News

Stoneham Fire Department and Council on Aging Share Safety Tips for Vulnerable Populations During Emergency Preparedness Month

September 25, 2020 by Kelsey Bode

STONEHAM — Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Matthew Grafton and Council on Aging Director Maureen Canova would like to offer residents tips about ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations ahead of an emergency, as part of Emergency Preparedness Month.

September has been declared by Gov. Charlie Baker to be Emergency Preparedness Month. Residents are encouraged to use resources provided by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to prepare themselves, their family, their property and their community for an emergency or natural disaster.

Vulnerable populations include children, seniors, pets and those living with disabilities or who may be immunocompromised. During an emergency or natural disaster, it is imperative that any emergency plan or response takes into account the specific needs of these groups.

“We want everyone to be prepared so that when there is an emergency, like a power outage, a large snowstorm or other natural disaster, they have everything they need to stay safe and healthy,” Canova said. “This means preparing your medications and any medical supplies you need, ensuring your emergency contacts are in order, and so on.”

In order to ensure preparedness and safety for all, the Stoneham Fire Department encourages residents to follow tips provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Seniors

The following is information for older Americans preparing ahead of an emergency:

Any senior taking medicine or using medical treatment on a daily basis should have enough to last at least one week during an emergency. They should also keep a copy of their prescription as well as dosage or treatment information.
Be sure to always have extra eyeglasses, hearing aids and hearing aid batteries, wheelchair batteries and oxygen in your home if you use them.
Include copies of important documents in your emergency supply kits, such as family records, wills, power of attorney documents, deeds, Social Security numbers, credit card and bank information and tax records.
If there are people who assist you on a daily basis, list who they are and how
you will contact them in an emergency.
Inform your family, friends, neighbors and care providers of your emergency plan. Keep continuous contact with them whenever possible throughout an emergency.
Some local emergency management offices maintain registers of older people so they can be located and assisted quickly in a disaster. Contact your local emergency management agency to see if these services exist where you live.

Individuals with Disabilities

If you or someone you know is living with a disability, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind ahead of an emergency:

People living with disabilities should wear medical alert tags or bracelets to inform first responders of their disabilities. If you are dependent on dialysis or other life-sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility.
Plan ahead for accessible transportation during an evacuation. Contact your local government’s emergency management agency so they can take note of your disabilities and assist you quickly during a sudden emergency.
If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your doctor or health care provider about how you can prepare in case of a power outage.
Those who are hard of hearing or deaf should have a weather radio with text displays and a flashing alert. They should also have extra hearing-aid batteries and a pen and paper in case they need to communicate with someone who does not know sign language.
People who are blind or have low vision should ensure their emergency supplies include Braille labels or large print.
People with speech disabilities should keep their augmentative communications device or other assistive technologies on them. They should also prepare to communicate with laminated cards with phrases and/or pictogram if their equipment isn’t working.
Those with mobility disabilities should have a lightweight manual chair, cane or walker available to them during an emergency.
- If you use a power wheelchair, show others how to operate it, have extra batteries readily available, keep a portable air pump for the tires and have an extra cushion with you if you use one to protect your skin or maintain balance.
Anyone with sensory disabilities (including autism spectrum disorder) should have handheld electronics available with spare charges and a small pop-up tent to decrease visual stimulation in a busy room.
- Headphones should also be available to decrease auditory distractions for those living with sensory disabilities.

Children

Every member of your family should be prepared ahead of an emergency. Here are a few tips to prepare kids and assist them throughout an emergency:

Include your young children and teens in the planning process. Have them assist in building a kit, creating a plan and practicing a mock evacuation.
Help kids understand that they are safe and secure by talking, playing and doing other family activities during an emergency.
Teens who want to get involved can join or start a youth preparedness program such as the Youth Preparedness Council.
Teach kids about emergencies with fun games that get them involved in the discussion.

Pets

Emergency plans should always take into account your pets or live animals:

Try not to leave your pets behind as they may get lost, injured or worse. Additionally, pets should never be chained outdoors during an emergency.
Prior to an emergency, identify shelters along your evacuation route or consider an out-of-town friend or relative to host your pet. Locate a veterinarian or animal hospital in the area where you may be seeking temporary shelter in case your pet needs medical care.
Ensure all animals have some form of identification and up-to-date medical records.
Build an emergency kit for your pet that includes a three day supply of food and water, any medicine your pet may need and their collar and ID tags.
If you have large animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats or pigs on your property, evacuate the animals whenever possible. If evacuation isn’t possible, decide whether to move large animals to shelter or turn them outside.

For additional information regarding vulnerable populations and how they can prepare ahead of an emergency, visit www.ready.gov.

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Stoneham Fire Department Shares Tips for Residents’ Emergency Preparedness Stockpile

September 21, 2020 by Kelsey Bode

STONEHAM —Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Matthew Grafton and the Stoneham Fire Department would like to offer residents tips for responsibly stocking their emergency preparedness stockpile during Emergency Preparedness Month.

