West Newbury, Groveland and Merrimac Police Departments Offer Halloween Safety Tips

October 9, 2018 by Jordan Mayblum Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018

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

West Newbury, Groveland and Merrimac Police Departments Offer Halloween Safety Tips

With Halloween now just weeks away, Chief Art Reed, Chief Jeffrey Gillen and Chief Eric Shears and the West Newbury, Groveland and Merrimac Police Departments want to remind families of several important safety tips as they prepare to take their children trick-or-treating.

Trick-or-treating hours in all three communities will occur on Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Chiefs Reed, Shears and Gillen wish to offer residents of their respective communities the following tips to help ensure everyone has a fun and safe Halloween.

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
Only hand out candy that is packaged and wrapped
Avoid handing out small toys that could cause choking or lead poisoning for small children

Additionally, any suspicious person or vehicle should immediately be reported to the West Newbury Police Department at 978-363-1212, the Merrimac Police Department at 978-346-8321 or the Groveland Police Department at 978-521-1212.

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UPDATE Missing girl found safe

September 24, 2018 by John Guilfoil 1 Comment

Chief Art Reed reports that 14-year-old Kelly Bruce has been found and is safe. She was found in Cumberland, Rhode Island at approximately 10 p.m.

Chief Reed and Newbury Police Chief Michael A. Reilly wish to thank all the law enforcement agencies who assisted in the search.

Police Searching for Missing 14-Year-Old Girl in West Newbury/Newbury

September 24, 2018 by John Guilfoil Leave a Comment

West Newbury Police Department
Art Reed, Chief of Police
401 Main St.
West Newbury, MA 01985

For Immediate Release

Monday, Sept. 24, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Office: 978-971-8101
Email: john@jgpr.net

Police Searching for Missing 14-Year-Old Girl in West Newbury/Newbury

Kelly Bruce, 14, of Byfield (Newbury) was last seen before 2 p.m. Monday and is feared to be in danger. (Courtesy Photo/Newbury Police Department)

WEST NEWBURY — Police Chief Art Reed and Newbury Police Chief Michael A. Reilly report that police are actively searching for a teenage girl who reportedly ran away from her home in Byfield.

Kelly Bruce, age 14, of Main Street in Byfield (Part of Newbury) was last seen before 2 p.m and is believed to have left home around that time. She was reported missing by a family member.

She is described as 5-foot-8-inches tall, weighing approximately 150 lbs., with light brown hair. Family is unsure what sort of clothing she was wearing when she left home.

Police from multiple communities including West Newbury, Newbury, Newburyport, Amesbury and Salisbury as well as the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) and the Massachusetts State Police are currently engaged in an active search around the Indian Hill Reservoir.

Based upon an initial investigation, police believe that Kelly may be in danger.

If anyone sees Kelly or knows where she may be, they are asked to contact the Newbury Police Department at 978-462-4440

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West Newbury Police Searching for Missing Child

September 24, 2018 by John Guilfoil Leave a Comment

West Newbury Police are actively searching for a missing 14-year-old girl who was last seen at 2 p.m.

Police are searching the south area of the Indian Hill Reservoir

West Newbury residents near the Reservoir are asked to please NOT come out into the woods. Police from multiple agencies are actively searching for the missing child. Residents may confuse K-9 units and contaminate search area. This includes Indian Hill Road, South Road, and Moulton Street.

Newburyport, Newbury, Amesbury, Salisbury and State Police are on scene.

More information will be released as soon as it is available.

West Newbury Police Department to Participate in Fall National Drug Take Back Day

September 18, 2018 by Jordan Mayblum Leave a Comment

West Newbury Police Department
Art Reed, Chief of Police
401 Main St.
West Newbury, MA 01985

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Office: 978-971-8101
Email: john@jgpr.net

West Newbury Police Department to Participate in Fall National Drug Take Back Day

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Art Reed announces that the West Newbury Police Department will participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day next month.

On Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., officers will be available at the West Newbury Police Station, 401 Main St., to collect prescription drugs from any resident wishing to dispose of their old, unwanted, or unneeded prescriptions. The event is free of charge.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which is organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration, addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue.

The drugs will be destroyed by Covanta Energy at one of the company’s energy-from-waste facilities located throughout New England, which convert pharmaceutical waste into clean, renewable energy for use by local communities.

