Somerville weekend public-health number?

[ceo]

Is there a weekend number to call for public health issues that need urgent action? The painters working on the house next door are power-sanding the exterior, spreading paint dust and chips all over the place, and I ran a lead test kit over it and it came up positive. I left messages with the public health inspectors and the inspectional services division, but I don't get the sense anyone's going to get them until Monday. I'm not sure it's the kind of thing I should call the police about, but on the other hand it's a huge public health hazard.

Comments

[ruthling.livejournal.com]

somerville's 311 system might be able to help. that's obnoxious and calling the police non-emergency line would not be uncalled for.

Local Emergency Telephone Numbers

[barry-rafkind.livejournal.com]

311 is probably a good idea. You might also find something useful on Somerville's Health Dept page of Local Emergency Telephone Numbers (http://www.somervillema.gov/section.cfm?org=HEALTH&page=1233). You could also call your ward and at-large Aldermen (http://www.somervillema.gov/Department.cfm?orgunit=ALDERMEN) for assistance. Please let us know how it goes.

[mrf-arch.livejournal.com]

HazMat (which I suspect lead dust counts as) generally falls to the fire department:

http://www.somervillema.gov/Department.cfm?dept=FIRE

From the main page:
The Fire Department’s responsibilities include fire prevention and education, emergency medical response, hazardous materials mitigation,

From the FAQ:
Answer: The Somerville Fire Department offices and stations can be reached by calling the fire alarm office at 617-623-1700. This number is operational 24 hours per day.

I would suggest giving them a call, stating your concerns, making clear mention that you have a toddler in residence, and seeign what they come back with.

[lifecollage.livejournal.com]

You could call the police and when they answer, say, it's not an immediate life-threatening emergency, but I feel this deserves urgent action. That's what we've been told to do at the library.

[lifecollage.livejournal.com]

Ah, better idea than mine. Bravo.

[masswich.livejournal.com]

I'd also call the state- either the Department of Public Health and/or the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program directly. They probably have a weekend number.

[perspicuity.livejournal.com]

and take a crap ton of pictures too!

especially of your property, and keep samples in baggies.

they've declared war!

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