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Taunton Police and Fire Departments Offer Helpful Guidelines During National 911 Education Month

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Taunton Fire Department
Chief Timothy J. Bradshaw
50 School St.
Taunton, MA 02780
Taunton Police Department
Chief Edward James Walsh
23 Summer St.
Taunton, MA 02780

For Immediate Release

Friday, April 12, 2019

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

Taunton Police and Fire Departments Offer Helpful Guidelines During National 911 Education Month

TAUNTON — April is National 911 Education Month. Taunton Police Chief Edward Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw would like to ensure residents are prepared and able to access help during emergencies.

Around 240 million 911 calls are made in the U.S. each year. Public safety agencies around the country use 911 Education Month to conduct outreach to educate community members on 911 resources and best practices.

To ensure your family knows how to get help in an emergency, Chief Bradshaw and Chief Walsh recommend following safety tips provided by the National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA):

Call If You Can, Text If You Can’t

Text-to-9-1-1 service is available in an increasing number of communities around the country, including Taunton. The service benefits individuals (or persons) who are deaf, hard of hearing or in a situation where they cannot speak and make a voice call. However, a traditional voice call, if possible, is still the best way to reach emergency services.

Know Your Location

Wireless calls to 911 provide location information, but 911 call takers may need more specific information. Be prepared to provide detailed information on where you are so that help can get to you as quickly as possible.

Stay Calm and Don’t Hang Up

Until you are instructed to do otherwise, stay on the line so you can provide any necessary information to the 9-1-1 call taker. Even if you accidentally call 9-1-1, don’t hang up. Inform the call taker that you dialed accidentally and that there is no emergency.

NASNA works to save lives and improve emergency response by supporting a national 9-1-1 education and awareness effort to ensure the appropriate and responsible use of 9-1-1 resources. Additional 9-1-1 education materials are available at www.know911.org.

ABOUT NATIONAL 911 MONTH

In 2008, the United States Congress recognized April as National 9-1-1 Education Month, supporting the efforts of the National 9-1-1 Education Coalition to provide resources and materials to support public education about the optimal use of 911 services nationwide. (Know911.org)

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Source: nena.org

Taunton Fire and Police Departments Respond to Helicopter Crash

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Taunton Fire Department
Chief Timothy J. Bradshaw
50 School St.
Taunton, MA 02780
Taunton Police Department
Chief Edward James Walsh
23 Summer St.
Taunton, MA 02780

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

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

Taunton Fire and Police Departments Respond to Helicopter Crash

Pilot and Passenger Uninjured

TAUNTON — Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw and Police Chief Edward Walsh report that the Taunton Fire and Police Departments responded to a helicopter crash at the Taunton Municipal Airport Tuesday afternoon.

The pilot and passenger, both adult men, were uninjured in the crash.

At approximately 12:40 p.m., first responders went to the airport for a report of a helicopter that had crashed upon takeoff.

Upon arrival, the pilot and passenger had safely gotten themselves out of the helicopter, which came to rest on its side.

The initial investigation indicates that the pilot was taking off, with the helicopter about a foot off the ground, when a strong gust of wind caused the helicopter to tilt and fall onto its side.

The helicopter cab and rotor blade sustained significant damage.

The pilot was able to shut the aircraft down and both men were able to safely get out.

Medics from the Taunton Fire Department and Brewster Ambulance checked both men and they were not injured.

The helicopter had come from New Bedford and landed in Taunton as part of a training program. The instructor was piloting the helicopter when they attempted to take off to go back to New Bedford when the crash occurred.

The Federal Aviation Administration has been called to respond to the scene to investigate.

A small fuel spill from the helicopter has been contained and firefighters were able to shut the fuel off, preventing further spillage.

The Taunton Municipal Airport houses approximately 100 aircraft and sees a couple dozen aircraft come and go each day.

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Taunton Fire Department Encourages Residents to Test Smoke and CO Alarms During Daylight Saving

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

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

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

Taunton Fire Department Encourages Residents to Test Smoke and CO Alarms During Daylight Saving

Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday at 2 a.m.

TAUNTON — Chief Timothy J. Bradshaw and the Taunton Fire Department wish to remind residents to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors this weekend as daylight saving time approaches.

Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 10 at 2 a.m.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having working smoke alarms reduces the risk of dying in a fire by 50 percent and, on average, three out of every five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or 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 should have emergency backup lighting as a safety feature to provide temporary lighting in case of power failure.

In order to continue 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.
  • Develop and practice a home escape plan with all members of the household.

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 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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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