“This spring, when COVID-19 hit our communities, we saw the risk created when a large group of people stock up on supplies such as food, water and other necessities all at once, and how it creates limited supplies for others,” Chief Grafton said. “So, we’re encouraging everyone to plan ahead by making smaller purchases over time to keep a stockpile prepared, just in case.”

When creating a stockpile, residents are urged to buy items over a course of time, not in bulk ahead of an emergency. Abruptly stockpiling will limit the availability of necessary items in stores for others who may be in need.

The American Public Health Association (APHA) recommends the following for emergency preparedness stockpiles:

A three-day supply of food and water stored in your home. Residents are encouraged to stock a week’s supply of food and water if there is enough space in the household. Residents should also choose food that doesn’t require refrigeration.
One gallon of water per person/per day for at least three days.
Residents should refrain from buying in bulk and opt to pick up one or two items for their stockpile every time they go to the store.
Consider purchasing items from bulk “club” stores to help save money on supplies, or purchase items such as canned vegetables and batteries when they are on sale.
Stockpiles should be stored in a cool, dark place that is easily accessible during an emergency.
Supplies in your stockpile should be contained in a box or plastic bin that is tightly closed to protect its contents from humidity or pests.
Residents should also include a first aid and emergency medical kit, personal items and important documents in their stockpile.

Residents should be mindful of not “borrowing” from their stockpile as it is for emergency use.

Additionally, the APHA recommends that residents check their emergency preparedness stockpile twice a year when residents change their clocks for daylight saving time. Residents should replace anything that is missing or expired at this time.

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Stoneham Fire Department Offers Tips to Create Family Emergency Plan, Build Emergency Kit

September 15, 2020 by Kelsey Bode

September is Emergency Preparedness Month

Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Matthew Grafton and the Stoneham Fire Department would like to offer residents tips for making an emergency plan and kit to prepare your family for any emergency during Emergency Preparedness Month.

“Taking the care to make an emergency plan and kit will save precious time and ensure you and your family are well equipped to weather a natural disaster or other serious emergency,” Chief Grafton said. “We’re encouraging everyone to prepare their households. These are simple steps that could make all the difference in the face of a severe hurricane or snow storm, or other emergency.”

Emergency plans and kits should take into consideration the needs of everyone in your household including individuals with access and functional needs, seniors, children, infants and pets. Consider any additional supplies needed for basic survival and familiarizing yourself with the emergency plans that are in place at your workplace, children’s school or daycare or other places where your family spends time.

When creating family emergency plans and kits, residents should take into consideration the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Residents should add items such as face coverings/masks, disinfectants, hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies to their emergency kits. Residents should also identify emergency contacts who aren’t immunocompromised and meeting locations where families can maintain adequate physical distance from one another.

MEMA offers several tips to make an emergency plan for your family:

Establish Meeting Locations and Emergency Contact Plans

Select two family meeting locations where your family can reunite after a disaster. Choose one close to home and one farther away in case you are asked to evacuate or cannot return to the area.
Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to serve as your family’s emergency contact. After a disaster, it may be easier to call long distance to unaffected areas.
Provide every family member with the name, address and phone number of the emergency contact and make sure each family member has a cellphone or a prepaid phone card.

Inform your emergency contact of any family member’s special needs or medical issues.
Identify alternative communication methods: texting or social media can also be effective tools to let friends and family know your location and status during an emergency.

Plan How to Evacuate

Identify and practice how you will exit your home.
Establish possible evacuation routes to ensure you are able to get to your designated meeting location(s).
Identify available modes of transportation. Make arrangements with family, neighbors or friends if you don’t have personal transportation.
Your evacuation plan should include pets. Since you will not know how long you will be gone, you must take your pets and all necessary pet supplies with you.
Review tips to safely evacuate.

Plan How to Shelter in Place

Designate safe room(s) within your home. They should have as few windows or doors as possible and access to television, radio and telephones or cell service.
Make sure you have necessary supplies and can access your emergency kit.
If you receive medical treatments or home health care services, work with your medical provider to determine how to maintain care and service if you are unable to leave your home for a period of time.
Review tips to safely shelter in place.

Practice Your Plan

Practice your emergency plan at least two to three times per year with all members of your family.
To practice your plan, test your emergency communications plan, assemble at your meeting locations and practice your evacuation routes. Update your plan with any changes, if necessary, after you practice.

Also, as a part of Emergency Preparedness Month the Swansea Fire Department encourages families to build an emergency kit. MEMA recommends that emergency kits include essential items that will provide your family members with basic necessities for up to three days in an emergency event.

Essential Items to Include in an Emergency Kit:

Water: Bottled water (one gallon per person/per day for at least three days), water purification tablets
Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods that do not need cooking (ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits or vegetables, or juices, protein or granola bars, cereal, peanut butter, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, baby food and comfort foods)
Tools and Supplies: Manual can opener, radio (powered by battery or hand crank), flashlight or lantern, extra batteries, cell phone with charger, wrench, pliers and other basic tools
Personal Items: Prescription medications (two-week supply), personal hygiene items, eyeglasses, contact lenses, dentures, extra batteries or supplies for medical equipment, change of clothes, sturdy shoes
Documents: Insurance policies, bank account records, identification cards (IDs), medical information and other copies of important documents
Money: Extra cash and traveler’s checks (ATMs may not work during a power outage)
Other Items: First-aid kit, emergency whistle, waterproof matches/lighter, local area maps, sleeping bags or blankets, comfort items such as books or games
Also consider: A watch or clock, disposable kitchenware, duct tape, plastic sheeting or tarp to protect against the elements

MEMA also offers an Emergency Kit Checklist to assist families in building a kit of their own.

