General Safety Tips

Fireworks Laws in MA

Fireworks are illegal in MA. 
Fireworks Safety
MA Fireworks Law


Ice for Skating

Ice conditions on local ponds and waterways – the fire department receives calls frequently about “safe ice conditions.” Simply stated, the fire department does not qualify safe ice conditions. Unless it’s at a maintained skating rink facility, “NO ICE IS SAFE ICE”. Conditions on any body of water are affected by currents under the ice you cannot see. Don’t be fooled ice is safe!

Heating Systems

Space heaters, fireplaces and other heating sources are pressed into service more each day as temperatures drop. First and foremost is making sure your home heating system is given an annual cleaning and checkup by a licensed service technician. This service alone, if done on a regular basis, can reduce the potential for a mid-winter breakdown as well as reduce the possibility of deadly carbon-monoxide seeping into your home.

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.
  • Be sure to have your wood stove, fireplace and heating system serviced once a year as part of its regular maintenance schedule. 
  • For space heaters, keep a three-foot circle of safety around the heater at all times. Do not have anything blocking the heater. 
  • Never leave candles unattended and keep them in a place where they cannot be knocked down or blown over. 
  • 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.

Winter Pet Care

The Humane Society provides the following tips for keeping animals safe: -Keep pets sheltered and inside. Cats should never be left outdoors in cold weather, even if they roam outside during other seasons. Dogs should be taken out frequently for walks and exercise, but kept inside the rest of the time. -Bundle up dogs, especially short-haired dogs, with protective gear, such as sweaters and boots, to avoid the risks of frostbite and hypothermia from exposed skin and paws.