During the 97/98 holiday period, sixteen people died in fires in Massachusetts in a 12 day period. Of these 16 people, 75% died in homes that did not have working smoke detectors. The sad fact is that all these people should be alive today, because all these fires were preventable in nature. Overloaded circuits, old extension cords, faulty strings of lights, unattended burning candles, improper disposal of smoking materials, are all preventable. A fire will not wait until tomorrow. Address issues like this in your home today.
Fire prevention in your home should be ongoing 365 days a year for your family's safety. Although you cannot stand guard 24 hours a day, you can have the assurance that a working smoke and carbon monoxide detector will watch over the household and provide that early evacuation warning. A detector requires very little maintenance, a push of a test button periodically, vacuuming out the dust every few months and a battery change once a year. A very small price considering the responsibility it is designed to do for you.
Massachusetts Law requires that every occupied residence in the state, including Belchertown, be equipped with working smoke detectors as well as carbon monoxide detectors. This applies to older existing homes as well. Some people believe that detectors are only required in newly built homes which were built to be more fire conscientious today than years ago, but, in fact, a new home will stand up to a fire far better than an old home. Your job is to exit the home safely and stay out. We have the proper equipment to go back inside to tackle the fire.
If you are unsure about your detectors or are unable to get them and would like some assistance, call the Fire Station at 323-7571 and we will gladly help out anyway we can.
Have you ever been on a road trip, you get to the city, but there are no street signs telling you what street your on, or intersecting? This can be enormously frustrating, especially if you're in a hurry!!
Now imagine you are in a rescue vehicle, a child called to say their parent is hurt badly, and needs your help right away. Luckily 911 service is in place, and you are automatically given a street and house number. As you travel down the correct street, looking for the house numbers, no one has their house number posted. The first number you see, tells you that you have over shot the house. Now you turn your rather big rescue vehicle around, as quickly and safely as you can, and retrace your steps. You go back. No numbers are visible, or they are hard to read. You pull into a driveway that seems as though it is about right. You go up to the door, but no one seems to be home. You back your large truck out of the driveway, and pull into the next driveway. The police are also pulling into driveways, knocking on doors, trying to locate the injured person. Finally someone finds the right house, with the screaming child. You pull in and go to work. Could this delay cost someone their life? It sure could, and I hope it doesn't involve you!
We all can help to avoid this potential disaster. It is not just the law, common sense tells you best where to place your house numbers. If your house is back from the road, put numbers out near the street. If the mailbox is on the other side of the street, you are still required to have numbers on or in front of your house. House numbers are not only for receiving mail, they may save your life.
We are a volunteer community. You may be lucky enough to have the mail carrier on the fire truck to help locate your house, but chances are slim this would be the case, and I would not want to bet my life on it!!! We all want a safe community. We all need to pitch in. It's common sense. It's the law, and it can save your life. Please help.
Put high contrast, easily visible numbers, on your house, today! What makes Belchertown a great place to live, is each person, caring enough, to take the small steps necessary, to build a real community. If the Belchertown Fire Department can help in any way, please call, 323-7571. Thank you from Belchertown's Fire Prevention office, and all emergency response personnel.
Barbecue Safely |
Use all barbecue grills away from the house in the backyard. Supervise children whenever any grill is in use. Never use gasoline on any grill! |
Gas Grills |
Keep all LP-gas grill containers outside, three feet away from
building openings such as doors, windows dryer vents, and air intake vents. Gas grill
containers must be kept five feet away from possible ignition sources such as air
conditioners, compressors, cars, pilot lights. It Is recommended LP-gas canisters be ten
feet away from the house, if possible, especially when in use. LP-gas grills are not permitted inside or on balconies above the first floor of any building where people live. LP-gas is heavier than air and sinks. A leaky grill could pose a hazard to people below. Make sure all connections a tight and secure. |
Charcoal Grills |
Use only charcoal lighter fluid to start charcoal grills. Once the coals have been lighted, never add more lighter fluid to the fire -- flames may travel up the stream of lighter fluid resulting in serious burns. |
Burn First Aid |
Stop, Drop and Roll to extinguish a clothing fire. Cool a burn. For minor Burns, run cool water immediately over the burn. Seek emergency medical help immediately for more serious burns. |
WHAT IS A THUNDERSTORM?
