USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1941 > Part 4
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Non-pulmonary tuberculosis Cases 2 Deaths 0
Out of 10 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis reported in 1941 there was one death. There has been an increase of reported cases this year, this increase is also state-wide. It is essential that our tuberculosis control program be given maximum attention.
48
ANNUAL REPORT
9. Smallpox
Cases 0 Deaths. 0 Another year without a case. This city has gone many years without having this "most dreaded of all diseases," and this outstanding record can be accounted for because of compulsory vaccination of all school children.
10. Trichinosis
Cases . 6 Deaths. 0
There has been an increase of reported cases from the previous year. There was one case reported in October and five cases reported in November. The five cases were in one family. This disease is caused by eating improperly cooked pork. The trichinae enter the body because of carelessness on the part of the person cooking pork. With a little care this disease can be prevented 100%.
11. Tetanus
Cases . 1 Deaths 1
We have had very few cases of tetanus reported in the past few years.
CAUSES OF DEATHS
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Totals
Accident-auto
2
1
1
4
Accident-drowning
1
1
2
Accident-railroad
1
1
1
3
Amyloid disease of liver
Antelecosis
1
1
Arterio sclerosis.
4
3 7 78 4 15 4 13
3 50
Bronchitis, acute.
1
1
1
3
Cancer.
3
5 2
2
1
1
5
3
2
4
2
3 30
Cerebral haemorrhage
1
3
3
1
1
1
2
4
14 1 3
Cirrhosis of liver
1
1
1
3 1
Coronary spasm.
1
1
Coronary thrombosis.
3
1
6 2
1 242
1
1
27
Endocarditis-chronic
2
Heart disease
2
1
4 3 4
2 2 21 3
29
Hydrocyanic acid gas poisoning.
1
1
Intestinal obstruction
1
1
1
3
Lobar pneumonia .
1
1
1
3
Meningitis.
1
1
Meningitis-aseptic.
1
1
Meningitis-pneumococcal.
1
1
1
2
Bronchial asthma .
1
Broncho pneumonia
1
1
1
Cerebral embolism
1
1
1
1
1
5
Cerebral meningitis.
Cholecystitis
1
2
Congenital heart disease
Congenital malformation.
1
1
2
Coronary stenosis .
1
1
Diabetes . .
1
1
1
3
Hodgkins' disease
1
1
Icterus neonatorum
1
1
La grippe.
2
2
Lymphatic leukaemia.
1
1
Accident-asphyxia.
1
1
Accident-fall
1
1
1
1
Angina pectoris
1
1
1
2
49
ANNUAL REPORT
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Total
Meningitis-streptococcal
1
1
Mesenteric thrombosis
1
1
Myocarditis-acute.
1
1
Myocarditis-chronic.
3
3
1
1
2
4
2
3
3 2
24
Nephritis-acute.
1
1
1
2
1
6
Peritonitis
1
1
1
1
4
Pernicious anaemia.
1
2
Pneumonia, hypostatic.
2
1
1
2
1
7
Poisoining-cause unknown
1
Prematurity .
1
1
1
1
2
6
Pulmonary embolism .
3 2
1
3
1
3
32
Rheumatic heart disease.
1
1
1
1
Senile dementia.
1
Senility
1
1
Septicaemia .
1
2
1
4
Spinal muscular atrophy
1
2
3
1
1
4 3
5
5
25
Suicide
1
1
1
2
1
6
Tetanus.
1
1
Thrombocystoma
1
1
Ulcer-gastric.
1
1
Uraemia
2
1
1
1
1
6
TOTALS
33 27 39 27 34 32 28 24 23 25 31 27 350
DEATHS BY MONTHS
Live Births
Stillbirths
January
32
1
February
25
2
March
36
3
April
27
0
May
33
1
June
31
1
July
24
4
August.
21
3
September
23
0
October.
20
5
November
26
5
December
27
0
TOTALS
325
25
1
Pulmonary congestion
1
1
3
Pulmonary tuberculosis
3 536
2
Secondary anaemia.
1
1
1
Stillborn
1
1
Nephritis-chronic .
Patulous ductus arteriosclerosis
1
1
1
50
ANNUAL REPORT
DEATHS UNDER 1 YEAR
Totals
Male
Female
Under 1 day
1-2 days
2-3 days
3 days-1 week
1-2 weeks
2-3 weeks
3-4 weeks
1-2 months
2-3 months
3-6 months
6-9 months
9-12 months
January
February .
