Reverse 911 Comes to Lynnfield
Town Selects CodeRED
Here is the link to~your~Community Notification Enrollment Page (CNE):~
The Town of Lynnfield and its two water districts – the Lynnfield Center Water District and the Lynnfield Water District - has contracted with Emergency Communications Network, Inc. (ECN) to license its “CodeRED” high-speed notification solution to bring Reverse 911 to Lynnfield. The CodeRED system provides Lynnfield officials with the ability to quickly deliver messages to targeted areas or the entire town in the event of an emergency. The mass notification system will be used to notify residents of emergency situations or important municipal announcements via mass phone calls, texts, and e-mails.
ECN’s sophisticated network supports a web-based product suite featuring CodeRED. The high volume and high speed communication service employs a unique geographical-based system capable of dialing thousands phone numbers per hour. It can deliver the pre-recorded message to a live person or an answering machine. CodeRED will automatically include all listed numbers in the Town of Lynnfield. In order to supply cell phone numbers and e- mail addresses, all residents and businesses are required to log onto the Town of Lynnfield website, www.town.lynnfield.ma.us, and follow the link to the "CodeRED Community Notification Enrollment" page.
Required information includes first and last name, street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes), city, state, zip code, and primary phone number. Additional phone numbers can be entered as well. All businesses should register, as well as all individuals who have unlisted phone numbers or those who have changed their phone number or address within the past year. Also, those who use a cellular phone or VoIP phone as their primary number should register.
Those residents without Internet access may go to the Lynnfield Public Library to use the Internet during normal Library hours to provide their information over the Internet. For those residents who cannot enter the information via the Internet, they can opt to come to either water district office or either fire station and fill out a written form and the information will be forwarded. Do not call the police department for information.
There will be “test call” of the new Reverse 911 system on Saturday March 19th at approximately 11:00 a.m.
Here is the link to~your~Community Notification Enrollment Page (CNE):~
FALL 2010 EMT CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES APPROVAL NUMBERS NOW AVAILABLE UNDER EMS TRAINING
***********************************************************
Whats on the web site ?
1: Deputy Lennon"s Retirement
2: Lynnfield Call Firefighters Graduate
Call/Volunteer Firefighter Training Program
3: Notice to Homeowners
Deputy Lennon Retires From Lynnfield Fire After 45 Years
The Lynnfield Fire Department held a retirement ceremony for Deputy Fire Chief Francis Lennon Thursday at the Lynnfield Center Fire Station. Lennon was honored for his forty-five years of service to the town. The event was attended by over 100 people, including Lynnfield Fire Department members and retirees, Wakefield Fire Chief Michael Sullivan, and many other fire chiefs and firefighters from around the area. Lennon, a Wakefield resident and a Lynnfield native received citations and gifts from those in attendance.
Lynnfield Fire Chief Thomas Bogart presented Lennon with a gold fire chief’s badge to signify Lennon’s time as the interim Chief last year. Lennon was also presented with his helmet and shield by retired Police/Fire Chief Paul Romano, who appointed Lennon as Deputy Chief in 1980. Lennon was appointed interim chief when Romano retired in 2009 until Bogart was appointed permanent chief in 2010. Lennon then resumed his position of deputy chief until his retirement, which takes effect officially on Saturday
Chief Bogart served as master of ceremonies and welcomed elected officials and dignitaries from the area including State Senator Katherine Clark and members of the Lynnfield Board of Selectmen, Chairman Allen Merritt and Robert MacKendrick. Lennon received citations from the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives, as well as from the Lynnfield Board of Selectmen. He was presented a citation from the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts by Lynnfield Fire Fighter’s President Kim Diorio-McGonnell. Lennon was then presented a gold retired fire chiefs badge from Bogart and his fire helmet by Romano.