“Members of our community turn out in strong numbers each time we host a take back day, and I’m looking forward to seeing that trend continue this time,” Chief Reed said. “The medicines that are left behind in homes or improperly disposed are at risk of falling into the wrong hands, so I ask residents to take advantage of this opportunity to safely get rid of them.”

Medicines left in home cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse and abuse. Studies indicate that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

Chief Reed would like to remind residents that while the West Newbury Police Department will only accept pills and patches during Take Back Day, residents who wish to dispose of sharps can do so at the health department.

In 2012, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health banned the disposal of household medical sharps in regular trash. West Newbury residents can drop off used sharps at the Board of Heath office, 381 Main St., Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., or by appointment.

Sharps must be disposed using an official sharps container. Residents may purchase official sharps containers at the Board of Health office for a minimal cost. Prices range from $1 to $15 depending on the size of the container.

For more information about National Drug Take Back Day, visit the DEA website by clicking here.

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West Newbury Police Department Offers Back to School Safety Tips

August 31, 2018 by Jordan Mayblum Leave a Comment

WNPD patch copy

West Newbury Police Department
Art Reed, Chief of Police
401 Main St.
West Newbury, MA 01985

For Immediate Release

Friday, Aug. 31, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Office: 978-971-8101
Email: john@jgpr.net

West Newbury Police Department Offers Back to School Safety Tips

WEST NEWBURY — As students prepare to return to school, Chief Art Reed and the West Newbury Police Department ask that community members follow several important safety tips.

Students in the Pentucket Regional School District will return to class on Tuesday, Sept. 4.

“Town roads will be busy with additional car, bicycle and pedestrian traffic once school is back in session, so I want to everyone to remember to drive safely throughout town and especially where children are present,” Chief Reed said. “I also want to emphasize to the inexperienced teenaged drivers just how important it is to obey posted speed limits and avoid distractions so that everyone can get to and from school safely.”

With students often on their phones texting, browsing the internet or playing games, the West Newbury Police Department recommends that parents talk to their children about the following safety tips provided by the National Safety Council (NSC) when headed to and from school:

Never walk while texting. If you need to respond to a text, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk.
Never cross the street while using an electronic device.
Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street.
Cross only at crosswalks.

Drivers should be on increased alert when traveling through school zones and should NEVER text and drive. Additionally, the NSC reminds operators to:

Stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection.
Always stop for a crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas.
Do not honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way.
Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.

To best ensure that children who travel to school by bus get there safely, West Newbury Police advise that students follow these tips from the NSC:

Getting on the bus:

When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness.
Line up away from the street as the bus approaches.
Wait until the bus has stopped and the doors open before approaching.

Behavior on the bus:

If available, always wear your seat belt.
Don’t put your head, arms or hands out the window.
Wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat.

Getting off the bus:

If you have to cross in front of the bus, walk at least 10 feet ahead until you can see the driver. Make sure the driver can see you too.
Wait for a signal from the driver before crossing. When the driver signals, look left, right, then left again. Walk across the road and keep an eye out for sudden traffic changes.
If your vision is blocked, move to an area where you can see other drivers and they can see you.

The return of classes also means that there will be many new teen drivers operating on the roads going to and from school.

According to the NSC, teen crashes occur most often because they are inexperienced. They struggle judging gaps in traffic, driving the right speed for road conditions and turning safely, among other things.

The West Newbury Police Department, in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminds parents to set the rules before their kids hit the road with “5 to Drive”:

No cell phones while driving
No extra passengers
No speeding
No alcohol
No driving or riding without a seat belt

Statistically, half of all teens will be involved in a car crash before graduating from high school. Car crashes are the number one cause of death among teens, yet these crashes are preventable. Teen drivers who continue to practice with their parents after obtaining their license increase their chances of avoiding a crash.

Chief Reed and the members of the West Newbury Police Department would like to wish all students and faculty a fun and safe school year.

