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Taunton Police and Fire Departments Offer Driving Safety Tips Ahead of Tuesday’s Snowstorm

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Monday, Feb. 11, 2019

For Immediate Release

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Taunton Police and Fire Departments Offer Driving Safety Tips Ahead of Tuesday’s Snowstorm

Snow Expected to Impact Tuesday Evening Commute

TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw are notifying residents about the potential impact of a snowstorm on Tuesday that is expected to affect the evening commute.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the region from 10 a.m. through 10 p.m. on Tuesday. Taunton can expect to receive 1-4 inches of snow, changing to sleet and then freezing rain. There is a significant chance for slippery road conditions, especially during the early evening.

During periods of snow, residents are required to remove their parked vehicles from the roadway to give plows proper and safe space to operate.

While this storm is not expected to be large, Chief Walsh and Chief Bradshaw urge residents and commuters to drive safely during wintry conditions:

Driving Safety

  • Avoid driving during the worst part of a storm and use extreme caution during a sudden snow squall.
  • Always clear snow and ice from windows, lights, the hood and the roof before driving.
  • Leave plenty of room for stopping.
  • Don’t try to out drive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
  • Know the current road conditions. Call 511 from your cell phone or 617-986-5511 from either your cell phone or landline phone for updates on road conditions.
  • Brake early and correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
  • Don’t use “cruise control” driving in wintry conditions. Even roads that look clear can have sudden slippery spots. Using your brake on these spots will deactivate cruise control, possibly causing you to lose control of your vehicle.
  • Look further ahead in traffic than normal.
  • Trucks are heavier than cars, making their brake time slower. Avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
  • Don’t crowd the plow. Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows. Stay back at least 200 feet and don’t pass on the right.
  • Remember to slow down and always wear your seat belt.
  • Let others know your destination, route and expected travel times.
  • Allow for extra travel time.
  • Drive with your headlights on at all times to see and be seen.

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Taunton Fire Department Warns Residents About Unsafe Ice Conditions

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Taunton Fire Department
Timothy J. Bradshaw, Fire Chief
50 School St.
Taunton, MA 02780

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Taunton Fire Department Warns Residents About Unsafe Ice Conditions

TAUNTON — With multiple ice rescues in the state yesterday, Chief Timothy Bradshaw would like to warn Taunton residents to avoid unsafe ice conditions and remind people that ice rinks are the only places considered safe to skate.

Though temperatures have been on the colder side recently, Taunton officials warn that at this time it has not been cold enough for long enough to make it safe to walk, skate or fish on the ice in any waterway in Taunton.

As a policy, the Taunton Fire Department does not certify whether any bodies of water are safe to use for recreational purposes. Those who do choose to go out on ice should stay away from all ice in the area of open water, flowing water or where the ice looks slushy or thin.

Aleixo Arena, 150 Honorable Gordon M. Owen Riverway, Taunton, offers open skating to the public at certain times. Their schedule can be found on their website here.

Chief Bradshaw and the Taunton Fire Department offer the following general ice safety guidelines to all residents:

Thin Ice:

The Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs says ice should always be measured in multiple places before testing it with your weight. Ice 2 inches thick or less should be avoided completely.

Ice with a depth of 4 inches or more is considered safe for ice fishing or other activities on foot. Five inches of ice is recommended for snowmobiles or ATVs. Eight to 12 inches is necessary for a small car, while 12 to 15 inches of ice is necessary for trucks.

General Ice and Cold Water Safety:

  • Never go onto ice alone. A friend may be able to rescue you or go for help if you fall through the ice.
  • Always keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice, do not attempt a rescue. Call 911 instead.
  • New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As the ice ages, the bond between the crystals decay, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.
  • Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing.
  • Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.
  • Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally weaker than pond ice.
  • Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only 1 inch thick 10 feet away.

What To Do If Someone Falls Through Ice:

  • Reach-Throw-Go: If someone falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, try to throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.) If this does not work, call 911 and get away from the ice before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.
  • If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction you came from. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice.

