Fire Prevention Week, organized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), aims to teach everyone how to stay safe in case of a fire. This year, it’s being held from Oct. 6-12 with the theme “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™” The NFPA strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home. The three most important factors are to INSTALL, TEST, and REPLACE. Are your smoke detectors working?
This week is Child Passenger Safety Week, and we would like to raise awareness about properly sized and correctly installed car seats. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association found that while most parents and caregivers believe they know how to properly install their car seats, about half (48%) have installed their child’s car seat incorrectly.
It is recommended that all car seats are registered with their manufacturers in case of a safety recall.
The department is offering free car seat safety checks to ensure seats are appropriate for the child’s age and size, and that the seat is properly installed. We will also be able to assist new parents with the initial installation of a car seat, and can answer questions about child safety seats. To request an appointment for car seat installation please fill out the form here.
State law requires that all children riding in passenger vehicles must be in a federally approved child passenger restraint that is properly fastened and secured according to the manufacturer’s instructions until they are eight years old or over 57 inches tall.
A new school year means kids will be out walking and biking to school, buses will be out on the roadways, and drivers should be more cautious when driving through our community.
Parents, please talk to your children before the new school year starts about getting safely to and from school, including the importance of looking up from their phones. Also, we ask drivers to please slow down and be attentive.
For more important tips about back-to-school safety for walkers, bike riders, bus riders, and drivers check out this information from the National Safety Council: https://tinyurl.com/yc79kvnf
Possession or Use of Fireworks is Illegal in Massachusetts
Police Chief Kevin DiNapoli and Fire Chief Stephen Kavanagh, along with the Wenham Police and Fire Departments, wish to share several important safety tips and reminders as residents prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.
According to the state Department of Fire Services and State Police, Massachusetts fire departments reported nearly 1,000 fires related to illegal fireworks between 2013 and 2022. In 2022 alone, fire departments reported 106 fires and explosions attributed to fireworks, an increase of nearly a third over the prior year. More than half of those incidents took place during the week of July 4, 2022.
It is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks of all kinds in Massachusetts without a license and a permit. This includes fireworks purchased legally elsewhere and brought into Massachusetts. It includes sparklers, firecrackers, cherry bombs, and other fireworks. Fines range from $10 to $1,000, and some violations could carry a one-year prison sentence.
The Department of Fire Services posts a list of permitted municipal fireworks displays and updates it each week through the summer. Residents are encouraged to attend the fireworks displays and leave fireworks and explosives in the hands of professionals.
Residents are encouraged to report any misuse of fireworks they notice in the community to the Wenham Police Department at 978-468-4000.
In case of a firework-related or other emergency, always dial 911.
Additionally, residents are reminded of these key safety tips for Fourth of July celebrations:
Attend organized and permitted fireworks displays only.
Report illegal or suspicious fires to the police.
Remember that alcohol/drugs and fireworks do not mix.
Never allow young children to go near fireworks.
Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks. The loud noises and flashing lights can be frightening and overwhelming for pets. Pets can become frightened and run from familiar environments and people, becoming lost.Read more here.
Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. From 2017 to 2021 approximately 1,460 drivers were killed in motor vehicle crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period — 38% of the drivers killed were drunk.
Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not plan on driving. Instead, designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service to get home safely.
Take keys away from individuals who are under the influence and are planning to drive. Alcohol and drugs impair perception, judgement, motor skills, and memory, which are critical for safe and responsible driving.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.
The Wenham Police and Fire Departments wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July.
WENHAM – Police Chief Kevin DiNapoli and Fire Chief Stephen Kavanagh report that the Wenham Police and Fire Departments responded Sunday afternoon to a motorcycle crash on Grapevine Road.
On Sunday, March 10, at approximately 3:50 p.m., the North Shore Regional 9-1-1 Center in Middleton received a report of a motorcycle crash in the area of 52 Grapevine Road in Wenham.
Wenham Police and Fire responded and found a single-vehicle motorcycle crash, with an adult male operator suffering from what appeared to be serious injuries.
The operator was transported by a medical helicopter to a regional trauma center.
The crash remains under investigation by the Wenham Police Department.
32 firefighters from 12 departments graduated from the MFA’s Call/Volunteer Training Program on Wednesday, March 6, including four from Wenham Fire Department. (Photo Courtesy Wenham Fire Department)
WENHAM – Chief Stephen Kavanagh is pleased to announce that four Wenham firefighters graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Academy’s (MFA) Call/Volunteer Training Program.
Firefighters Brennan Lucado, Jessa Hattabaugh, Brett Donovan, and Matt Dickman were among the 32 graduates from 12 departments who graduated from the Academy’s Call/Volunteer Training Program Class 109 on Wednesday, March 6.
“I would like to congratulate Firefighters Lucado, Hattabaugh, Donovan and Dickman on completing their training,” said Chief Kavanagh. “Their continued hard work and effort does not go unnoticed and I look forward to watching their careers grow with Wenham for years to come.”
Graduates of the program complete 240 hours of training, all on nights and weekends. To graduate, they must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack techniques. Upon completion of the training, they have also met the standards of National Fire Protection Association 1001.