Stoneham Emergency Management Offers Safety Protocols for Hurricane Preparedness Week

July 14, 2020 by jgprmmuldowney

STONEHAM — In preparation for hurricane season, Emergency Management Director Matthew Grafton is encouraging residents to take precautions in the event of a serious storm.

Governor Charlie Baker has proclaimed that July 13-18, 2020 will be Hurricane Preparedness Week and is emphasizing the importance of staying safe during storms. Even if severe weather doesn’t strike Massachusetts directly, the state is still at risk of feeling a storm’s impact, which can include heavy flooding and destructive winds.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season began on June 1 and will end on Nov. 30. Historically, hurricanes and tropical storms in August and September have had the greatest impact on New England communities.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above normal number hurricane season this year, which would produce between 13 and 19 storms. Between three and six of those storms are predicted to be major hurricanes.

“During Hurricane Preparedness Week, residents should make sure they are prepared should a severe weather event take place,” Chief Grafton said. “It is more important now than ever to remain prepared and to take into account the effects of COVID-19 on disaster planning. Take care to pack disinfectant, soap, masks and other items that will help keep you and your loved ones healthy in the event of a hurricane.”

While continuing to respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) remains committed to ensuring the Commonwealth is prepared for other disasters including hurricanes and tropical storms.

MEMA is working closely with the Department of Public Health and the newly established Pandemic Disaster Mass Care Working Group to develop guidance for evacuations and mass care during COVID-19.

Hurricane and Tropical Storm Safety Tips

MEMA offers several safety tips for residents in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm in our area:

Stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts.
Know your zone. Massachusetts has defined hurricane evacuation zones for areas of the state at risk for storm surge flooding. Even areas not directly along a coastline may be at risk for storm surge flooding during a tropical storm or hurricane.
Develop a family emergency plan by establishing meeting locations, creating an emergency contact plan, planning how to evacuate and learning how to shelter in place. Practice your plan with your entire family, and make sure the plan accounts for individuals who have access needs, seniors, children and pets.
Acquaint yourself with the emergency plans at places where your family spends considerable time, such as your workplace or your children’s school.
Assemble an emergency kit. Be sure to include cleaning and disinfectant supplies that you can use on the go (tissues, hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol and disinfection wipes). Ensure that you have cloth face coverings, such as masks and scarves, for everyone in your household who can wear one safely.

Those receiving medical treatment or home health services can work with a medical provider to learn how to maintain care in the event of a hurricane that requires evacuation.
Consider purchasing a generator. If you do, be sure to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions to use it safely. NEVER run a generator indoors, in a garage or with the exhaust facing the home or home air intakes.
Take photos or videos of your possessions to create a record for insurance purposes.
Prepare your home if a storm is coming by securing outdoor objects, clearing rain gutters, covering windows with shutters or plywood (do not use tape), turn off propane tanks that aren’t being used, elevate items in your basement in case of flooding, check your sump pump, unplug sensitive electronic equipment, clear nearby catch basins, park vehicles in areas that are unlikely to flood, and remove any boats from the water.
Do not go out during a hurricane or tropical storm, if possible.

Severe Lightning and Flooding Safety Tips

Flash flooding and severe thunderstorms typically offer low predictability. Therefore, it’s very important to follow the latest weather updates.

Be informed by receiving alerts, warnings, and public safety information before, during, and after emergencies.
Stay indoors during a storm. If outdoors, seek shelter immediately.
Avoid showering, bathing, washing dishes, or doing laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
Stay inside until at least 30 minutes after you last hear thunder or see lightning.
Consider unplugging sensitive electronic equipment before flooding occurs. But, do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
If you must evacuate or are traveling during flooding, remember:
- Do not walk through flowing water. Most drownings occur during flash floods. Six inches of swiftly moving water can knock you off of your feet.
- Remember the phrase “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” Don’t drive through flooded roads. Cars can be swept away in only two feet of moving water. If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay in the vehicle. If the water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.

Additional information on preparing for a disaster amid Coivd-19 can be found on FEMA’s website and the website for the Red Cross.

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Stoneham Fire Department Offers Hot Weather Safety Tips

June 29, 2020 by jgprmmuldowney

STONEHAM — With summer now officially underway, Chief Matthew Grafton and the Stoneham Fire Department would like to remind residents to take safety precautions, especially during activities that take place outdoors.

“Now that summer is here, we want to remind residents to remain cautious when enjoying the nice weather,” said Chief Grafton. “Stay hydrated, and make sure your children and pets remain cool when outdoors by following these basic safety guidelines.”

The American Red Cross reports that excessive heat is a leading cause of weather-related deaths and injuries. To avoid heat-related illness and injuries, the Stoneham 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.
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 play 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.

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