1
1
1
March.
1
1
1
April
1
1
1
May
1
1
1
June.
1
1
1
August.
1
1
1
September
3
2
1
2
1
October
1
1
1
November
4
1
3
4
TOTALS
14
7
10
2
2
Acute bronchitis
1
1
1
Antelecosis
1
1
1
Bronchitis.
1
1
1
Cerebral haemorrhage
1
1
1
Congenital malformation.
2
2
1
1
Icterus Neonatorum. .
1
1
1
Patulous ductus arterio- sclerosis
1
1
1
Prematurity
6
2
4
5
1
TOTALS
14 7 7 10
2 2
July
December
DEATHS BY AGES
Totals
Female
Male.
Under 1 year .. .
1-2 years.
2-3 years.
3-4 years
4-5 years
5-10 years
10-15 years.
15-20 years
20-30 years.
30-40 years. .
40-50 years.
50-60 years
60-70 years
70-80 years.
Over 80 years. .
January .
32
16
16
1
2
2
5
5
8
9
February
25
10
15
1
March
36
26
10
1
1
2
3
2
4
9
9
5
April.
27
11
16
1
2
1
1
3
6
9
16
3
May.
33
15
20
1
2
1
1
2
1
6
6
3
8
June
31
مـ
16
2
24
6
00
1
1
2
4
5
6
5
July .
21
7
+
1
1
1
2
3
5
5
3
August.
23
11
12
3
1
1
3
5
5
5
September.
20
9
11
1
1
1
2
2
9
4
October .
26
10
16
1
1
5
4
10
co
4
November
1
1
1
4
N
9
5
December
27
15
12
4
TOTALS
325 151 174
16
1
1
1
1
5 13
24 10
42
70
82
59
1
co
7
N
8
4
2
3
4
3
ANNUAL REPORT
51
52
CASES OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASES DEATHS FROM CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
myelitis
Polio-
Trichinosis
Tetanus
Tuberculosis
Other forms of
Cough
Whooping
Measles
alitis
Enceph-
Pneumonia
Lobar
Mumps
Bite
Dog
Measles
German
Tuberculosis
Pulmonary
Chicken
Fever
Scarlet
Deaths
Cases.
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
Cases.
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
Cases
1
2
1 3
1
1
6
17
5
January .
1
1
1.
February.
14
1
1
1000
1
3
6
1
6
March.
7
April.
3
26
May.
1
1
19
5
12
2
2
6
3
June.
10
4
11
1
4
July
6
3
3
3
1
August.
2
4
1
17
2
1
6
1
1
2
2
3
November.
21
1
1
6
2
3
2
5
December .
1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 3 0 71 0 45 0 1 3 12 0 3 0 92 0 18 32 47 0 35 0 36
0 02061 2
0
TOTALS
ANNUAL REPORT
3
1
2
7
3
2
5
3
1
7
1
14
1
6
3
1
9
2
9
4
2
6
3
September
00
1
7
October .
1
1
Pox
53
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
December 31, 1941.
I herewith submit my twentieth annual report as Inspector of Animals for the year ending December 31, 1941.
I have inspected the following animals and the conditions under which they are kept on 135 premises.
Grade Pure Bred
Cows
875
71
Swine. 983
Young Cattle.
163
28
Sheep 6
Bulls
19
4
Goats. 77
Oxen. 2
I have made 281 calls to various parts of the city to examine, quarantine and release 97 dogs that had bitten people, as a prevention of Rabies. I have also made eight trips to the Wasserman Laboratories at Boston with dogs' heads in ra bies control.
Respectfully submitted, Frederick L. Briggs, D. V. M. Inspector of Animals·
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
December 31, 1941
I herewith submit my twelfth annual report as Inspector of Slaughtering for the year ending December 31, 1941.
Slaughter House and Field Inspections
Carcasses stamped and passed for food. 21
Hogs .
21
No condemnations as unfit for food.
Respectfully submitted, Frederick L. Briggs, D. V. M., Inspector of Slaughtering.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
Dr. Ralph P. Kent, Health Officer Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
The following is a report of work performed by the Inspector of Plumbing during the year 1941:
There were 319 permits granted and 452 inspections made.
Number of toilets installed . 255
Number of tubs installed. 145
Number of lavoratories installed. 173
Number of sinks installed 158
Number of showers installed. 7
Number of laundry trays installed. 26
Number of sewer connections 11
Number of sink and tray combinations installed
Number of urinals installed 11
8
Number of· new buildings. 36
Number of inspections for Assessors 133
Respectfully submitted, John W. Bullock, Inspector of Plumbing.