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West Newbury Police Dispatcher Running Yankee Homecoming Race to Benefit Children’s Hospital

July 12, 2018 by Jordan Mayblum Leave a Comment

WNPD patch copy

West Newbury Police Department
Art Reed, Chief of Police
401 Main St.
West Newbury, MA 01985

For Immediate Release

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Office: 978-971-8101
Email: john@jgpr.net

West Newbury Police Dispatcher Running Yankee Homecoming Race to Benefit Children’s Hospital

Kelsey Grenham is running the Yankee Homecoming 10 Mile Race to raise money for Boston Children’s Hospital. (Courtesy Photo)

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Art Reed is pleased to announce that one of West Newbury’s public safety dispatchers is continuing her efforts to raise money for Boston Children’s Hospital through a road race later this month.

On Tuesday, July 31, Dispatcher Kelsey Grenham will be running the Yankee Homecoming 10 Mile Race in Newburyport. The race will be Grenham’s third run on behalf of Children’s Hospital’s Miles for Miracles program, which she’s supported since running the New York City Marathon in 2016.

“Kelsey is an inspiration to the entire department, and we’re all proud of her dedication to this amazing cause,” Chief Reed said. “We’re glad to continue to support her and Children’s Hospital to ensure that kids and families have access to the resources they need.”

Grenham also ran last year’s Falmouth Road Race to benefit the program, which uses fundraising dollars to support better quality of care for children and families, including free housing for families, free parking, language interpreters, research, birthday and holiday celebrations and more.

“I want to thank everyone, including my colleagues at the West Newbury Police Department and the Lt. Kenneth Fowler Foundation, who have been extremely supportive of Children’s Hospital through their continued generosity over the last few years,” Grenham said.

To donate to Grenham’s fundraising efforts, click here.

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Advisory: High Heat Coming Today through Thursday

June 29, 2018 by John Guilfoil Leave a Comment

A heat wave is coming to New England, and residents are urged to take all precautions necessary to stay safe and healthy.

Temperatures will be in the 80s today, but Saturday-Thursday will experience five straight days of temperatures over 90 degrees, with Sunday-Tuesday featuring temperatures that will approach 100 degrees.

The following information was released by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at 7:15 Friday morning:

Beginning today and continuing through the weekend into next week

Heat and humidity will build across Southern New England, however at times there will be relief along the coast in part due to onshore sea-breezes.

Nevertheless, there is the risk with prolonged outdoor heat and exposure of heat-related illnesses, especially for people who are not wearing loose, light-weight clothing and/or are out in the sun for long periods of time.

Plenty of sunshine with a UV index of 9 or above, protection from sun damage is recommended. Highs ranging from the upper 80s to mid 90s. Heat indices as high as 105 degrees. High confidence.

For July 4

In addition to heat and humidity, there is the chance on the 4th for afternoon into evening scattered showers and thunderstorms.

As always, with cloud to ground lightning there is the threat to life. High confidence on heat and humidity, however lower with any inclement weather, associated timing and impacts.

MEMA Operations

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) at MEMA Headquarters in Framingham is currently operating at Level 1 (Steady State Monitoring). MEMA will continue to monitor the forecast and will disseminate Situational Awareness Statements as necessary.

Preparedness and Safety Information

Thunderstorm and Lightning Safety Tips: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/thunderstorm-and-lightning-safety-tips
Extreme Heat Safety Tips: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/extreme-heat-safety-tips
Tornado Safety Tips: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/tornado-safety-tips

Stay Informed

Utilize Massachusetts Alerts to receive emergency notifications and information from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service. Massachusetts Alerts is a free app that is available for Android and iPhones. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/massachusetts-alerts-smartphone-app.

Utilize MEMA’s real-time power outage viewer to stay informed about current power outages in your community and region, and across the state, including information from utility companies about restoration times:https://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html

Utilize MEMA’s live weather radar and forecasting tools: https://www.mass.gov/map-resources

Online Resources

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at www.mass.gov/mema
MEMA’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA
MEMA Twitter: @MassEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.fema.gov
National Weather Service/Taunton at www.weather.gov/boston
National Weather Service/Albany, NY at www.weather.gov/albany
National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center: https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov
National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center: https://www.spc.noaa.gov/
Mass211 at www.mass211.org

West Newbury Police Remind Residents to Avoid Driving Impaired During July 4 Holiday

June 25, 2018 by Jordan Mayblum Leave a Comment

WNPD patch copy

West Newbury Police Department
Art Reed, Chief of Police
401 Main St.
West Newbury, MA 01985

For Immediate Release

Monday, June 25, 2018

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

West Newbury Police Remind Residents to Avoid Driving Impaired During July 4 Holiday

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Art Reed and the West Newbury Police Department wish to remind residents of the dangers of impaired driving prior to the July 4 holiday, which is traditionally among the deadliest times of the year on American roadways.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are more deaths due to drunk driving crashes around the Fourth of July holiday — between the evening of July 2 and the morning of July 6 — than at any other time throughout the year.

