Residents Encouraged to Participate in Anonymous Opioid Use Survey

RAYNHAM — Fire Chief Bryan LaCivita, Police Chief David LaPlante and Health Director Paula Rossi-Clapp share that a new Opioid Working Group was recently formed to utilize new funding to implement opioid prevention practices and will conduct a community survey to help determine how to best use the funds.

Massachusetts has participated in nationwide financial settlements with several companies as part of the historic legal efforts to demand abatement of the harms caused by the opioid epidemic. These settlements combined will bring over $900 million into Massachusetts for substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery support. To learn more about these efforts, click here.

Through these settlements, Raynham has received $32,710.87 to date, with future benefits totaling $155,543 by the year 2038. All funds will be used to combat Opioid addiction.

The Raynham Opioid Working Group was formed in September 2023 in response to the grant award and will be responsible for determining how funding can be best used to support the Raynham community.

The Raynham Opioid Working Group consists of Health Director Paula Rossi-Clapp, Public Health Nurse Lindsay Miranda, Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District Social-Emotional Learning Director Kendra Rose, Crisis Clinician and Police Co-Response Clinician Dawn Martinsen, Fire Chief Brian LaCivita, Police Chief David LaPlante, Raynham Police Officer Jennifer Lang, Parks and Recreation Director Timothy McRae, and Council on Aging Director Erin Medeiros.

As part of the committee work, Raynham created an Anonymous Opioid Use Survey. The goal of this survey is to obtain information that will help build community programs focused on education and support.

Results from the survey will be collected and reviewed by the Raynham Opioid Working Group to determine how the grant funding can be best allocated to support the Raynham community.

Click here to complete the survey. The survey is anonymous. 

The survey includes questions about current and past drug use, mental health diagnosis, and treatment and intervention services.

Community members are encouraged to submit their responses by May 1.

Questions about the survey can be directed to Health Director Paula Rossi-Clapp at PRossi-Clapp@town.raynham.ma.us.

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RAYNHAM — Chief Bryan LaCivita and the Raynham Fire Department would like to share the following permitting information and safety tips with residents ahead of open burning season.

Open burning season begins Jan. 15. Residents must obtain a permit to open burn in compliance with Massachusetts law.

Burning permits from previous seasons do not carry over from year to year. All residents need to re-apply for a seasonal permit online by clicking here.

Residents applying for a permit will be asked to log in with their viewpoint ID credentials. If they do not already have an account, one can be created on the secure portal.

Residents must obtain permission from the Raynham Fire Department on the day they wish to burn by calling 508-824-2754 and listening to the prerecorded message.

Violations of the permit requirements, open burning law and/or open burning regulations will be grounds for permit revocation.

Open Burning Guidelines 

Residents are reminded of the following Massachusetts open burning guidelines:

Burning must be done:

• Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., from Jan. 15 to May 1
• At least 75 feet from all dwellings
• As close as possible to the source of material being burned

Residents are allowed to burn:

• Brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris (but not from commercial or industrial land clearing).
• Agricultural materials including fruit tree and bush pruning, raspberry stalks, and infected bee hives for disease control.
• Trees and brush from agricultural land clearing.
• Fungus-infected elm wood if no other acceptable means of disposal is available.

Residents may not burn:

• Leaves
• Brush, trees, cane, or driftwood from commercial or industrial land clearing
• Grass, hay, leaves, stumps, or tires
• Construction materials or demolition debris
• Household trash

Burning Safety

• Keep children and pets a safe distance away from the fire.
• An adult should be present and actively tending to the fire until it is completely extinguished.
• Never use gasoline, kerosene or other flammable liquid as a fire starter.
• Burn one small pile of material at a time and slowly add to it to ensure the fire does not get out of control.
• Put the fire out if winds pick up or the weather changes. Most fires get out of control during sudden wind changes.
• Keep fire extinguishing materials handy. Materials should include a water supply, shovels and rakes.
• If the fire gets out of control, call 911 right away.