54
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Board of Fire Engineers
MAYOR John W. McIntyre
COMMITTEE OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON FIRE DEPARTMENT
Bertrand O. Lambert, Chairman John W. Wolfenden
Arthur B. Cummings
BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
Hawyard H. Sweet, Chairman
William E. Sweeney
Alfred J. Laliberte, Clerk Fred A. Clark, Chief
PERMANENT MEN Located at South Main Street Station
Chief, Fred A. Clark .
22 Hayward St. 5 Second St.
Assistant Chief Joseph O. Mowry
Lieut. Clifford E. Dieterle.
496 Newport Ave.
Lieut. Albert N. Knight
408 Washington St.
Lieut. Herbert E. Knight
15 Angell St.
Lieut. Edward M. Paton.
176 Pleasant St.
Andrews, Albert W.
12 Olive St.
Barney, Frank E.
681 Park St. 3 High St.
Barrett, Francis J.
Cassidy, Harold.
52 North Ave.
Caswell, Gilbert F.
41 Pleasant St.
Fielding, Clifford E.
492 Thacher St.
Gay, Charles I.
155 Park St.
Godfrey, Peter.
21a County St.
Gorman, Herman F.
706 South Main St.
Greve, Leo A.
373 Thacher St. 23 Bushee St.
Peets, Herbert E.
22 Parker St.
Powers, Harold T.
56 Carpenter St.
Riley, William E.
96 Park St.
Uhlig, Walter R ..
205 Pine St.
Walton, Newell C
27 Lafayette St.
Wheaton, William A.
66 Emory St.
Located at Union Street Station
Captain Herbert E. Brown
9 Franklin St. 8 Hope St.
Claflin, Joseph I.
70a Hazel St.
Hearn, Joseph W.
53 Thacher St. 6 Benefit St.
Lees, Nelson B.
61 Adamsdale Ave.
Paradis, Delphis J. B.
35 Baker St.
Parker, Herbert C.
163 North Ave.
Pelletier, Adrian J.
Thurber, Herman M.
21 East St. 35 South Main St.
Captain Hiram R. Packard.
Hopkinson, Ralph L.
Hatfield, James W
55
ANNUAL REPORT
Located at South Attleboro Station
Captain Roy M. Churchill
1536 West St.
Lieut. William F. Ahern.
567 Thacher St.
Charon, Henry E.
46 Hodges St.
Duigmedgian, Manuel
105 Parker St.
Leedham, Thomas R.
410 Brown St.
Lees, William J.
35 Curtis Ave.
Moore, Frederick W. S.
54 Brownell St.
Morris, Harry E.
569 Newport Ave.
Smith, Joseph A.
39 Allen Ave.
Located at Hebronville Station
Blanchard, Chester H. Cumberland Ave.
To His Honor the Mayor and Municipal Council:
We have the honor of submitting the annual report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 20, 1941, together with such recommendations as we think necessary for increasing the efficiency of the Department.
ORGANIZATION
The Department consists of:
4 Engineers 44 Officers and men
FIRE STATIONS AND APPARATUS
Central Fire Station, South Main Street-Station No. 1
1 Ahrens-Fox 750 gallon Triple Combination
1 Ahrens-Fox 500 gallon Triple Combination
1 Ahrens-Fox City Service Ladder Truck
1 Chief's Car
1 Assistant Chief's Car
1 Supply Car
Union Street Station-No. 2
1 Ahrens-Fox 750 gallon Triple Combination
1 Seagrave Tractor-drawn 75-foot Aerial Truck
South Attleboro Station-No. 4
1 Ahrens-Fox 750 gallon Triple Combination
1 Seagrave City Service Ladder Truck
Hebronville Station-No. 5
1 Ahrens-Fox 500 gallon Triple Combination
.
56
ANNUAL REPORT
Emergency Apparatus at Central Station
1 Trailer with portable lighting, foam generator and smoke mask
1 Trailer with boat, grappling irons and inhalator
APPARATUS
5 Ahrens-Fox Triple Combinations
3 Ladder Trucks
1 Chief's Car
1 Assistant Chief's Car
1 Supply Truck
2 Trailers
The Department, including all companies, has laid 6,650 feet of 1 1-2-inch hose, 28,300 feet of 2 1-2-inch hose, raised 15,859 feet of ladders, used 88 gallons of chemicals, 1028 water cans, 14 Pyrenes, 9 Foam, 5 oxygen tanks and used booster 269 times.
