CAMBRIDGE, MA – 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 on Monday. 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.”
The 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.
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. More information and resources can be downloaded here: http://middlesexda.com/prevention/safe-babies-safe-kids.php
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:
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
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
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.
(NOTE: The above abbreviated press release was provided by the Middlesex DA’s Office.)
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.
Wilmington Apple 