Lennon was recognized by Senator Clark for his long service to the town. “The Massachusetts Senate recognizes you for your many years of camaraderie, leadership and service to the Town of Lynnfield.” said Senator Clark. Bogart thanked Lennon for his commitment and dedication to the department. “Deputy Lennon was a steady hand and guiding force for the department for many, many years. He deserves a lot of credit for the success of the fire department,” said Bogart.
MacKendrick, a member of the Lynnfield Board of Selectmen and a retired Assistant Fire Chief who served with Lennon for many years spoke next. “Francis is a good guy and did a great job of keeping the department on track for nearly five decades. A remarkable feat indeed,” said MacKendrick. Romano credited Lennon for his ability as an incident commander and his positive contributions to the department. “Francis was widely known in the area as having great command skills and I knew I could trust him when our members went to work at fires in Lynnfield or on mutual aid to other communities. It was comforting for me to know that the men would be safe under his command,” said Romano. Lennon concluded with his remarks saying, “I enjoyed every minute of it.”
Lynnfield Firefighters Graduate Call/Volunteer Firefighter Training Program
State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Director Edmund Walker presented certificates of completion to members of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Call/Volunteer Firefighter Training class #33 in a graduation ceremony on Tuesday February 8, 2011. The recruit graduation took place at Masconomet Regional High School in Boxford. The Call/Volunteer Firefighter Training program is unique in that it delivers a standard recruit training curriculum, meeting national standards, on nights and weekends to accommodate the schedule of firefighters in suburban and rural areas. Bringing the training closer to the firefighters often means more firefighters can participate. This program was held at North Shore Vocational and Technical High School in Middleton.
The Fire Chiefs’ Association of Massachusetts persuaded the Massachusetts Legislature to financially support this innovative delivery of off-site training several years ago and since that time the program has provided training to thousands of recruits from all over Massachusetts.
Lynnfield graduates are Firefighters Timothy Allison, Michael Conley, Jeffery Fiorentino, Joseph Lamusta, and Andrew Lyons. The graduates have been in the program since is began in August of 2010. Recruit “Class 33” graduates after 6 months of intense training from the fire academy. Recruits from fire departments from all over Essex County took part in the training. All Lynnfield members successfully completed the program, which taught the students firefighting skills as identified in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1001, Firefighter Professional Qualifications. The recruits will now participate on a nationally recognized firefighter certification program that leads to national “Pro Board” certification as Firefighter I/II.
Basic Firefighter Skills
Students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Fire attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple room structural fires. Upon successful completion of the Call/Volunteer Firefighter Training program, these firefighters are now be eligible to take an examination for certification to the level of Firefighter I or II by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council.
Today’s Fire Department Does Much More than Fight Fires
Today’s firefighters do far more than fight fires. They are the first ones called to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies ranging from the suspected presence of carbon monoxide to a gas leak. They may be called to rescue a child who has fallen through the ice or who has locked himself in a bathroom. They rescue people from stalled elevators and those who are trapped in vehicle accidents. They test and maintain their equipment, ranging from self-contained breathing apparatus to hydrants, hoses, power tools, and vehicles. In this Massachusetts Firefighting Academy program, they learn all these skills and more from certified fire instructors who are also experienced firefighters. Students learn all the basic skills they need to respond to fires and to contain and control them. They are also given training in public fire education, incident command, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, self-contained breathing apparatus, stress management, water
rescue procedures, confined space rescue techniques, and rappelling. The intensive program includes classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training and lives firefighting practice. Graduates have completed 180 hours of training on nights and weekends.
“I am particularly proud of these young men at the time of their graduation from the Mass Fire Academy’s Recruit training program,” said Lynnfield Fire Chief Thomas Bogart. “The skills they learned from the fire instructors at the fire academy are valuable lessons that will enable them to perform at a high level to protect the public,” said Chief Bogart. “This program is a truly unique program that caters to the needs of fire departments that are made up of part-time firefighters like Lynnfield,” said Captain John Walsh, the department’s Training Officer. “They showed a tremendous amount of grit and determination during course of this regimented and arduous training program. They deserve a great deal of credit for what the have accomplished, “ Walsh said.
