GLOUCESTER — Chief Eric Smith and the Gloucester Fire Department wish to remind residents and visitors of important summer safety tips ahead of the coming holiday weekend.
“Especially as everyone prepares for their Fourth of July celebrations this weekend, we want to remind the community of key safety measures and guidelines,” Chief Smith said. “In particular, we urge residents to keep in mind fireworks are illegal in the state, to always remain vigilant when swimming at the beach or in a pool. Beyond that, we wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth!”
Fireworks Are Illegal
According to Massachusetts State Fire Marshal, fires started by fireworks increased by 180% in 2020 and complaints to local police departments increased significantly as well. This year, State and local law enforcement agencies will be ramping up their efforts to stop illegal firework use and sales in Massachusetts.
The possession, use and sale of fireworks without a professional license is against the law in Massachusetts, and punishable by confiscation, fine or imprisonment. Fines range from $100 to $1,000, and some violations could carry a one-year prison sentence.
In order to cut down on residents purchasing fireworks in other states and transporting them back to Massachusetts, members of the State Police will begin targeted patrols along state lines to enforce fireworks laws.
According to the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal, from 2011 to 2020, there were more than 900 reported major fires and explosions involving illegal fireworks. During that time span, 32 people were treated at Massachusetts emergency rooms for severe burns or other injuries from fireworks.
In case of a firework-related or other emergency, always dial 911.
Pool Safety
The Gloucester Fire Department considers pool safety to be a top priority, and reminds residents to follow these safety regulations and recommended precautions:
- Per Massachusetts regulation, pools should be surrounded by a 4-foot-high barrier that encloses the pool and has an access gate that self-closes, locks and opens outward from the swimming area (even if you don’t have children).
- Fasten a safety cover over the pool when it is not in use, and remove ladders to further prevent access into the pool. Pool alarms are required whenever a house door leads directly to a pool deck.
- Never leave children unattended while they are in or near a pool, and make sure they have an adult to accompany them into the water. Young or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket or inflatable arm flotation devices.
- Make sure children stay away from pool drains, pipes or any other openings to avoid getting trapped or hurt.
- Set safety instructions and share them with family, friends, neighbors and anyone else who is near or uses the pool. Advise children to stay away from pool deep ends, and to always walk, never run near the pool.
- Never use the pool if the chemical levels are not correct, or if the water is cloudy and you can’t see the bottom.
- Take a CPR course for adults and children to be prepared if an emergency situation occurs. Update skills regularly.
- Watch the local weather reports and do not swim if thunderstorms are in the forecast.
- Those who are 21 and older should drink responsibly if they choose to consume alcoholic beverages when by the pool. Overindulging increases the risk for injuries or accidental drowning.
- Avoid using glass containers by the pool. They could break and leave glass around the pool or in the water.
Grilling Safety:
Chief Smith would like to share the following safety tips provided by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:
Safety First
- Always grill outdoors.
- Grills cannot be used on a porch, balcony or deck with a roof, overhang or wall (other than the exterior of the building).
- Grills can only be used on open first-floor porches, decks or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.
- Grills must be 10 feet from the side of a building unless the manufacturer’s instructions say it can be closer. Make sure grills are not underneath overhanging branches.
- Grills cannot be used on fire escapes.
- Place grills away from the house and deck railings.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from grills. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders. Keep all matches, lighters and lighter fluid away from children.
Gas Grill Safety
- Never leave a burning grill unattended.
- Make sure that the lid of a gas grill is open when you light it. Propane can build up inside and when ignited, the lid may blow off.
- If you smell gas while cooking, turn off and get away from the grill. Call 911 from a safe location. Do not move the grill.
- Always turn off the burners and close the propane cylinder when you are done cooking.
- Keep all propane outdoors, at least 10 feet away from building openings such as doors, windows and dryer vents, and 20 feet away from air intake vents and ignition sources.
- Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
- Clean the grease trap every time you grill.
- Replace propane cylinders that are old, rusty, or showing any other signs of disrepair.
Charcoal Grill Safety
- Use only charcoal starter fluid. Gasoline and kerosene should not be used to start a fire in a grill. Never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals. Doing so may cause a flash fire and result in serious burn injuries.
- Charcoal briquettes give off carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Always use charcoal grills in a well-ventilated area. Never use charcoal grills indoors.
- For proper disposal of grill ashes, allow the coals to burn out completely and then cool for 48 hours before disposal. If you must dispose of ashes before they are completely cooled, thoroughly soak them in water before putting them in a metal container.
The community is also encouraged to review boating and beach safety tips recently shared by the Gloucester Fire and Police Departments here, as well as hot weather safety information from the Gloucester Health Department here.
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