into a cool place. Attempt to cool the body down using wet cloths, fanning, misting, or a cool bath. Do not give the person anything to drink.

Also, be on the lookout for the following symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• Heavy sweating
• Cold, pale, and clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness or weakness
• Fainting
• Dizziness

For more information about heat stroke and heat exhaustion from the CDC, click here.

In case of heat exhaustion, move to a cool place, tighten any loose clothing, attempt to cool the body, and sip water slowly.  Seek medical help immediately if vomiting occurs, symptoms last longer than an hour or get worse, or if confusion develops.

Dial 911 in case of any severe illnesses or injuries.

The departments would like to remind the community that maintaining health and safety during a heat advisory is everyone’s responsibility. Stay vigilant and keep an eye on yourself and those around you. Although the hot weather may seem like a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, keep in mind that heat-related illnesses can affect anyone if not taken seriously.

WEST NEWBURY — The West Newbury Police and Fire Departments, as well as police and fire from Merrimac and Groveland and local ambulance companies, will be on hand at Pentucket Middle High School on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 23 for a mock crash that is being presented to students.

A large number of first responders will be at the Middle High School starting about noon to facilitate the mock crash, which is meant to give students a look at the risks associated with drinking and driving and distracted driving. The mock crash is being presented in the front of the school, between the school building and the school’s parking lot. Police and fire radio traffic will also be part of the drill, so those listening to scanners locally are also reminded that the incident is a drill. 

The mock crash will wrap up about 2 p.m. Residents are encouraged to not be alarmed if they see a large number of first responders at the Middle High School between noon and 2 p.m.

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Michael Dwyer reports that the West Newbury Police and Fire Departments, with assistance from other town departments, responded to a dump truck rollover on Turkey Hill Road Friday.

West Newbury Police and Fire were called to the area of Turkey Hill Road near Rogers Street at about 12:40 p.m. for a report of a rollover crash.

First responders arrived on scene to discover a single-vehicle crash involving a 10-wheel dump truck that was traveling south on Turkey Hill Road when it left the roadway, rolled over and spilled a load of logs.

The driver of the truck was evaluated at the scene by Merrimac Ambulance, but declined to be transported to a hospital.

There were no hazardous materials spills, but West Newbury Police and Fire were assisted by West Newbury Conservation and West Newbury Department of Public Works as the scene was evaluated and cleaned up.

Merrimac and Newburyport police also assisted at the scene, and firefighters from Groveland covered calls in West Newbury while the scene was active.

Turkey Hill Road was closed while the scene was cleared.

The crash remains under investigation by West Newbury Police with assistance from Massachusetts State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section.

Chief Michael Dwyer reports that the West Newbury Police and Fire Departments, with assistance from other town departments, are responding to a dump truck rollover on Turkey Hill Road, and the departments are asking residents to avoid the area if possible.

West Newbury Police and Fire were called the area of Turkey Hill Road near Rogers Street about 12:40 p.m., for a report of a rollover crash.

They arrived on scene to discover a single-vehicle crash involving a 10-wheel dump truck that was traveling south on Turkey Hill Road when it left the roadway, rolled over and spilled a load of logs.

The driver of the truck was evaluated at the scene by Merrimac Ambulance, but declined to be transported to a hospital.

There are no hazardous materials spills at the scene, but West Newbury Police and Fire, assisted by West Newbury Conservation and West Newbury Department of Public Works, are at the scene and expect to be there for at least several hours while the scene is cleaned up.

Turkey Hill Road is closed in the area, with detours in place.

The crash remains under investigation by West Newbury Police with assistance from Massachusetts State Police.