The department has responded to the following alarms:
Alarms from boxes . 96
7
529 Total 632
Classification
Ash box
2
Autos.
27
Automatic sprinkler
3
Awning
1
Brush and grass
354
Buildings
71
Chimney
32
Dump
29
Electrical appliance.
4
False .
10
Fence.
4
Flooding well.
2
Flushing street
1
Gain entrance.
12
Inhalator.
4
Motor
8
No fire.
26
Oil burner, oil stove.
20
One pipe heater
1
Rescue animal
5
Rescue person
5
Rope in flag pole.
10 1 Total 632
We have been out of the City-Fall River 1, North Attleboro 1.
FIRE LOSS
Value of buildings at risk $ 715,750.00
Value of contents at risk.
1,121,400.00
$1,837,150.00
Insurance on buildings
933,600.00
Insurance on contents
1,116,100.00
2,049,700.00
Loss on buildings
31,422.02
Loss on contents.
15,260 03
46,682.05
Insurance paid on buildings
28,892.02
Insurance paid on contents.
15,260.03
44,152.05
Loss not covered by Insurance
$ 2,530.00
Assembly
Still alarms
Syphon
57
ANNUAL REPORT
LEARN THE LOCATION OF YOUR NEAREST FIRE ALARM BOX
We have been successful in keeping our fire loss at a low figure.
IMPROVEMENTS
Engine No. 2 was overhauled and a new coal burning furnace was installed at the South Attleboro Station.
RECOMMENDATIONS
We again recommend the installation of a new heating plant in the Central Fire Station to replace the present one that is unsafe and not dependable. This furnace is in such bad condition that it does not heat the building and has been in use since 1910.
We recommend the purchase of one thousand feet of two and one-half-inch hose beside that included in our budget. It is a question of when and how long we will be able to purchase same.
We recommend a twenty percent raise in wages for the entire Department.
We again recommend the purchase of a Chief's car to replace the 1933 Buick, donated to the Department in 1935.
We again recommend that as soon as possible six more men be added to the Department, as we are undermanned during sickness and vacations.
We again recommend that in the near future something should be done about the relocation of the Hebronville station. The present building is in bad condition and we feel that a new building in a new location, where it would be of more service to the City as a whole, would be better than spending money on extensive repairs to the present building.
We recommend the purchase of two trailer pumps, fully equipped, for auxili- ary fire service.
FIRE PREVENTION
As a body dedicated to the saving of life and property, and paid servants of the City of Attleboro, we feel that conditions brought on by our entrance into the war should not be under estimated. We should have the equipment recommended by us to combat fire from incendary bombs and sabotage, also the apparel for an auxiliary fire force.
The Chief of Department was summonsed before the State Fire Marshall and requested to bring an itemized list of equipment required for the proper protection against fire from sabotage and bombing, otherwise than present equipment in our Municipal Department. Copy of list:
6 Trailer pumps fully equipped
5.000 feet of two and one-half-inch hose
2,000 feet of one and one-half-inch hose
1,000 feet of booster hose
2 auxiliary lighting plants
2 doz. battery lights
4 doz. pair asbestos gloves
6 heavy duty hydraulic jacks
6 one man crosscut saws
6 two man crosscut saws
2 life nets
2 doz. water pump cans
1 large chain falls Apparel for one hundred auxiliary firemen
58
ANNUAL REPORT
The Chiefs of Departments in the State were instructed by the State Fire Marshall to recommend to their Mayor and Municipal Council that an appropria- tion be made to purchase the items listed.
The Chief of Department made a report to the Board of Fire Engineers regarding the instructions given by the State Fire Marshall. If the Fire Depart- ment is to be held responsible for the protection of the City as a first line of de- fense, the Board of Fire Engineers shall expect that this equipment be purchased for this possible emergency.
APPRECIATION
We wish at this time to thank His Honor the Mayor and Municipal Council, the Committee on Fire Department and the Police Department for their assist- ance. And to the Officers and Men for the able manner in which they performed their duties.
We wish to thank Dr. Kent for his attendance and services rendered to our men injured at fires.
We thank the special Fire Police of Box (9) Club for the efficient manner in which they have handled traffic conditions at fires.