During the 16-week training program, participants learn the basic skills they need to respond to emergencies, including lessons on fire behavior and suppression, public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, and self-rescue techniques. The program involves classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training, and live firefighting practice.
Other graduates of Class 109 represent the fire departments of Boxford, Essex, Georgetown, Groveland, Hamilton, Lynnfield, Middleton, Nahant, Rowley, and Topsfield.
Chief Stephen Kavanagh and the Wenham Fire Department would like to share fire safety tips for community members to be mindful of while decorating for the holidays.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2017-2021, firefighters responded to an average of 150 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. Fire departments also responded to an estimated average of 793 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees.
Christmas Tree Safety
According to the NFPA, nearly one in five Christmas tree fires were started by lamps or bulbs, and 8% by candles. Although the NFPA notes that Christmas tree fires are not common, they can grow very fast. The following tips are recommended to help prevent a fire.
Choose a tree with fresh, green needles. The needles should not fall off when touched.
Place the tree at least 3 feet from any heat source, including fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents and lights. Do not place the tree in an area where it may be blocking an exit.
Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk. Always add water to the tree stand daily.
Ensure your string lights are intended for indoor use and use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
Never decorate a tree with lit candles.
Always turn off the lights on your tree before going to bed or leaving home.
Dispose of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. As trees dry out, they become more flammable and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Approximately 30% of Christmas tree fires happen in January.
General Holiday Decorating Tips
Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
Be careful about the placement of decorations, and be sure to keep them away from lit candles and other heat sources.
Hang lights using clips, not nails, so that the cords do not get damaged.
Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
Do not place decorations in the way of windows and doors.
Candle use:
Candle fires peak in December and January with 11% of candle fires in each of these months.
Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
Keep candles at least 1 foot from anything that can burn.
Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily. Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface. Lit candles should not be placed in windows where a blind or curtain could catch fire.
If a candle must burn continuously, be sure it is enclosed in a glass container and placed in a sink, on a metal tray, or in a deep basin filled with water.
Candles should be out of the reach of children and pets. Consider using battery-operated candles around children.
Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
Holiday Entertaining Tips
Make sure your smoke alarms are working.
Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home 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.
Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. The steam or splash from hot food or drink could cause serious burns.
For additional holiday fire safety tips, visit nfpa.org.
The Wenham Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
WENHAM — Chief Stephen Kavanagh and the Wenham Fire Department wish to share safety tips with community members as they plan to cook, bake and enjoy holiday meals over the coming days and weeks.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving, Christmas and Christmas Eve are peak days for home cooking fires. During 2017–2021, unattended cooking was the leading factor contributing to cooking fires and casualties.
To help prevent cooking fires and burn injuries this holiday season, community members are encouraged to review the following tips from the NFPA.
When using the stovetop, never leave anything cooking unattended. Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
When simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while the food is cooking and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
When frying or sautéing, heat oil slowly to the temperature you need. Add food gently to the pot or pan so the oil does not splatter. If you see wisps of smoke or the oil smells while cooking, 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.
Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging or towels — away from your stovetop.
Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the stove.
Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from things like vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
Keep knives out of the reach of children.
Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
Keep the kitchen and dining room floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, bags or other items while cooking or handling food.
Test your smoke alarms before cooking and make sure the batteries are replaced if needed.
If you have a cooking fire:
If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner and do not move the pan. To keep the fire from restarting, leave the lid on until the pan is completely cool.
If a fire starts in the oven, turn off the oven and leave the door closed. The oven should be checked and/or serviced before being used again.
If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out. Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 911 after you leave.
Additionally, the NFPA strongly discourages the use of deep fryers for cooking turkeys. For a safe alternative, NFPA recommends purchasing a fried turkey from a grocery store or restaurant or buying a fryer that does not use oil. Those who do use a fryer should use it on a sturdy, flat surface that is outdoors and at least 10 feet away from structures, including porches. Turkeys should be completely thawed and dried before being placed in a deep fryer to avoid flare-ups.
The Wenham Fire Department wishes everyone a safe, happy and healthy holiday season.
WENHAM — Chief Stephen Kavanagh is pleased to announce the launch of the Wenham Fire Department’s new website.
The new site features an interactive home page with user-friendly features. The site now offers users a chance to learn about different fire prevention resources including education programs and safety tips.
Users can now obtain burn permits, online forms and contact the department directly on the site.
Additionally, residents can explore resources provided by the department, including car seat installations.
WENHAM —Chief Stephen Kavanagh is pleased to announce that the Wenham Fire Department was awarded a grant to support its fire education work in the community.
The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services awarded Wenham Fire $2,881 for its Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) Program and $1,777 for the Senior S.A.F.E. Program.
The funding gives the department the opportunity to work directly with students in schools and seniors to educate them about fire safety and prevention. Each program is tailored to the common needs of each age group and includes general fire prevention reminders and safe practices in the home. Lessons feature many safety topics including steps to take if a fire alarm goes off.
The lessons taught in the school-based program are in line with the standards of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Health Curriculum Frameworks and the state Department of Fire Services Curriculum Planning Guidebook.
Twenty-seven years after the introduction of the S.A.F.E program within schools, the rate of annual child fire deaths has decreased by 78%, according to the state’s Department of Fire Services, which administers the two programs.
T o learn more about the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services’ S.A.F.E program, click here.
