Dunstable Police Department Offers Cold Weather Tips to Residents

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015

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

Dunstable Police Department Offers Cold Weather Tips and Advice to Residents

Guidelines for Heat, Water Pipes, and Elderly Residents as Days Grow Shorter and Temperatures Drop

DUNSTABLE — Police Chief James G. Downes III and the Dunstable Police Department are committed to the safety, security, and good health of all of its residents, business owners, and visitors.

As the dangerously cold temperatures are upon us, the department would like to remind everyone to stay safe, while offering some useful tips for keeping your home and vehicle in good shape during the cold season.

“First and foremost, the Dunstable Police Department stands for public safety, and we hope everyone will read these guidelines and take them to heart,” Chief Downes said. “Additionally, we encourage our residents to look out for each other. Check on your elderly neighbors. Together, we will get through another long New England winter!”

The Departments offer the following tips:

• Never use your oven as a heat source
• Do not use electric or space heaters while sleeping.
• Keep electric or space heaters at least three feet away from bedding or combustible materials.
• Keep stocks of batteries on hand for radios and flashlights in case of a power outage.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Beware of carbon monoxide and stay safe by: never warming up your car in the garage, serving your heating system at least once per year, and making sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and change batteries twice per year. Make sure smoke detectors are working on every floor of your home.

During the coldest days, parents are reminded to dress students warmly, in layers, with hats on and exposed skin covered. However, make sure the clothing does not obstruct your child’s visibility as they are crossing the street.

When the snow falls, you can help the Dunstable Fire Department by shoveling out your nearest fire hydrants. Also ensure that your home or business sidewalks are properly shoveled, and place salt or ice melt to prevent people from falling.

When shoveling snow or walking outside for more than a few minutes, dress appropriately, with exposed skin covered, and wear a hat and gloves. Frostbite and strike quickly when temperatures are this low. Also, Do not consume too much caffeine before or during shoveling, avoid getting wet, and take frequent breaks.

ALWAYS clear the tailpipe of a vehicle that is buried in snow BEFORE you start or warm up the vehicle. Failure to do so may be deadly to those inside a vehicle.

Utilities/Citizen Emergency Hotlines

National Grid Electric power outages: 1-800- 465-1212
National Grid Gas: 1-800-233-5325
Hazard Identification Hotline: 1-800-625- 3723

General Customer Support:

National Grid Electric: 1-800-322-3223
National Grid Gas: 1-800-732-3400

If you live in a rental unit, heat should be set at a minimum of 68 degrees during the day and 64 degrees overnight. Residents should attempt to resolve any heating problems with their landlords, but may call Dunsable Building Inspector at 978- 649-4514 x227 if there are unresolvable problems,

To avoid frozen pipes, allow warm water to drip overnight in faucets, ideally from a faucet that is on exterior wall. You may also want to leave cabinet doors open to allow heat to reach pipes that are not insulated.

If you have any questions, feel free to call Dunstable Police at 978-649-7445. If you fear that a neighbor or resident may be in danger, call the police department or dial 911.

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