News

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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Stoneham Fire Department Reminds Residents to Avoid Fireworks This Fourth of July

June 19, 2020 by jgprmmuldowney

STONEHAM — Fire Chief Matthew Grafton would like to remind Stoneham residents about some important safety tips that can help ensure everyone has a fun and safe summer, including the Fourth of July holiday.

Fireworks of all kinds are illegal in Massachusetts. On average, 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

“Fireworks should only be used by professionals,” Chief Grafton said. “Improper use can lead to serious injury and sets a bad example for young children who may not understand the danger of fireworks use. Please enjoy fireworks displays put on by professionals from a distance this summer.”

Fireworks Can Cause Serious Injuries

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), sparklers can burn as hot as 2,000 degrees and pose an injury risk, especially to children. To warn individuals of the dangers related to firework use, the Stoneham Fire Department reiterates the following injury facts by the CPSC:

The types of fireworks that cause the most injuries are firecrackers, sparklers and bottle rockets.
The most frequently injured body parts are the hands, head/neck, and eyes.
Burns are the most common injury. Cuts, bumps and bruises are the most common injuries to the head.
In addition to blindness, third degree burns and permanent scarring, fireworks also cause life-threatening home and motor vehicle fires.

The Stoneham Fire Department reminds all residents that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, people should be continuing to practice aggressive social distancing by keeping a six-foot distance from others, and wearing an appropriate face covering while around others.

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Stoneham Police and Fire Departments Respond After Car Crashes Into Home

May 29, 2020 by Jordan Mayblum

STONEHAM — Fire Chief Matthew Grafton and Police Chief James McIntyre report that the Stoneham Police and Fire Departments responded this morning after a vehicle crashed into the side of a home.

At 8:30 a.m., Stoneham Police and Fire were dispatched to 1 Summer Hill St. for a report of a crash. Upon arrival, first responders located a Ford Edge SUV that had crashed into the side wall of the home. The driver and lone occupant of the vehicle was not injured in the crash, nor was anyone inside the home injured.

A preliminary investigation into the crash indicates that the vehicle left the roadway, traveled through multiple lawns and briefly became airborne before ultimately coming to a stop after striking and partially crashing through the foundation wall on the side of the home.

Stoneham Fire Engines 2 and 3, as well as Ladder 1 and a Stoneham Fire ambulance responded to the scene along with Stoneham Police.

The town building inspector was also notified and responded to the scene to evaluate the structural integrity of the home. She determined that the home was still habitable.

Based upon the on-scene investigation, the driver of the vehicle will be summonsed to court for motor vehicle related offenses. Additionally, a request to suspend the driver’s license was submitted to the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

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Stoneham Fire Clears Fuel Spill on I-93 South

May 14, 2020 by Kelsey Bode

The Stoneham Fire Department responded to a fuel spill on I-93 South on Thursday. (Courtesy Photo Stoneham Fire Department)

STONEHAM — Chief Matthew Grafton reports that the fuel spill on I-93 South has been cleared.

Members of the Stoneham Fire Department responded to a report of a fuel spill on I-93 South, just past Exit 35, at 9:57 a.m. after the fuel tank in a tractor-trailer was punctured by debris on the roadway. It is believed that approximately 125 gallons of diesel fuel was spilled along a quarter mile stretch of I-93, and Stoneham Fire crews worked to mitigate and contain the spill. The last crews left the scene at 12:04 p.m.

“Thankfully, no one was hurt and there were no motor vehicle crashes as a result of this spill,” Chief Grafton said. “Our crews arrived swiftly to the scene and were able to mitigate the spill. I’d also like to recognize our mutual aid partners from the Wakefield and Reading Fire Departments who provided coverage at our station during this situation.”

Two lanes remain temporarily closed on the highway, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Protection and Massachuetts State Police also responded to the scene.

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