FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

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

Rochester Fire Department Releases Pedestrian Safety Tips

ROCHESTER, N.H. — Due to the unseasonably warm weather in Rochester this winter, Fire Chief Norman Sanborn and the Rochester Fire Department are reminding residents of several important safety practices when spending time outdoors, particularly when walking in town and around frozen bodies of water.

The City of Rochester has seen an increase in pedestrian accidents on main streets after dusk, including one fatality. The Rochester Fire Department encourages all pedestrians to be cautious of their surroundings, wear reflective clothing, and stay on sidewalks wherever possible.

“We encourage all residents to keep their wits about them as they walk, run, or perform any outdoor activities around town,” Chief Sanborn said. “We are committed to keeping our residents – both drivers and pedestrians – safe at all times. Even one accident is one too many.”

To best ensure you stay safe while walking or exercising outside, the Rochester Fire Department encourages pedestrians and residents to review safety tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Stay on sidewalks whenever they are available.
• If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from cars as possible.
• Keep alert at all times. Don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections whenever possible. This is where drivers expect pedestrians.
• If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows you enough time to cross safely, and continue to watch for traffic as you cross.
• Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach you to make sure you are seen.
• Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night. If you don’t have reflective gear, wear a white shirt over your outer clothing.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.

As residents spend more time than usual outdoors this winter, the Rochester Fire Department also urges everyone to stay off any ice for the rest of the season. Due to warmer temperatures, ice is melting at a faster rate, and is unsafe to be walked, stood, or skated upon.

What To Do If Someone Falls Through Ice

• Reach-Throw-Go: If someone falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.). If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.
• If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction you came from. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice.

If you witness a person or an animal fall through the ice, call 911. Do not attempt to go out on the ice to rescue them.

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