Notice to Property owners
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The Lynnfield Fire Department responds to several hundred automatic fire alarm activations every year. Automatic fire alarm activations draw at least one police cruiser, one fire engine, and an ambulance. Commercial buildings draw a larger response. These alarms usually require our on-call firefighters to respond in their personal cars from home.
We would like your help in improving our response to these automatic fire alarm activations. When your fire alarm sounds, you should take the necessary steps for the safety of those in your building. We would appreciate a telephone call from you, to our emergency number: 781-334-5151. We would like to know that your alarm is sounding, whether the building is being evacuated, if everyone is out safely, whether there is any smoke or fire, and if you know the cause of the alarm.
Based on the information that you provide, we will be able to send the appropriate resources to resolve the problem. We may also reduce our response if the alarm is an accident, or advise emergency responders to proceed with caution. We will still respond to verify the cause of the alarm and help to restore your system to service. Do not reset your fire alarm prior to the fire department’s arrival.
Thank you for your cooperation in making our operation safer for our community.
Lynnfield Fire Department
John H. Walsh, Captain
Residents Asked to Assist With Snow Removal from Hydrants
Lynnfield Fire Chief Thomas Bogart is asking all residents for their cooperation with regard to snow removal in and around all fire hydrants near their property. This has been a particularly harsh winter in terms of snowfall. Record snow fall amounts have necessitated this appeal. Please help us with this problem by keeping your hydrant clear of snow and ice. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.
Chief Thomas P. Bogart
Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Click on web site below
Public Safety Advisory
On Potential Roof Collapses
Dangers Associated With Heavy Snow Loads on Roofs
Over the past 36 hours, there have been over 70 reports of roof collapses or buildings with potential structural damage from the weight of snow and ice loads on roofs. While these incidents have occurred throughout the Commonwealth, the majority have taken place in eastern Massachusetts. In many instances, homes and businesses have been evacuated as a result of collapses or safety concerns resulting from indications of structural weaknesses. In a normal winter season, there may be a handful of such events, making this season, with its heavy snowfall, extremely unique. The current severe roof load conditions are the result of the recent prolonged cold weather and repeated snowstorms. Short periods of rain that get absorbed in the snowpack on roofs have also made matters
even worse. Compounding the situation is the short-term weather forecast of potentially two more snowstorms in the next week.
Homeowners, tenants, and businesses need to be cognizant of the danger posed by heavy snow loads on roofs, and the warning signs of potential structural weaknesses. In some instances, the risks posed by accumulated snow on roofs can be mitigated by safely removing snow from roofs of both commercial buildings and homes. Because temperatures are expected to remain cold for at least the next few days, and more snow may fall as early as this weekend, efforts should be undertaken now to safely remove snow from roofs.
Removing snow from rooftops will minimize the likelihood of structural collapse.
Flat and low pitched roofs, most often found on industrial buildings, but are also used in certain home designs, are at the greatest risk of buckling under heavy snow and ice accumulations.
Removing snow from rooftops will minimize the likelihood of structural collapse.
Flat and low pitched roofs, most often found on industrial buildings, but are also used in certain home designs, are at the greatest risk of buckling under heavy snow and ice accumulations.
Lower roofs, where snow drifts or accumulates from higher roofs are also vulnerable. Some potential signs of imminent roof collapse.
Tips for Homeowners in removing snow and ice from roofs and other areas
- DO’s
- Use a snow rake for pitched roofs (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from your roof.
- Start from the edge and work your way into the roof.
- Try to shave the snow down to a 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk damage to your shingles or other roof covering.
Keep in mind that any metal tool could conduct electricity if it touches a power line.
Also, metal tools will do more damage to your roof.
Shovel snow from flat roofs throwing the snow over the side away from the building.
Most plastic shovels are better, except for the ones with curved blades—those too will do some damage to your roof.