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Taunton Fire Department Reminds Residents to Check Smoke and CO Detectors During Daylight Saving Time

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Taunton Fire Department
Timothy J. Bradshaw, Fire Chief
50 School St.
Taunton, MA 02780

For Immediate Release

Friday, Nov. 2, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Taunton Fire Department Reminds Residents to Check Smoke and CO Detectors During Daylight Saving Time

TAUNTON – As community members prepare to turn their clocks back this weekend, Chief Timothy Bradshaw and the Taunton Fire Department would like to remind residents to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 4 at 2 a.m.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that 46 percent of smoke alarms that failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries and roughly three out of every five fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms.

The Taunton Fire Department asks that all business owners not only change the batteries in their clocks, smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, but also replace the batteries on wall mounted emergency lights and exit signs. All businesses have emergency backup lighting as a safety feature to provide temporary lighting in case of power failure.

In order to keep your home safe and prevent fires, Chief Bradshaw recommends that residents follow safety tips outlined by NFPA:

  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace alarms immediately if they don’t respond properly when tested.
  • Replace batteries in smoke and CO alarms when you change your clocks.
  • Replace all smoke alarms when they reach 10 years old. Replace CO detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area, on every level of the home, and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
  • If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay in that spot until emergency personnel arrive.

For more information on smoke detector and CO alarm safety, visit the NFPA website or contact the Taunton Fire Department at 508-821-1452.

 

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Taunton Fire Department to Host Open House Next Week

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Taunton Fire Department
Timothy J. Bradshaw, Fire Chief
50 School St.
Taunton, MA 02780

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Taunton Fire Department to Host Open House Next Week

TAUNTON — Chief Timothy Bradshaw is pleased to announce that the Taunton Fire Department will be hosting an open house next week.

“This is one of our favorite events of the year and we love having all of the kids at the station,” Chief Bradshaw said. “We hope for a great turnout and look forward to seeing everyone next week.”

WHEN:

Wednesday, Oct. 3, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Taunton Fire Department, Oakland Fire Station, 49 North Walker St.

WHAT:

Join the members of the Taunton Fire Department for their annual open house for city elementary school kids and their families and friends.

The event is free and open to all members of the public and refreshments will be served.

Kids will be able to climb through fire trucks and meet with Taunton firefighters. There will be a fire hose demonstration and other activities.

In addition, a table will be set up with informational materials about fire safety.

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Taunton Fire Department Swears In Five New Firefighters

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Taunton Fire Department
Timothy J. Bradshaw, Fire Chief
50 School St.
Taunton, MA 02780

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Taunton Fire Department Swears In Five New Firefighters

TAUNTON — Chief Timothy Bradshaw is pleased to announce that five new Taunton firefighters were sworn in during a ceremony at City Hall last night.

Firefighters David Costa, Marc Leandro, Matthew Pierce, Michael Holmes and Steven Gomes, all of Taunton, were sworn in by Assistant City Clerk Jennifer Ledger.

“These new hires now bring the Taunton Fire Department up to 127 members, which is the staffing level agreed upon in the collective bargaining agreement between the firefighter’s union and the city,” Chief Bradshaw said. “I look forward to our newest members beginning their careers here and I wish them all the best.”

The new members of the department were hired to replace firefighters who had retired earlier this year.

The hires help to maintain compliance with a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant the city received last year that awarded Taunton $1.35 million in funding for salaries and benefits for firefighters.

Firefighter Costa, age 34, is a former Marine Corps sergeant who has an associate’s degree in fire science from Bristol Community College.

Firefighter Pierce, age 25, has been a call firefighter in the town of Berkley since 2013.  He is Firefighter I/II certified by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services and is also a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Firefighter Holmes, age 35, has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology.  He been employed by the Massachusetts Department of Corrections since 2005. He also has a brother who is currently a patrolman for the Taunton Police Department.

Firefighter Gomes, age 32, is a graduate of Taunton High School and formerly worked as a security guard at the school.

Firefighter Leandro, age 29, is a lifelong Taunton resident, who was a former captain of the Taunton High School baseball team.

The firefighters will be attending the Massachusetts Fire Academy in the coming months.

 

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Contact Us

FOR EMERGENCIES
DIAL 911

Non-emergency phone number:
(508) 824-4024
Fire Prevention: (508) 821-1453
Main Office: (508) 821-1452

tauntonfire
tauntonfire

Fire Chief
Timothy J. Bradshaw

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Mailing address:
Central Fire Station
50 School Street
Taunton, MA 02780