Hull Police Remind Residents that Fireworks are Illegal in Massachusetts

June 25, 2018 by Benjamin Paulin

Hull Police Department
Chief John Dunn
1 School Street
Hull, MA 02045

For Immediate Release

Monday, June 25, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Hull Police Remind Residents that Fireworks are Illegal in Massachusetts

HULL — With the Fourth of July coming up next week, Chief John Dunn urges residents to leave fireworks to the professionals and reminds them that possessing or using fireworks in the state of Massachusetts is against the law.

It is illegal to use, possess or sell fireworks of any kind in Massachusetts, including Class C fireworks, which are sometimes falsely called “safe and sane fireworks.”

Class C fireworks include sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, spinners, cherry bombs and more. Massachusetts residents are also prohibited from purchasing fireworks elsewhere and transporting them into the state.

Additionally, while officials cannot prohibit the advertising and sale of fireworks by mail, police can and will confiscate illegal shipments. Many consumers attempting to circumvent the law have lost both their money and their fireworks.

“Fireworks, like sparklers, seem harmless, but can easily cause burns if mishandled,” said Chief Dunn. “Please set a good example for your children and do not use fireworks. Residents can watch the many professional displays across the region the week of the Fourth of July.”

The Office of the State Fire Marshal reports that from 2007-2016, there were 826 major fire and explosion incidents involving illegal fireworks reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System. These incidents caused 11 civilian injuries, five fire service injuries and an estimated loss of $1.8 million.

In addition to injuries, the sound created by fireworks exploding can cause stress, which can be experienced by people who may be sensitive to loud noises, such as the elderly and veterans who may suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Pets may also be susceptible to such noises.

This does not mean residents cannot enjoy fireworks displays over the course of the summer. However, Chief Dunn recommends that residents only attend celebrations put on by a licensed professional to ensure safety.

Residents should also remember to:

Watch fireworks displays from a safe distance
Call 911 if anyone gets injured by fireworks
Set a positive example for children by not using illegal fireworks. If kids see adults using them, they may not realize the dangers and could be encouraged to pick up matches or lighters
Be careful around even the smallest fireworks. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees and could easily cause severe burns and injuries

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that fireworks can cause death and injury, including burns, loss of limbs or extremities, contusions, lacerations and eye injuries.

Fifty-one percent of fireworks-related burn injuries reported by hospitals to the Office of the State Fire Marshal from 2007-2016 were to children under age 18. More than a quarter of the victims were children under age 10.

Anyone who has questions about fireworks or firework safety should contact the Hull Police Department at 781-925-1212.

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Hull Police Remind Residents to Avoid Driving Impaired During July 4 Holiday

June 21, 2018 by Benjamin Paulin

Hull Police Department
Chief John Dunn
1 School Street
Hull, MA 02045

For Immediate Release

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Hull Police Remind Residents to Avoid Driving Impaired During July 4 Holiday

HULL — Chief John Dunn and the Hull Police Department wish to remind residents of the dangers of impaired driving prior to the July 4 holiday, which is traditionally among the deadliest times of the year on American roadways.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are more deaths due to drunk driving crashes around the Fourth of July holiday — between the evening of July 2 and the morning of July 6 — than at any other time throughout the year.

In 2016, 188 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator who was impaired by alcohol. Almost half of those deaths occurred when at least one driver or operator had a BAC of .15 or higher — nearly twice the legal limit.

Individuals who are arrested for operating under the influence face myriad consequences, including:

Jail time
Loss of driver’s license and vehicle
Fines
Up to $10,000 in attorney fees, plus additional costs beyond fines
If you kill someone while operating under the influence, you can face manslaughter charges.

“While we want everyone to have a safe and happy Fourth of July there is no excuse for getting behind the wheel while impaired,” Chief Dunn. “If you do not have a designated driver, there are ride sharing apps and taxi services that can make sure you get home safely. Don’t put yourself or others at risk by driving impaired.”

The Hull Police Department urges residents to observe the following tips from the NHTSA on getting home safely:

Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not plan on driving.
Designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride share service to get home safely.
Take the keys away from individuals who are drunk and are planning to drive.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, call local law enforcement.

NHTSA’s mobile app, SaferRide, allows users to call a taxi or a friend and identify their location so they can be picked up safely. Residents who will be drinking during the holiday are also encouraged to use apps like Lyft or Uber in order to call a ride, rather than drive themselves.

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Hull Police Provide Residents with Hot Car Safety Tips

June 12, 2018 by Benjamin Paulin

Hull Police Department
Chief John Dunn
1 School Street
Hull, MA 02045

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Hull Police Provide Residents with Hot Car Safety Tips

HULL — With summer just over one week away, Chief John Dunn and the Hull Police Department would like to warn residents about the dangers of being trapped in hot cars and provide tips to keep everyone safe.

