Day: January 11, 2014

From Erin Maki-

Fire officials issued a fire safety warning as we enter a weekend of extremely cold weather, perhaps the coldest in years. “This weekend will tax our heating and electrical systems as we try to stay warm, so a little caution can help you make you it safely through the extreme weather,” said Gloucester Fire Chief Eric Smith.

Make Sure Smoke Alarms and CO Alarms are Working
“One of the simplest steps for safety you can take is to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working. They will give you the earliest possible warning that something is wrong so you can escape safely,” said Chief Smith.

“Keep thermostats set at the lowest comfortable temperature as furnaces may struggle to keep the house warm; wear warm clothes and put an extra blanket on the bed,” said Smith. “If you run out of oil, or lose power, consider going to the home of a friend or relative who has heat rather than relying in alternative heating sources,” he added.

Space Heaters
“Cold snaps like this is when we tend to see space heater fires and one of every seven space heater fires in the past five years has caused a fire death,” he said. “Space heaters need space, so use them in a 3-foot circle of safety, free of anything that can catch fire.” He added, “Space heaters are not designed to replace your central heating system, they are only designed to provide a little extra heat on a temporary basis. So be sure to turn them off when you leave room or go to bed at night.”
Overloaded extension cords cause many space heater fires. It is best not to use extension cords with heat producing appliances, but if you must, make sure it is rated for the same wattage as the appliance and use only one.

Wood, Coal and Pellet Stoves
“Already this winter heating season we have had numerous serious fires from the improper disposal of ashes from fireplaces, wood and pellet stoves,” said Smith. “A single ember can remain hot for days, so put ashes in a metal container with a lid away from the house, the garage, the deck,” he added. Several recent fires in the State started with ashes put into plastic bags, cardboard boxes, and plastic trash bins, in the garage, or under the deck.

“Don’t over fire your woodstove this weekend. An overtaxed woodstove can easily start a chimney fire taking advantage of creosote build-up or minor cracks in the flue or causing a breakdown in the chimney liner,” said Smith. Heating appliances are the leading cause of carbon monoxide in the home and the risk increases when they are working harder. For more information go to http://www.mass.gov/keepwarmkeepsafe.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
“Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a great risk at times like these,” said Smith. “Using propane or charcoal grills or generators inside the garage – even with the door open – poses a serious risk of CO poisoning,” he warned. For the same reason, never use a gas oven for heat.

Generator Safety
Use generators outdoors away from windows, doors and vents with the exhaust pointed away from the home. Don’t use them inside the garage, basement or partially enclosed areas no matter how well ventilated. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet. This practice known as “backfeeding” can cause an electrocution risk to utility workers and others served by the same transformer. Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord. Make sure the entire cord is free of cuts or tears and plug has all three prongs including the grounding pin. Fire officials recommend placing the container on the ground to avoid any static electrical charge igniting vapors.

Gasoline should be stored outside the home in small quantities in approved containers. Remember to allow equipment to cool before refueling to prevent vapors from ignited.

Clear Snow from Furnace and Dryer Vents
Keep outside furnace, hot water and dryer vents clear of drifting snow, to prevent flue gases from backing up into the home and creating a carbon monoxide hazard.

Clear Snow from Vehicle Tailpipes
Last winter, two children from Boston died from carbon monoxide while sitting inside a running vehicle where the tailpipe was clogged with snow. Doctors from the Boston Public Health Commission have created an educational video on CO poisoning that addresses this particular risk. (http://youtu.be/7Yy9zXsaeCA).

Use Flashlights and Battery-Operated Candles
Use flashlights and battery-operated candles for safety. If you must use flame candles, remember to burn them inside a one-foot circle of safety free of anything that can burn. Place them on a non-combustible surface or in the sink; blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed; and use jar candles or place a globe over stick candles. Keep pets and children away from candles.

Prevent Freezing Pipes
Let water drip a trickle to prevent pipes from freezing and open cupboards under sinks to let heat circulate around the pipes.

Consider Going to a Shelter to Charge Up Cell Phones for Emergency Calls
Many people may lose the ability to make emergency calls when cell phone batteries and the battery-backup for fiber optic telephone/cable/Internet services become depleted. “I would urge people without lights and heat to consider staying with friends and family have power or go to an emergency shelter for a short while, even if it’s just to charge up cell phones, get a hot meal and warm up,” Coan said.

For more information on safety go to http://www.mass.gov/dfs click on fire safety topics then Storm Safety or http://www.mass.gov/keepwarmkeepsafe.

This sucker has a wingspan of about 7 inches. Found on Long Key, Fla.

Hey Joey!

We’re back in the Ocean Alliance office at the Paint Factory, working on raising money to start work on the second brick building this year. Anyone is welcome to stop by and have a look at the work so far, the offices are generally open 9-5. Lots of exciting projects and local partnerships coming up this year. 

Here’s a shot Iain took yesterday of the Paint Factory in the fog.

Thanks!

Amy Kerr

Ocean Alliance

This campaign is raising money for “Bailee’s Pink Lemonade: Have a Heart ”
http://www.gofundme.com/5zihu4

This is the gofundme we set up….which also included Erica’s Story we are also planning the benefit

Brieana

This is Sprocket the dog during the last snow storm we had.  Thought
you’d get a kick out of it.
Ev.

The Mayor’s Desk: Charting city’s goals for a new year

http://m.gloucestertimes.com/GDT/db_269217/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=HDbOC7HU

Waterways panel eyes changes, more moorings

http://m.gloucestertimes.com/GDT/db_324754/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=81YhJ2Dl