A thunderstorm is a storm containing lighting caused by unstable atmospheric conditions. When cold upper air sinks, and warm moist air rises, storm clouds or “thunderheads” develop. Thunderstorms may occur singularly, in clusters, or in lines. Thus, it is possible for several thunderstorms to affect one location in the course of a few hours. Some of the most sever weather occurs when a single thunderstorm affects one location for an extended period of time.
WHAT IS LIGHTENING?
Lightening is an electrical discharge that results from the buildup of static electricity between clouds and the ground. It always accompanies a thunderstorm. When the buildup is strong enough to overcome the insulation effect of the air, lightening appears as a “bolt.” This flash of light can remain within the clouds, occur between clouds or strike toward the ground several miles from the parent cloud.
BEFORE THE STORM
Learn the thunderstorm danger signs.
Check for hazards in the yard.
Dead or rotting trees and branches can fall during a severe thunderstorm and cause injury or damage.
Know the difference between a “severe thunderstorm watch” and a “severe thunderstorm warning”.
Estimating the Distance from a Thunderstorm
Because light travels so much faster than sound, lightening flashes can be seen long before the resulting thunder is heard.. Estimate the number of miles you are from a thunderstorm by counting the number of seconds between a flash of lightening and the next clap of thunder: Divide this number by five.
If indoors
If outdoors
If in a car
AFTER A THUNDERSTORM
Check for injuries
When a tornado is coming, you have only a short amount of time to make life-or-death decisions. Advance planning and quick response is the keys to surviving a tornado.
WHAT IS A TORNADO
A tornado is a violent windstorm characterized by a twisting, funnel-shaped cloud. It is spawned by a thunderstorm (or sometimes as a result of a hurricane) and produced when cool air overrides a layer of warm air, forcing the warm air to rise rapidly. The damage from a tornado is a result of the high wind velocity and windblown debris. Tornado season is generally March through August, although tornadoes can occur at any time of year. They tend to occur in the afternoons and evenings: over 80 percent of all tornadoes strike between noon and midnight.
BEFORE A TORNADO
Conduct tornado drills each tornado season.
Tornado Watches and Warnings
A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when weather conditions are such that tornadoes are likely to develop. This is time to remind family members where the safest places within your home are located, and listen to the radio or television for further developments.
A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. The danger is very serious and everyone should go to a safe place, turn on a battery-operated radio and wait for further instructions.
TORNADO DANGER SIGNS
Learn these tornado danger signs.
DURING A TORNADO
If at home
If at work or school
If outdoors
Open Air Burning for domestic tree trimming is held annually from January 15th to May 1st. A written permit is required from the Fire Department. The dates for burning are set by the Department of Environmental Protection, Air Quality Control Division, and cannot be changed by the Fire Department. A written permit is required and must be obtained from the Fire Department prior to burning.
A Renewable permit is good for the entire season requiring the individual to call to activate the permit each time they wish to burn, at a cost of $10.00. Permits are available for purchase Monday-Friday 8am - 1pm and on Saturdays during burning season from 9am - noon. We can be reached by phone at 413-323-7571 during normal business hours.
Open Air Burning for agricultural farming operations is allowed throughout the year providing that the property meets the regulations and you obtain the proper permit. Please contact the Department for further information regarding qualifications.
A commonly asked question is "Can I have a bonfire in my backyard?" The answer is no.
The Fire Department may authorize, and permit, up to two (2) ceremonial bonfires within a calendar year. The permit shall be issued only to a municipal department or civic, fraternal or veterans' organization within such city or town. Bonfires shall mark the observance of a significant or national event. No bonfires shall burn for more than twelve (12) hours. Such ceremonial bonfires shall be under the continuous supervision of the Fire Department.
A resident, however, can have a reasonable size cooking fire without obtaining a permit, as long as the following are met:
There are set dates and times for all burning. Some cities and towns within the Commonwealth have lost their privileges to burn any open air fire altogether from the Department of Environmental Protection.
A FIRE OF ANY SIZE SHOULD NOT BE CONDUCTED DURING EXTREMELY DRY PERIODS. Consult your Fire Department if you have questions about the weather or any other concerns.
