Author: Cody Shepard

With Daylight Saving Time beginning Sunday, March 8, the Swansea Fire Department reminds residents to change their clocks ahead one hour and check their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.

Working alarms provide early warning during a fire or CO emergency, giving residents the time they need to get out safely. Residents should test each alarm, replace batteries if needed and make sure alarms are installed on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, about three out of five fire deaths nationwide occur in homes where smoke alarms are missing or not working. Fire officials recommend replacing smoke alarms every 10 years and checking the manufacturing date printed on the back of each device. CO alarms typically need replacement every five, seven, or 10 years depending on the model.

The Swansea Fire Department would like to remind residents of the dangers of ice during the winter, when ponds, lakes, and waterways freeze over.

No ice is 100 percent safe, as it is impossible to judge ice conditions by appearance or depth alone. Many factors, including water depth, body of water size, water chemistry, currents, snow cover, ice age, and local weather conditions, affect ice strength.

Falling through the ice can be extremely dangerous and often fatal. Residents should avoid walking or driving on ice-bound bodies of water. The department would like to share the following safety tips on what to do if someone falls through ice.

For more information and safety tips, visit the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/ice-strength-and-safety

As the holiday season begins, it is important to remember cooking safety tips to ensure your meals go smoothly and successfully.

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) reported that Thanksgiving is the peak day of the year for home cooking fires, with over three times the daily average of cooking fires. Christmas Day and Christmas Eve follow closely behind, with both days having nearly twice the daily average.

According to NFPA, unattended cooking was the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths. Cooking also causes half of reported home fires, almost two of every five home fire injuries, and is a leading cause of home fire deaths.

To prevent cooking fires, never leave anything cooking on the stovetop unsupervised, and stay home with meals that require an oven. Remember to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working prior to the holiday, and keep children away from the stove, hot foods, knives, kitchen appliances, and cords.

For more holiday cooking tips from the NFPA: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/thanksgiving

With Halloween approaching, it is important to consider the potential hazards the holiday brings for participants of all ages.

Children should be dressed appropriately for the weather and wear reflective attire or carry flashlights to ensure they can be seen in the dark. Young trick-or-treaters should always be accompanied by an adult. Older children should be reminded of how to trick-or-treat safely, and should use the “buddy system” to make sure no one walks alone.  

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Today, on National First Responders Day, we pause to honor the bravery and sacrifice of police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers.

These dedicated professionals put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities and respond in times of crisis. We are grateful for their service and commitment.

We are proud to stand alongside our fellow first responders and grateful for the trust and collaboration that allows us to serve our community together.

The National Fire Protection Association’s annual Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 5-11.

This year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Many of the devices we use every day — from phones and laptops to scooters and power tools — run on lithium-ion batteries. While convenient, they can pose a fire risk if not handled properly.

For more information and safety tips, click the link:

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches quickly, we would like to remind residents that the recreational use of fireworks is illegal in Massachusetts.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, there have been more than 550 fires and explosions involving illegal fireworks in Massachusetts in the past five years. Six firefighters were injured in these incidents, and damages were estimated at nearly $1 million.

Between 2019 and 2023, Massachusetts medical facilities treated more than 200 people for burns and other injuries associated with fireworks. Two dozen people were treated for severe burn injuries that covered 5% or more of the victim’s body.

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.

Please leave fireworks to the professionals!