What times are best for open burning?

• You can help prevent wildland fires by burning early in the season. Wet and snowy winter conditions help hinder the rapid spread of fire on or under the ground.
• Changing weather conditions and increased fire danger in spring can lead to many days when open burning is not allowed.
• April is usually the worst month for brush fires. When snow recedes, but before new growth emerges, last year’s dead grass, leaves and wood are dangerous tinder. Winds also tend to be strong and unpredictable in April.

For more information about open burning in Massachusetts click here.

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Chief Bryan LaCivita and the Raynham Fire Department would like to remind residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when setting their clocks back for Daylight Saving Time this weekend.

Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 2 a.m., and clocks will move back one hour at that time.

When changing their clocks in the spring and fall, residents are also encouraged to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. If the alarms take alkaline batteries, residents should change the batteries when changing their clocks. If the alarms are out of date, they should be replaced.

Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained are vital in reducing deaths and injuries due to a fire by giving everyone in the home an early warning and time to escape.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), from 2014-2018 three out of five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (41%) or no working smoke alarms (16%). In fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate, two of every five (41%) of the smoke alarms had missing or disconnected batteries.

Residents are encouraged to review the following safety tips, courtesy of the NFPA:

• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button to ensure the alarm functions properly.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
• Alarms with any other type of replaceable battery need a new battery at least once a year. When you change your clocks, also replace regular batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
  • When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which specify the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old. CO alarms should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
• CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each bedroom or sleeping area, on every story of the home and in other locations required by standards, codes or laws.
• People who are hard of hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
• For the best protection, interconnect alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• When an alarm sounds, immediately exit the house or building and ensure each person inside the home is accounted for. Call 9-1-1, wait for emergency personnel and stay out of the building.
• Working with each member of the household, create and practice a home escape plan.
• More tips about installing and maintaining smoke alarms can be found here, and carbon monoxide alarms here.

Today’s smoke alarms are more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms. Residents are reminded that separate smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are not interchangeable and should never be disconnected.

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RAYNHAM — Fire Chief Bryan LaCivita and Police Chief David LaPlante are asking residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions as Hurricane Lee is expected to track toward New England in the coming days.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Lee is moving toward the north-northwest and a turn toward the north is expected by tonight.

Public safety officials are receiving briefings as the situation is updated, and are staying current on storm tracks and forecasts to ensure staffing is in place to deal with any emergency.

Hurricanes can bring many different types of wind and water hazards, including storm surges, strong winds and flooding. The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency offer several tips to help residents better prepare for extreme weather:

Know Your Evacuation Zone

Learn if you live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone. If you live in an area that may flood and you may need assistance evacuating, plan with family, neighbors, and friends to determine who may be able to assist. Contact your local public safety officials to make them aware of your needs.

Make an Emergency Plan

Have an emergency plan for how your family would communicate, evacuate, and shelter in place that addresses the needs of all family members, including seniors, children, individuals with access and functional needs, and pets. If you receive medical treatment or home health care services, work with your medical provider to determine how to maintain care and service if you are unable to leave your home or have to evacuate.

Steps to making an emergency plan include:

• Discuss the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.
  • How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
  • What is my shelter plan?
  • What is my evacuation route?
  • What is my family/household communication plan?
• Consider specific needs in your household.
• Fill out a Family Emergency Plan. A sample plan can be found here.
• Practice your plan with your family/household.

Build an Emergency Kit

Build an emergency kit that will sustain your household for three to five days without power.

