News & Notes: Fire Officials Promote Safety
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NORTH ADAMS — It's Fire Prevention Week, part of National Fire Safety Month in October, and that means taking a look around your home to make sure that everything is safe and sound. This year's theme is "Prevent Home Fires."
The Pittsfield Fire Department kicked off the week with an open house on Saturday and will continue to visit local elementary schools to promote fire safety. The North Adams Fire Department will hold its open house this Sunday, Oct. 12, from 11 to 1 at the firehouse on American Legion Drive.
During the open house, families can learn about "The Great American Fire Drill" and fire prevention tips and participate in fire safety activities. For more information, call firefighter David Simon at 413-662-3103.
The Williamstown Fire Department will hold its open house on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 100 to 2. The Forest Wardens, Police Department and Village Ambulance will also be participating.
Along with fire safety lessons, the open house will include games, balloons, stickers, refreshments and an appearance by Sparky the Fire Dog.
Fire officials say there are just some simple rules to follow to keep your home safe: make sure you have smoke alarms outside sleeping areas and on each floor of your home, test them on a regular basis and be sure to change the batteries twice a year.
Eliminate electrical hazards like overloaded outlets and frayed electrical cords and with the heating season coming up, make sure that fireplaces and space heaters have enough room around them.
Gasoline Price Check
PITTSFIELD — It's Monday and that's the day the Berkshire News Network gets you up to date on the latest gasoline prices.
According to Gasbuddy.com, North Adams and Pittsfield are virtually tied for the lowest gasoline prices in the area with $3.35 being the lowest price seen over the weekend in both communities. As usual, prices for gasoline are higher in the Southern Berkshire communities of Great Barrington and Lee.
Pittsfield School Bus Service Improving
PITTSFIELD — A month ago, many parents were upset when they had to put their child's name on a long list for school bus service. Well, that situation has eased up considerably.
The Pittsfield Gazette reports that a "significant" number of parents who had been turned down in their attempt to purchase school bus transportation for their children have now been accommodated. Gloria Berne, director of school bus operations, told the Gazette that a list of 251 applications has been reduced to a very small list. There was a surge in applications received after the July 15 deadline.
Fall Cleanup at Williamstown Cemeteries
WILLIAMSTOWN — A reminder from the Williamstown Cemetery Department to remove all flowers and decorations in the town's three cemeteries by Sunday, Oct. 19. All remaining decorations will be properly disposed of by Parks Department personnel.
Provided by the Berkshire News Network, Radio Stations WNAW/WUPE, news partners of iBerkshires.
