District Attorney Ryan, Cambridge Fire and Police Departments Issue Fireworks and Summer Safety Alert on First Day of Summer
CAMBRIDGE – Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan, Cambridge Fire Chief Gerald Reardon, Cambridge Police Commissioner Christopher Burke and public safety officials issued a Fireworks and Summer Safety Alert today in Cambridge. The alert coincided with the first day of summer, where officials urged members of the public to exercise care to avoid preventable injuries and child deaths this season.
“As summer begins, and with July 4th just around the corner, it is important to note that the sale and use of fireworks is illegal in the Commonwealth,” said District Attorney Ryan. “Non-licensed professionals should be aware of the risks of setting off fireworks, which can result in serious injuries. In order to avoid preventable child deaths, our office asks that parents and caretakers take steps to secure windows, to never leave children in a hot car and to carefully monitor children around water to avoid accidental drowning.”
Today’s event highlighted a number of precautions individuals can take to stay safe this summer. The announcement also included a demonstration by the Cambridge Explosive Ordinance Unit (Bomb Squad) of the impact a firework can have on an individual if the firework goes off near the body or in a hand.
“On and around the July 4th holiday, we typically field an increase in false calls for gunfire and many other complaints for unnecessary noise from fireworks, which in turn creates added resource demands on public safety, including 911 dispatchers, police, fire and EMS. Of particular concern are senior citizens, who may be more sensitive to those noises than others,” said Cambridge Fire Chief Gerald Reardon. “Another group that may be sensitive to fireworks are those residents in neighborhoods who may have been affected by gun violence. Illegal use of fireworks can startle and potentially re-traumatize innocent victims in our communities. For the safety of yourself and others, we strongly encourage you to refrain from using fireworks as a part of your Fourth of July celebration. This will lead to a safer a safer community.”
“To ensure safety is top-of-mind at all times during this summer season, the Cambridge Police Department is encouraging people who live, work and visit the City to be aware of their surroundings and to ‘see something, say something’,” said Cambridge Police Commissioner Christopher Burke. “No matter where you’ll be this summer, you can play a part in keeping the community safe for everyone. For example, if you see any unattended packages, backpacks, briefcases, etc. that look suspicious, please call the Cambridge Police or your local police department — even if you are uncertain of its significance. If it is an emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately. Suspicious activity can happen anywhere, anytime, and keeping an eye out and reporting anything that may appear odd to the police can potentially save lives. People are strongly encouraged to report suspicious activity or persons even if they have doubts about the information or observations. We would much rather have officers arrive at a scene and find that there is nothing wrong than for a crime to occur. Sometimes crimes can be prevented and offenders can be caught in the act because of quick-thinking community members.”
The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office (MDAO) county wide summer safety initiative focuses on averting preventable deaths of children by informing parents, guardians and caretakers about ways to keep children safe during the summer. Three of these priorities include: reminding parents to actively supervise children around water, to never swim alone and to learn to recognize the signs of drowning; highlighting that preventing falls out of windows is as important as learning how to exit through one in an emergency; and raising awareness about how to keep children safe in and around cars, parents and caregivers should never leave children alone in a parked vehicle even when they are asleep or restrained and even if the windows are open.
This summer the MDAO will be hosting events around the county that will include simulated drownings, mall visits where parents can have their car seats inspected and replaced by area-police free of charge and educational visits to organizations to discuss how caregivers and counselors can protect children during the summer
Some of these events include:
o Wednesday, June 22, 12:00 p.m.
§ Simulated drowning rescue and public safety alert on water safety in partnership with the Wakefield Fire Department, Wakefield Police Department, Action Ambulance and the Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham and Wakefield at Lake Quannapowitt
o Saturday, June 25, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
§ Summer safety campaign kickoff and summer safety day with Hallmark Health System, Stone Zoo New England and The North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network at Stone Zoo New England
o Wednesday, June 29, 11:30 a.m.
§ Summer safety day at the Chestnut Hill Mall
Similar events we will also be in Wayland, North Reading and Bedford through July through August.