A basic emergency supply kit may include the following recommended items:

• Food and water
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit, including prescription medicine
• Disinfectants, moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual or battery-powered can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Preparing at home

• Check flashlights and portable radios to confirm they’re working. Fully charge your cell phone, laptop and any other devices before the storm.
• Check the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• If you own a car, make sure the gas tank is at least half full should you need to travel.
• Have an emergency food supply in case of a power outage. People should have supplies to sustain their families for at least 72 hours.
• Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings (remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored). During an outage, minimize the number of times you open the refrigerator or freezer door.
• Prepare your home by securing or bringing in outdoor objects (patio furniture, children’s toys, trash cans, etc.) that could be swept away or damaged during strong winds or flooding. Also, elevate items in your basement in case of flooding, check your sump pump, unplug sensitive electronic equipment, and park vehicles in areas that are unlikely to flood.
• The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency recommends purchasing a generator to maintain electricity in an outage. NEVER run a generator indoors, in a garage, or with the exhaust facing the home or home air intakes.
• Pack a bag with important items in case you need to evacuate. Don’t forget to include needed medications and any valuable personal belongings.

Should a Weather Event Occur

• Don’t go out during a hurricane or tropical storm, if possible.
• Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies, including downed power lines and gas leaks.
• Stay away from downed utility wires. Always assume a downed power line is live.
• Report power outages to your utility company. Do not call 9-1-1 to report an outage or to ask about power restoration. 
• Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions and those who may need additional assistance.

Stay Informed

Every family should have multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts. Learn more about different types of alerting and information tools including the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, social and traditional news media, and your local notification systems.

For more information on hurricane planning, click here.

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Fire Chief Bryan LaCivita and Police Chief David LaPlante would like to offer students, families and motorists important back-to-school travel safety tips as the new school year begins. 

Traveling To and From School

Walking to school:

• Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. When on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Before crossing the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street and always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections.
• Stay alert and avoid distracted walking. Never walk while texting. If you need to respond to a text, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk. Never cross the street while using an electronic device. Do not wear earbuds while walking across the street.

Riding a bike to school:

• Ride on the right side of the road in the same direction as traffic, and in single file.
• Come to a complete stop before crossing the street, and walk bikes across the street.
• Stay alert and avoid distracted riding.
• Always wear a properly fitted helmet and bright-colored clothing.

Riding the bus to school:

• For parents:
  • Go to the bus stop with your child to teach them how to properly get on and off the bus.
  • Teach your children to stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb.
  • If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, teach him or her to walk on the side of the road until they are 10 feet ahead of the bus. Your child and the bus driver should always be able to see each other.
• For students:
  • Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before approaching the bus or standing up on the bus.
  • Remind children to look to the right before they step off the bus.
  • Never walk behind the bus.

Visit the National Safety Council (NSC) for more information.

Safety Tips for Motorists

It is important that motorists stay alert while driving, especially in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in residential areas. Remember to never drive while distracted by talking or texting on your phone, eating or drinking, talking to passengers, or fiddling with entertainment or navigation systems.

Drivers are reminded that Massachusetts law states that no motor vehicle operator may use electronic devices while driving unless the technology is being used hands-free.

Around buses: 

• Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children. If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.
• The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children. Stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.
• If you’re driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car.

In a school zone or at school:

• In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection. Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
• Drivers who are dropping students off at school should obey school zone speed limits and follow the school’s drop-off procedures.

Around pedestrians and cyclists: 

• Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or while waiting to make a turn. This forces pedestrians to go around you, which could put them in the path of moving traffic.
• Make eye contact with pedestrians who are crossing the street.
• Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
• When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist.
• A common cause of a collision is a driver turning left in front of a bicyclist. Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling – children especially have a tendency to do this.
• Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars.

Teen Drivers

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2019, over 40% of U.S. high school students did not always wear a seat belt when riding in a car driven by someone else. Ensure your teen understands that every person in a vehicle should be buckled up, no matter where they are sitting or how long the trip.
• Teens often crash because they are inexperienced. Have regular conversations with your teen about safe driving practices and laws to ensure they understand the rules of the road.
• Set a good example by driving the way you want your teen to drive.
• Learn more about keeping teen drivers safe here.

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