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Enjoy the many professional, supervised fireworks displays. The possession and use of all fireworks by private citizens is illegal in Massachusetts. This includes sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers and cherry bombs, to name a few. It is illegal to purchase fireworks in another state and transport them into Massachusetts. Do not purchase fireworks through mail-order catalogues. We cannot prohibit distribution of these catalogues, but we do confiscate illegal shipments of fireworks. Many consumers attempting to circumvent the law have lost both their money and their fireworks. |
Always:
Opening hot car radiators is one of the leading causes of burns to young adults. These burns can be prevented with patience and appropriate precautions. When your car overheats, or even when it's just been running for a while, pressure builds up inside the radiator. If you open a hot car radiator, hot steam and liquid can splash on your face and hands causing painful, disfiguring burns.
WHAT IS A HURRICANE?
A hurricane is a tropical storm with winds that have reached a constant speed of 74 miles per hour or more. Hurricane winds blow in a large spiral around a relative calm center known as the "eye." The "eye" is generally 20 to 30 miles wide, and the storm may extend outward 400 miles. As a hurricane approaches, the skies will begin to darken and winds will grow in strength. As a hurricane nears land, it can bring torrential rains, high winds, and storm surges. A single hurricane can last for more than two weeks over open waters and can run a path across the entire length of the eastern seaboard. August and September are peak months during the hurricane season, that last from June 1 through November 30.
Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire departments and which radio station to tune to for emergency information. Protect your windows.
Trim dead or weak branches from trees
Develop an emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
DURING A HURRICANE WARNING
If at home
If officials indicate evacuation is necessary
AFTER A HURRICANE
INSPECTING UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME
Be familiar with the winter storm warning messages.
A winter storm watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area. A winter storm warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the way.
A blizzard warning means that large amounts of falling or blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected for several hours. A traveler's advisory is issued if travel is expected to be difficult.
Service snow removal equipment and have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways and kitty litter to generate temporary traction.
Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.
Winterize your home.
Insulate walls and attics.
Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic form the inside.
Have safe emergency heating equipment available.
Fire place with ample supply of wood.
Small, well vented wood, coal or camp stove with fuel.
A major winter storm can be lethal. Preparing for cold weather conditions and responding to them effectively can reduce the dangers caused by winter storms.
Portable space heaters or kerosene heaters.
Check with the Belchertown Fire Department on the legality of using kerosene heaters in town.
Install and check smoke detectors.
Keep pipes from freezing.
Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers.
Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.
Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
Know how to shut off water valves.
Have winter emergency supplies on hand.
Flashlight and extra batteries
portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
First aid kit
One week supply of food (including items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in case the power is shut off)
Portable can opener
One-week supply of essential prescription medications
Extra blankets and sleeping bags
Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type)
Conserve fuel - Lower the thermostat to 65 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night. Close off unused rooms.
If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspaper and wrap in rags.
Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they are most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
Listen to the radio or television to get the latest storm information.
If Outdoors - Dress warmly.
Wear loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Layers can be removed to prevent perspiration and chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers generate warmth when they touch each other.
Cover your mouth.
Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors. Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary.
Avoid overexertion.
Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make any other medical conditions worse.
Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
Frostbite is a sever reaction to cold exposure that can permanently damage its victims. A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes or nose and ear lobes is a symptom of frostbite.
Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops due to prolonged exposure to temperatures less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness and exhaustion.
If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, warm the person and seek immediate medical assistance. Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it (like coffee) or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.
Keep dry.
Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters. Most communities in the United States can experience some kind of flooding after spring rains, heavy thunderstorms or winter snow thaws. Floods can be slow or fast rising but generally develop over a period of days.
Find out if you live in a flood-prone area. Contact your local public works or emergency management office.
Ask whether your property is above or below the flood stage water level and learn about the history of flooding for your region.
Learn the flood warning signs and your community alert signals.
Plan and practice an evacuation route.
Contact your local emergency management office for a copy of the community emergency plan. This plan should include information on the safest routes to shelters. Individuals living in flash flood areas should have several alternate routes to higher ground.