Respectfully submitted,
Board of Fire Engineers.
Hawyard H. Sweet, Chairman
Alfred J. Laliberte, Clerk William E. Sweeney Fred A. Clark, Chief of Department
Expended 1941
Needed 1942
Salary and Wages
Salary of Chief .
(1)
$ 2,500.00
$ 2,500.00
Salary of Asst. Chief.
(1)
2,218.85
2,400.00
Salary of (3) Captains.
(1)
6,022.50
6,022.50
Salary of (5) Lietuenants
(1)
9,581.25
9,581.25
Salary of (33) Permanent Men
(1)
59,605.00
60,225.00
Salary of semi-permanent man .
(1)
1,200.00
1,200.00
81,127.60
8,1928.75
Maintenance of Equipment
Autos .
(2)
2,345.46
2,500.00
Stations
(2)
1,831.96
2,500.00
Hose.
(2)
1,860.50
1,850.00
Apparel.
(2)
114.19
100.00
Incidentals
(2)
60.00
6,152.11
7,010.00
Hydrants
(3)
Other Expenses
Light and Power
(4)
473.13
500.00
Phone.
(4)
452.58
510.00
Water.
(4)
124.18
145.00
Fuel
(4)
1,856.28
2,500.00
Office.
(4)
32.00
50.00
All other
(4)
28.35
30.00
2,966.52
3,735.00
59
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Superintendent of Fire Alarm
To the Board of Fire Engineers, Attleboro Fire Department, Central Fire Station, City of Attleboro, Mass.,
Sirs:
I herewith submit the annual report of the activities of the Electrical Branch of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31st, 1941.
During the past year the switch-board and battery rooms have been painted. The protector switch board was moved away from the wall to make working conditions safer in the rear of the board. The area between the back of the board has been enclosed and a door installed. The rack supporting the batteries, being over thirty-five years old, was found to be in poor condition. The batteries were all removed and a new rack structure constructed. The wood on this rack is subjected to exposure from acid and was therefore treated with six coats of acid resisting paint.
An extension of 800 feet of line was made from Hope and Holden Streets to the corner of Holden and Benefit Streets and at that point a new Fire Alarm Box No. 324 was installed on a pole.
An extension of a thousand feet of new line was made from the corner of Hodges Street and Watson Avenue to a pole opposite the new Willet School. From this point 250 feet of 2 conductor No. 14 lead cable was installed under- ground to a pedestal in the school yard supporting a new Fire Alarm Box No. 354.
A new Fire Alarm Box No. 58 was purchased and installed at the corner of Second and Grove Streets. This change was made to give this area better protection than that which could be had from the old Box No. 58. This box was cleaned and overhauled and the number changed to 215 and installed at the corner of Oak Hill Avenue and Locust Streets. Box No. 213 which was on this location was moved back to the corner of Tyler and Thornton Streets. An extension of 500 feet of new line was made at this location. At the location of Box 114 the supporting pole was found to have rotted at the base and a new pole was obtained and installed.
Because of new highway construction on Highland Avenue from Washington Street to the State Line, we were forced to rebuild an entire new line along the route. About 100 four pin cross arms, two miles of line wire and the necessary hardware were used in this construction.
All fire alarm boxes in the system were tested, oiled and cleaned once each month. Minor repairs, such as broken springs, locks and glasses were found on these check-ups and were promptly taken care of when found. Because of new poles being set by the Utilities, many of our boxes have been changed to new poles on the same locations. We have followed our regular routine of pulling slack wire and renewing old cross arms throughout the system. Also considerable tree trimming was accomplished in places where the limbs contacted the wires causing grounds on the system. A number of the boxes and the bands around the poles were painted.
60
ANNUAL REPORT
RECOMMENDATIONS
Salary and Wages
Salary of Supt. Fire Alarm.
(1)
$2,190.00
Salary of Asst. Electrician.
(1)
2,000.00
$4,190.00
Maintenance of Equipment
Maint. of Fire Alarm. .
(2)
$2,860.00
Maint. of Motor Equipment .
(2)
400.00
New Fire Alarm Boxes .
(2)
325.00
$3,585.00
Other Expenses
Light and Power
(3)
$ 221.00
Phone.
(3)
117.00
Incidentals
(3)
30.00
$ 368.00
Under the above heading I would suggest that reference be given to the report of this department for the year 1941. The conditions as then outlined still continue to exist and at least a few of them should be given consideration.
