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Taunton Fire Department Offers Hot Weather Safety Tips for Weekend Heat Wave

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

For Immediate Release

Friday, July 19, 2019

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

Taunton Fire Department Offers Hot Weather Safety Tips for Weekend Heat Wave

TAUNTON – As the hottest weeks of summer approach, Chief Timothy Bradshaw would like to remind residents to take safety precautions during their summer activities, especially those that take place outdoors.

“We encourage residents to take it easy this weekend. Stay inside and in air conditioning as much as possible,” Chief Bradshaw said. “If you do spend time outdoors, be sure to stay hydrated and be careful not to overexert yourself.”

The National Weather Service is expecting temperatures to reach into the 90s throughout the weekend in Taunton. 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, the Taunton Fire Department recommends the following safety tips from the American Red Cross 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.
  • 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.
  • 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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Taunton Police and Fire Respond After Illegal Use of Fireworks Causes Injuries, Structure Fire

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TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw report that the Taunton Police and Fire Departments responded to a home last night after a man set off several illegal fireworks, causing injuries to himself and igniting a structure fire.

On Tuesday, July 2, at approximately 5:45 p.m., police and fire responded to 352 Middleboro Ave. on a report of a structure fire.

Engines 1, 3 and 9, along with Ladder 3 and Car 2 arrived on scene to find the exterior of the home had caught fire and was smoldering.

Upon arrival, first responders found a 24-year-old man in the process of extinguishing a fire on the home’s deck.

An on scene investigation indicated that the man was building wooden racks to hold plastic mortar tubes that he’d then fill with fireworks. During that process, it is believed that a spark from a power tool he was using ignited one of the fireworks that was in the rack, which then ignited several other fireworks.

The fireworks then began to go off on the deck, which lit the siding of the house on fire. The fire did not spread to inside the home.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene, along with the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad, which removed and properly disposed of the fireworks.

The man suffered burns to his hands. He declined medical assistance at the scene.

“Thankfully this resident was not seriously injured and the fire did not extend into the home,” Chief Bradshaw said. “This situation is exactly why residents are required by law to leave fireworks displays to the professionals. With the holiday tomorrow, we remind everyone to please celebrate responsibly.”

The Taunton Police Detective Division and the State Fire Marshall’s Office are actively investigating this incident.

Taunton police and fire would like to remind residents that the use of fireworks is illegal in the state of Massachusetts, and that to prevent injury and structure fires, residents should only attend celebrations put on by a licensed professional.

Anyone who has questions about fireworks or fireworks safety should contact the Taunton Fire Department at 508-824-4024 or the Taunton Police Department at 508-824-7522.

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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 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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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