In 2016, 188 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator who was impaired by alcohol. Almost half of those deaths occurred when at least one driver or operator had a BAC of .15 or higher — nearly twice the legal limit.

Individuals who are arrested for operating under the influence face myriad consequences, including:

Jail time
Loss of driver’s license and vehicle
Fines
Up to $10,000 in attorney fees, plus additional costs beyond fines
If you kill someone while operating under the influence, you can face manslaughter charges.

“Driving under the influence puts you and countless others in danger, and it can absolutely be avoided,” Chief Reed said. “Be smart and arrange how you will get home before you plan on drinking.”

The West Newbury Police Department urges residents to observe the following tips from the NHTSA on getting home safely:

Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not plan on driving.
Designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride share service to get home safely.
Take the keys away from individuals who are drunk and are planning to drive.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, call local law enforcement.

NHTSA’s mobile app, SaferRide, allows users to call a taxi or a friend and identify their location so they can be picked up safely. Residents who will be drinking during the holiday are also encouraged to use apps like Lyft or Uber in order to call a ride, rather than drive themselves.

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From MEMA: High Temperatures Today and Potential for Strong or Severe Thunderstorms Later

June 18, 2018 by John Guilfoil Leave a Comment

From the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

Please see the attached forecast bulletins from the National Weather Service offices in Albany and Norton concerning the high temperatures and heat indices today and the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

From the National Weather Service in Norton:

Hot and humid conditions are on tap today with our first taste of excessive heat this summer season as heat indices will range from 95-103°F for interior areas of S New England.

HEAT ADVISORIES posted which have been expanded to include the city of Boston and surrounding metro-area, as well as the mid CT River Valley.

This in addition to the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon into evening with embedded threats of cloud to ground lightning, strong to damaging winds, and/or brief heavy rain.

There is presently a MARGINAL to SLIGHT RISK for scattered strong to severe thunderstorms, mainly over northern and western areas of MA and CT.

There is also a MARGINAL RISK for excessive rainfall over northern and western areas of MA.

Watches, Warnings and Advisories

Heat Advisory
Issued: June 18 at 4:17AM EDT
Expiring: June 18 at 6:00PM EDT

Areas affected: Eastern Franklin; Eastern Hampshire; Eastern Norfolk; Suffolk; Western Norfolk

Heat Advisory Issued: June 18 at 4:17AM EDT Expiring: June 18 at 6:00PM EDT
Areas affected: Central Middlesex County; Eastern Hampden; Southeast Middlesex; Western Essex

Air Quality Alert Issued: June 17 at 11:00PM EDT
Areas affected: Central Middlesex County; Eastern Essex; Eastern Franklin; Eastern Hampden; Eastern Hampshire; Eastern Norfolk; Northern Worcester; Northwest Middlesex County; Southeast Middlesex; Southern Worcester; Suffolk; Western Essex; Western Hampden; Western Norfolk

Air Quality Alert Issued: June 17 at 7:00PM EDT
Areas affected: Barnstable; Dukes; Nantucket; Southern Bristol; Southern Plymouth

MEMA Operations

Preparedness and Safety Information

Thunderstorm and Lightning Safety Tips: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/thunderstorm-and-lightning-safety-tips

Extreme Heat Safety Tips: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/extreme-heat-safety-tips

Tornado Safety Tips: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/tornado-safety-tips

Stay Informed

Utilize MEMA’s live weather radar and forecasting tools: https://www.mass.gov/map-resources

Online Resources
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at www.mass.gov/mema
MEMA’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA
MEMA Twitter: @MassEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.fema.gov
National Weather Service/Norton at www.weather.gov/boston
National Weather Service/Albany, NY at www.weather.gov/albany
National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center: https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov
National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center: https://www.spc.noaa.gov/
Mass211 at www.mass211.org