In conclusion, we wish to extend our thanks to the Board of Fire Engineers, the officers and men of the Fire Department, the Police, Public Works, Forestry Department and to all who in any way have contributed toward the operation of this department.
Respectfully submitted,
William S. King, Superintendent of Fire Alarm, Attleboro Fire Department, January 8th, 1942.
Report of the Electrical Inspector
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council of the City of Attleboro, Massachusetts:
I herewith submit my annual report of the activities of the Wire Inspection Department for the year ending December 31st, 1941.
During the past year permits issued and numbers of inspections made are as follows:
(To Electricians) (To A. S. & E. Co.)
Applications
Permits Inspections Reinspections
Total
January
71
71
100
105
205
February .
43
43
57
113
170
March.
59
59
79
91
170
April
51
51
78
96
174
May
113
113
150
157
307
June.
79
79
107
219
326
July .
97
97
129
153
282
August
76
76
101
131
232
September
81
81
108
118
226
October
61
61
81
196
277
November
121
121
161
114
275
December
85
85
113
149
262
937
937
1264
1642
2906
61
ANNUAL REPORT
It may be noted from the above figures that there is a decrease in the number of permits issued and inspections made under last year's figures. This is caused by government restrictions on appliance sales such as ranges and oil burners. The utilities are not allowed to add new line construction to their existing lines to accommodate new range installations. Also during the past year there have been fewer small electrical jobs done and on the other hand there have been many more of a large scale, such as new factories and larger homes constructed. In this city we have also lost a considerable number of licensed electricians who have entered military service. For this reason property owners and householders who may need the services of electricians, should be on the alert and before engaging their services should demand to see their license and permits to do the work. We have recently discovered three cases where men have posed as having a license and it was necessary for the owners to have licensed men come in and do the work properly, thus making the work cost double of what. it should have. In a recent case of this type, an aged widow owning a small piece of property hired a man of this type to re-wire her home. This man did such a poor job that the work must be completely rewired including the re- finishing of four ceilings for which the woman paid three times the proper and fair charge.
Thru the recent cold spell experienced in this city we have had numerous inquiries and complaints regarding small shocks received when walking over deep carpets and on linoleum. This is due to an accumulation of static electricity in the person's body. Electrical inspection departments frequently receive calls from people who say they have received shocks from floor lamps, fixtures, etc., but upon investigation the cause of the shocks is found to be static electricity. When the atmosphere is very dry, as in heated buildings during the winter months, charges of static electricity may be acquired by a person's body as he walks across a rug or an arca of linoleum. If while holding such a charge, the person touches a metal object, such as a floor lamp, he receives a sharp but harmless little shock. This phenomenon has no relation to the electrical equipment of the house as it will be observed that the same static shock can be obtained by touching a metal door knob.
EMERGENCY
If an emergency arises involving the wiring system of the house, all current can be cut off immediately by pulling the main service switch. Householders should be familiar with the location of this switch (usually located on the meter board in the cellar) and should observe how it operates. If there is any question as to whether the conditions responsible for an emergency still exists, call the inspection department or the local power company. Again we call your attention to the matter of fuses: Never place a fuse of over 15 ampere capacity in a branch fuse block and above all do not use or buy fuses that are not labeled by Under- writers' Laboratories.
SUMMARY
We would like at this time to call the public's attention to the following:
Pay attention to all appliances and keep them in good order. Have due respect for all wires and fixtures so long as they are in service. Employ an experienced man to make repairs and additions to house wiring and secure a certificate of approval from the inspection department. Have defective sockets and outlets replaced.
When purchasing flexible cords, either separately or as part of ap- pliances, insist on cords approved by the Underwriters' Laboratories which carry the Laboratories' bracelet label. When flexible cords show wear
62
ANNUAL REPORT
to the extent that insulation is impaired, have them replaced. Pay special attention to points where cords enter appliances.
Use convenience outlets for the connection of appliances.
Avoid handling electrical equipment with wet hands. Prevent flexible cords from touching radiators and do not run cords under rugs.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 1942
EXPENSES
Maintenance.
. (1) $234.24
Maintenance of Auto
(1) 346.22 $589.46
In conclusion, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to His Honor, the Mayor, the Municipal Council, members of the Police and Fire Departments and all who in any way contributed their aid and assistance toward the operation of this de- partment during the past year of 1941.
Respectfully submitted,
William S. King, Electrical Inspector, City of Attleboro, Massachusetts, January 9, 1942.
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