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The Swansea Police and Fire Departments responded Saturday after a pickup truck crashed into a home on Route 6. Following an investigation, Swansea Police arrested the driver on charges including operating under the influence.
Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 4-10. This year’s theme, “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on preventing fires involving lithium-ion batteries.
These batteries power phones, laptops, e-bikes, scooters and many other devices. They can overheat or catch fire if damaged or charged improperly.
A few simple habits can help keep your home safe:
– Use the cord and charger that came with your device or ones approved by the manufacturer.
– Charge devices on a hard, flat surface, such as a table or desk. Keep them off beds and couches.
– Charge devices while you are awake and nearby. Unplug them when fully charged.
– Charge larger items, such as e-bikes, scooters and power tools, outside when possible. Never block an exit while charging.
– Stop using a battery or device if it becomes very hot, swells or develops an unusual smell. If it starts smoking or catches fire, get outside and call 911.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and useful safety tips, visit the National Fire Protection Association website: https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week
As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, we would like to remind residents to celebrate safely and note that the recreational use of fireworks is illegal in Massachusetts.
While the Fourth of July is meant for celebration, residents should celebrate safely. If you are attending a party, remember to drink responsibly and never operate a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If swimming, ensure that no child swims alone, and be mindful of changes in open-water conditions, such as currents or cold water temperatures. When boating, always wear a life jacket.
Additionally, fireworks should be left to the professionals.
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.
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.
Camden Huck represented the Swansea Fire Department as one of 40 local firefighters who graduated with State Fire Academy Call/Volunteer Recruit Class #125. (Photo Courtesy Massachusetts Department of Fire Services) SWANSEA — Chief Eric Hajder of the Swansea Fire Department isRead More
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.
SWANSEA — Police Chief Mark Foley and Fire Chief Eric Hajder regret to report that the Swansea Police and Fire Departments responded to a serious motor vehicle crash early Friday morning that resulted in the deaths of two people. AtRead More
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
SWANSEA — Chief Eric Hajder of the Swansea Fire Department is pleased to report that six Swansea firefighters graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Swansea firefighters Shane Neto, Jacob Dillon, Jared Koger, Shane Justice, Logan Estes andRead More
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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