NORTHFIELD — Following the declaration of a state of emergency on Monday as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Floyd “Skip” Dunnell III issued a Red Alert to residents on Tuesday.
The Red Alert system, which was installed in October 2016, allows town officials to send automated texts, emails and phone calls in the case of an emergency. Dunnell used the alert to inform residents that, following a declared state of emergency, the Selectboard and Board of Health voted to close Town Hall and Dickinson Memorial Library for the next three weeks.
“All meetings, training and classes are canceled,” Dunnell said via the Red Alert system. “The Selectboard will meet again next Monday to evaluate and update any changes.”
In the meantime, residents should communicate with town personnel by phone at 413-498-2901 or by email. Emails and phone extensions for town employees are on the town website.
The Fire Station, EMS facility and Highway Garage are restricted to emergency and essential personnel only. Residents are encouraged to call their doctor’s office for any non-emergency medical needs as the EMS Department aims to preserve its limited supply of protective gear.
“Please do not call EMS except for true emergencies,” Dunnell said.
The Transfer Station will remain open. Do not bring large loads as employees will be practicing social distancing and won’t be able to help residents.
“Thank you for your understanding during this time,” Dunnell said. “We want to keep everyone safe while we work through this event.”
On Monday, Northfield Police Chief Robert Leighton posted a notice to the Northfield town website, stating that office hours for the Police Department have been suspended until further notice.
“Officers are still hard at work and all shifts are being covered,” Leighton wrote. “However, we are practicing social distancing and are committed to keeping all officers, as well as townspeople, safe and healthy.”
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-930-4579.