- Remove large icicles carefully if they're hanging over doorways and walkways. Consider knocking down icicles through windows using a broom stick.
- Wear protective headgear and goggles when performing any of these tasks.
- Consider hiring professionals to do the job. The combination of heights plus ice makes this one of the more dangerous house chores.
- If you don't hire professionals, at least have someone outside with you in case anything does go wrong
- Keep gutters, and drains clean, free of ice and snow and keep downspouts clean at ground level.
Tips for Homeowners in removing snow and ice from roofs and other areas
- DON’T’s
- Unless approved by a registered professional engineer, don’t add your weight or the weight of equipment to the roof.
- Don’t use a ladder since ice tends to build up on both the rungs of the ladder and the soles of your boots.
- Don’t use electric heating devices like hair dryers or heat guns to remove snow and ice.
- Don’t use open-flame devices to remove snow and ice.
According to Meteorologist Tony Petrarca, a cubic foot of dry snow weighs about seven pounds, while a cubic foot of wet snow weighs anywhere from 12 to 18 pounds. So, if it's possible, hire someone to help with all of the snow clearing.
How to Recognize Problems with Roofs
- Sagging roofs
- Severe roof leaks
- Cracked or split wood members
- Bends or ripples in supports
- Cracks in walls or masonry
- Sheared off screws from steel frames
- Sprinkler heads that have dropped down below ceiling tiles
- Doors that pop open
- Doors or windows that are difficult to open
- Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling
- Creaking, cracking or popping sounds
Other Safety Tips for Homeowners
- Make sure you smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
- Check your outside fuel and dryer exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice. Never use cooking equipment intended for outside use indoors as a heat source or cooking device. Never use your oven for heat.
- Clear snow away from furnace and dryer exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Space heaters need space, so use them in a 3-foot circle of safety; free of anything that catch fire. 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.
- Clear snow away from downspouts so water has a place to go.
- Do not be tempted to use a heat gun or open flame torch to melt the ice; the risk of starting a fire is huge.
- If you feel you are in immediate danger, get outside and call 9-1-1.
Tips for businesses in removing snow and ice from roofs and other areas
- DO’s
- The same tips apply. However, if you are going to use a snow blower, make sure that it has been approved by a structural engineer to be used on a roof, and that the blower is set to a high level above the roof so as not to damage roof membrane.
- Use a snow rake for pitched roofs (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from your roof.
- Start from the edge and work your way into the roof.
- Try to shave the snow down to a 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk damage to your shingles or other roof covering.
Keep in mind that any metal tool could conduct electricity if it touches a power line.
Also, metal tools will do more damage to your roof.
Shovel snow from flat roofs throwing the snow over the side away from the building.
Most plastic shovels are better, except for the ones with curved blades—those too will do some damage to your roof.
- Remove large icicles carefully if they're hanging over doorways and walkways.
- Wear protective headgear and goggles when performing any of these tasks.
- Keep gutters, downspouts and drains clean.
How to Recognize Problems with Roofs in Commercial Buildings
- Many of the same apply - added
- Sagging roof steel – visually deformed
- Severe roof leaks
- Cracked or split wood members
- Bends or ripples in metal supports
- Cracks in walls or masonry
- Cracks in welds of steel construction
- Sheared off screws from steel frames
- Sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling tiles
- Water puddles where it never has before
- Doors that pop open
- Doors or windows that are difficult to open
- Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling
- Creaking, cracking or popping sounds
What to do if you have problems
- Call your local building or fire official.
- If there is imminent danger, evacuate the building and call 911.
What other assistance is available?
- Many~fire departments have regional technical rescue teams available to local departments in case of collapse.
- Massachusetts Task Force 1 is an Urban Search and Rescue Team in Beverly. The team is comprised of Police, Fire, EMS and Civilians who respond to major disasters under a contract with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Currently there are 150 people on the MATF-1 team.
| 