In the United States, 37 children die in hot cars every year, according statistics from the website noheatstroke.org. Several pets also die annually trapped in hot cars.

“Even if you need to make a very quick trip into a business or home, never leave a child, elderly person or pet trapped in a car for any amount of time,” said Chief Dunn. “The temperature inside a car can be drastically different than outside, and with the changing seasons, hot cars become very dangerous.”

Incidents of death from heatstroke are at their height between Memorial Day and Labor Day, however children can die trapped in hot cars in other months as well.

Heatstroke is classified as when a person’s core body temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit; a temperature of 107 degrees can result in irreversible organ damage or death. Young children’s bodies heat up three to five times faster than an adult’s, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, thus putting them at higher risk.

A majority of those who die in hot cars do so because parents forget them in their vehicle. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise nearly 20 degrees in 10 minutes, and as time goes on, the temperature could continue to rise.

According to noheatstroke.org:

87% of children who die are 3 years old or younger
54% are forgotten in a vehicle
27% are playing in an unattended vehicle
18% are intentionally left in a vehicle by an adult

Here are five recommendations from the non-profit Safe Kids Worldwide to keep everyone safe:

If you see a child alone in a car, call 911
Never leave a child alone in a car, not even for a minute
Keep your car locked when you are not in it, otherwise kids may gain access and become trapped
Put something in the back seat next to your child, such as a briefcase, purse, cell phone, or even one of your shoes so you do not forget them
Set an alert on your phone to make sure you dropped your child off at daycare and develop a plan to be notified if your child is late or a no-show

If you see a child left in a car, take action immediately. Do not wait for the driver to return or assume that they will be back soon. If the child appears to be in distress, attempt to get them out of the car immediately and dial 911.

Pets should also not be left alone in hot cars. According to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA-Angell), pets suffer needlessly and could die when left in hot cars, even on moderately warm days.

Anyone who has questions about hot car safety should contact the Hull Police Department at 781-925-1212.

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Statement of Hull Superintendent and Police Chief Regarding Incident at Middle School

May 22, 2018 by Jessica Sacco

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Statement of Hull Superintendent and Police Chief Regarding Incident at Middle School

HULL — The following is a statement from Hull Superintendent Michael Devine and Police Chief John Dunn regarding an incident at the Memorial Middle School this morning.

“At approximately 11:30 a.m., Hull Police received a call from administration at the Memorial Middle School, 81 Central Ave., after a male eighth grade student made a concerning remark about a firearm.

“The student then fled the building. Out of an abundance of caution, the school was placed on lockdown. Police located the student a few blocks from the school, and he was taken to an area hospital for an evaluation.

“No weapons were found in the building and there is no threat to students, faculty or the community. The student’s parents were contacted, and no weapons were found in their home after a search.

“The lockdown was lifted at noon and classes resumed as normal.

“The incident remains under investigation by the Hull Police Department.”

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Hull Police Participate in National Bike to School Day with Jacobs Elementary School Students

May 17, 2018 by Benjamin Paulin

Hull Public Schools
Michael F. Devine, Superintendent
180 Harborview Road
Hull, MA 02045

For Immediate Release

Thursday, May 17, 2018

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

Hull Police Participate in National Bike to School Day with Jacobs Elementary School Students

HULL — Chief John Dunn and Principal Christine Cappadona are pleased to announce that Hull Police officers safely escorted more than 130 Lillian M. Jacobs Elementary School students to class last week as part of National Bike to School Day.

On Wednesday, May 9, 138 students gathered at five different locations throughout the town, where they were met by members of the Hull Police bike patrol unit. The officers conducted safety briefings and made sure each student had operable bikes and were wearing helmets.

Together, along with several parents and school faculty members, the groups made their way to the school. Additional Hull Police officers provided assistance with traffic at checkpoints along each route.

“YOU rode your bike?” fourth grade student Tayvin Frongello exclaimed as he passed by his teacher Elaine Menice, who had also geared up to cycle to school.

Once they arrived to school, students received snacks, water bottles and a coupon for free ice cream for participating.

“I wish we could do this every day,” said fourth grade student JT Gould.

“It was so enjoyable. I hope it becomes an annual event,” said teacher Emily Rosado

“What a great way to start the day.”

National Bike to School Day is coordinated by the National Center for Safe Routes to School and had about 2,500 schools participate from all 50 states this year.

“It was great seeing all the kids on their bikes as we rode through town and it was a really a beautiful day,” School Resource Officer Sean Fahey said. “Everyone made it to school safely and this is hopefully an event we can look forward to participating in next year as well.”

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