Have emergency supplies on hand.
Flashlights and extra batteries
Portable battery-operated radio with extra batteries
First aid kit and manual
Emergency food and water
Portable can opener
Essential medicines
Cash and credit cards
Sturdy shoes
Develop an emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated during a disaster (this is a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
Ask an out-of-state relative of friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.
Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a flood or flash flood.
Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water.
Teach children how and when to call 911, police, fire, and ambulance and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
DURING A FLOOD WATCH
Listen to the radio for further information.
Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case water becomes contaminated.
Bring outdoor belongings, such as patio furniture, indoors.
Move valuable household possessions to the upper floors or to safe ground if time permits.
If you are instructed to do so by local authorities, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve.
Join with neighbors and volunteers to place sandbags or other protection in place. Stack sandbags away from the outside walls of houses to prevent floodwaters from entering.
DURING A FLOOD
If indoors
Turn on battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
Get your pre-assembled emergency supplies.
Move to the second floor or roof.
Wait for help. Do not attempt to drive on a flooded roadway.
If outdoors
Climb to high ground and stay there.
Don't attempt to walk through even slow-moving floodwaters. If they are moving swiftly, water one foot deep can sweep you off your feet.
If in a car
Don't drive over flooded roads; the road may be washed away. Turn around and go another way.
If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted form attempts to move stalled vehicles.
AFTER THE FLOOD
Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede. Listen to a radio or television and don't return home until the authorities have indicated it is safe to do so.
Do not enter buildings if floodwaters recede around the building.
When entering buildings, use extreme caution.
Wear sturdy shoes and use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights when examining buildings.
Inspect foundations for settling or cracking.
Examine walls, floors, doors and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing.
Watch for loose plaster and ceilings that could fall.
Look for fire hazards
Broken or leaking gas lines.
Flooded electrical circuits.
Submerged furnaces of electrical appliances.
Flammable or explosive materials coming from upstream.
Do not use water or eat food that has come in contact with flood waters.
Pump out flooded basements gradually (about 0ne-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage.
DID YOU KNOW
You can be struck by lightening when a storm is 10 miles away, but thunder can only be heard 3 to 4 miles away.
The average temperature of a lightening bolt is 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The average temperature of the sun is 11,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
At any given moment, nearly 2,000 thunderstorms are in progress over the surface of the earth.
On average, the United States gets 100,000 thunderstorms each year. Approximately 1,000 tornadoes develop from these storms.
Massachusetts has experienced 89 tornadoes since 1962--the strongest being the Worcester tornado of 1952.
Many people mistakenly believe they should open a window when a tornado is coming. They believe that since houses are airtight, the change in air pressure during a tornado could cause a home to explode. Actually, buildings are not airtight. They leak, equalizing air pressure naturally. Opening a window allows the strong winds to enter, cause damage and increase the possibility of injury.
The total number of earthquakes recorded in Massachusetts through the year 1989 was 316.
Hurricane winds in the northern hemisphere circulate in a counterclockwise motion around the hurricane's center or "eye," while hurricane winds in the southern hemisphere circulate clockwise.
In less than a 4-week period in 1992, two major hurricanes hit the United States leaving an unprecedented array of devastation. First, Hurricane Andrew pounded Florida and Louisiana to become the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history with damage estimates in the range of $15 billion to $30 billion. Then 3 weeks later, Hurricane Iniki affected three Hawaiian Islands resulting in over $1billion in damage, particularly in Kauai.
Approximately 90 percent of presidential disaster declarations result from natural phenomena in which flooding was a major component.
A peaceful stream or river can dramatically change into turbulent floodwaters in a matter of minutes.
The leading cause of death during winter storms is from automobile or other transportation accidents. Exhaustion or heart attacks caused by overexertion are the second most likely cause of winter storm related deaths.
Fire during winter storms presents a great danger because water supplies may freeze and it may be difficult for fire fighting equipment to get to the fire.
Between 1936 and 1975, nearly 20,000 people succumbed to the effects of heat and solar radiation.
Because men perspire more than women, men are more susceptible to heat illness because they become more quickly dehydrated.
Sunburn can significantly slow the skin's ability to release excess heat.
