For Immediate Release

Friday, Feb. 12, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Groveland Police Remind Residents about Cold Weather Safety in Anticipation of Freezing Temps this Weekend

GROVELAND — Deputy Chief Jeffrey Gillen, the town’s Emergency Management Director, would like to notify residents about the upcoming cold weather and remind them to prepare for all situations.

This weekend, temperatures are predicted to be in the teens during the day and drop to below zero at night — some of the coldest weather the region has experienced this year.

“When it’s this cold out, it’s always best to stay inside if possible,” Deputy Gillen said. “If you’re planning to be outdoors, remember to dress in the appropriate cold weather attire.”

To stay safe and to prepare for extreme weather, Deputy Gillen and the Groveland Police Department recommend that residents follow several best practices outlined by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

• When outside, dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, rather than a single layer of heavy clothing. Wear a hat, mittens (rather than gloves) and sturdy waterproof boots, protecting your extremities, and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
  — Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, seek medical help immediately.
  — The warning signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If the person’s temperature drops below 95 degrees, get medical help immediately.
• Have a well-stocked home emergency kit that includes a flashlight, sleeping bag or blanket, portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food.
• Make sure your car is properly winterized. Keep the gas tank at least half-full. Carry a winter emergency car kit including blankets, extra clothing, a flashlight with spare batteries, a can, waterproof matches (to melt snow for drinking water), non-perishable foods, windshield scraper, shovel, sand, tow rope and jumper cables in the trunk.
• Be a good neighbor. Check with elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors to ensure their safety.
• Limit outdoor time for your pets. Freezing temperatures are dangerous to animals as well as humans.
• Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel, as well as alternate emergency heating equipment in case you lose electricity. When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as an emergency generator, your fireplace, wood stove, or space heater, take necessary safety precautions:
  — Keep a fire extinguisher handy and ensure everyone knows how to use it properly.
  — Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven or charcoal barbecue grill.
  — Make sure all heating devices are properly ventilated and always operate a generator outdoors and away from your home. Improper heating devices can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in the home.
  — Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause flu-like illness or death. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911 immediately, get the victim to fresh air and open windows.

All inquiries about emergency management should be directed to the Groveland Police Department at 978-521-1212.

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