The Stoneham Police and Fire Departments can confirm that the 911 emergency call system has been restored in Massachusetts.

Earlier today, the call system went down across the Commonwealth, and the Departments advised residents that, if they experience an emergency and require assistance, to contact police and fire by either calling the department’s business line, or in the case of just fire, by pulling the alarm on a Fire Box located within town.

Residents should now resume the standard procedure for contacting police and fire by calling 911, if required.

The Stoneham Police and Fire Departments can confirm that the 911 emergency call system is currently down across Massachusetts.

If you are experiencing an emergency and require police or fire assistance, please reach out via one of the following means:

1. For police, contact the Stoneham Police Department at 781-438-1212; and/or
2. For fire, contact the Stoneham Fire Department at 781-438-1313, or pull the alarm on a Fire Box located in town.

The Departments are actively monitoring the ongoing situation, and will provide updates as they arise.

The Stoneham Fire and Police Departments wish to share tips for residents to stay safe, cool, and healthy with severe heat expected in the coming days.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory valid from noon on Tuesday, June 18, to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 21. During this time, heat index values are expected to climb as high as 104 degrees. In Massachusetts, temperatures may reach a high of 96 degrees during the day, with not much relief during the overnight hours, as heat indexes are only expected to drop into the 70s.

The departments recommend the use of the Hall Memorial Pool & Splash Pad at 4 N Border Rd, Stoneham as a place to cool down.

Even in short exposure periods, severe temperatures such as these can be extremely hazardous and at times fatal. According to the National Weather Service, approximately 1,220 people die each year from extreme heat. Despite the threat heat poses to the body, heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable.

To stay healthy and safe during the heat advisory, the department would like to offer the following tips from the National Weather Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Red Cross.

Heat Safety Tips:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Replace salt and minerals with snacks or a sports drink.
• KEEP COOL – Spend as much time as you can in cooler surroundings. Use air conditioners to cool the air. Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device during a heat advisory.
• 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
  • Factors that may impact a person’s ability to cool off during a heat wave include age, weight, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use.
  • In particular, those over age 65 or under age two, people with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant women are those at the highest risk during an extreme heat event.
• 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.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out.
• 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 or withdraw from outdoor games and activities if the temperature is too hot.
• Use your stove less and try to cook your meals in the cooler part of the day.
• Take frequent breaks if working outdoors. The CDC recommends workers performing heavy-duty work in 96-degree temperatures should work for 45 minutes and rest for 15.
• Hot cars can be deadly. It is never safe to leave a child, disabled person, or pet in your vehicle. Cars can quickly reach 100-degree temperatures, leaving unattended passengers vulnerable to sudden heat-related illnesses.
  • Always leave your car locked when you are not using it, even in your own driveway.
• Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water. Do not leave your animals outdoors unattended for more than 15 minutes.
• Parents should limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize themselves with the signs of heat illnesses. Any playground equipment or outdoor toy that is hot to the touch is too hot for a child to safely use.

The departments also remind the community to remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of heat stroke, including:

• A fever above 103 degrees
• Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Nausea

In case of heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Move the person into a cool place. Attempt to cool the body down using wet cloths, fanning, misting, or a cool bath. Do not give the person anything to drink.

Also, be on the lookout for the following symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• Heavy sweating
• Cold, pale, and clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness or weakness
• Fainting
• Dizziness

For more information about heat stroke and heat exhaustion from the CDC, click here.

In case of heat exhaustion, move to a cool place, tighten any loose clothing, attempt to cool the body, and sip water slowly.  Seek medical help immediately if vomiting occurs, symptoms last longer than an hour or get worse, or if confusion develops.

Dial 911 in case of any severe illnesses or injuries.

The departments would like to remind the community that maintaining health and safety during a heat advisory is everyone’s responsibility. Stay vigilant and keep an eye on yourself and those around you. Although the hot weather may seem like a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, keep in mind that heat-related illnesses can affect anyone if not taken seriously.

STONEHAM — Chief Matthew Grafton and the Stoneham Fire Department would like to offer the community cooking safety tips after Stoneham Fire responded to four separate building fires between May 10th and May 20th which were started by cooking.  One fire was in a single family home and three of the fires were in multifamily condominium buildings.

While none of the cooking fires ended up being significant fires or causing injuries, cooking is the nation’s leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries, and the second leading cause of home fire deaths, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

As a result, the Stoneham Fire Department would like to offer the following cooking safety tips from the NFPA.

What you should know about home cooking safety:

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire:

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Safety considerations for cooking with oil:

• Always stay in the kitchen when frying on the stovetop.
• Keep an eye on what you fry. If you see wisps of smoke or the oil smells, immediately turn off the burner and/or carefully remove the pan from the burner. Smoke is a danger sign that the oil is too hot.
• Heat the oil slowly to the temperature you need for frying or sautéing.
• Add food gently to the pot or pan so the oil does not splatter.
• Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time. Never throw water on the fire.
• If the fire does not go out or you don’t feel comfortable sliding a lid over the pan, get everyone out of your home. Call the fire department from outside.

For more information from the NFPA on cooking safety, click here.