Summer storms bring more than just rain and wind. Lightning is one of nature's most spectacular phenomenon and can injure, disable, or even cause fatalities to people miles away from the actual storm.  This week, take time to learn about the dangers of lightning and how you can avoid becoming a statistic this summer. For additional information click on the link below.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a nationwide public health declaration in response to numerous cases of swine flu being diagnosed in several states. There have not been any cases diagnosed in Maryland, however the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) along with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have issued warnings and precautions for EMS providers and citizens to limit the spread of this disease. Please use the following links to find more information on the status of the declaration and guidance on prevention and treatment for yourself and your patients.

Centers for Disease Control    www.cdc.gov

U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services  www.hhs.gov

 

AREA FIRE COMPANIES RECEIVE CPR TRAINING

 

EQUIPMENT FROM AUTO DEALERS

 

 

 

Keene Dodge of Jarrettsville and the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) have partnered to donate adult Cardio- Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training mannequins and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) simulators to four area volunteer fire companies. The Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Co. and the Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company in Harford County along with the Jacksonville Volunteer Fire Company and the Kingsville Volunteer Fire Co in Baltimore County received the donations of the training aids, known as "Resusci-Anne", on February 18, 2009 during a presentation located at the local Keene Dodge dealership. These mannequins will be used not only to instruct and certify members of the volunteer fire companies in CPR techniques, but also in community outreach CPR programs to the citizens of the region.

 

"The mannequins provide students with the ability to simulate the procedures our providers use in the day to day delivery of emergency medical services to the community" stated Fallston VFAC Assistant EMS Chief Will Rosenberg. CPR, the Heimlich Maneuver, and provider assisted respiratory care are some of the skills members will practice with these mannequins.

 

The volunteer fire companies involved in this award greatly appreciate the efforts and support from our local business partner, Keene Dodge and the MADA, to assist us in maintaining the highest level of EMS service to our communities.

 

Please take the time to read our attached brochure on fire sprinklers. If you have any questions, concerns or want to learn more about the life saving benefits of fire sprinklers please use the contact info listed below.

 

FOR FURTHER INQUIRIES PLEASE CALL RICH GARDINER, HCVFA SPOKESPERSON/PIO @ 410-977-0587

The winter is naturally a cold time of year but there are times of the winter season when the temperatures reach extreme levels, such as this week. This is especially of concern when combined with firefighting efforts and fire protection systems. Homeowners, business owners, landlords, and property management services must take the time to ensure their fire protections systems are properly maintained, especially automatic fire sprinkler systems. Although properly maintained automatic sprinkler systems are credited with saving many lives and property, they can freeze and become inoperable when they are not maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
As fire departments across Harford County respond to fire alarm activations firefighters are finding the cause of some of the alarm signals to be as a result of broken fire sprinkler pipes. Furthermore firefighters have discovered that the cause of the break is a result of a broken or improperly maintained heating system, inadequate antifreeze in the systems loop, or lack of proper insulation separating or protecting the piping in temperature unregulated areas of the structure. Ask your sprinkler maintenance service about specially molded insulation to ensure that piping in unheated attics is properly insulated and protected from freezing. Also ask about sidewall sprinkler heads and piping that is placed in the interior walls to prevent exposure to cold attics eliminating the concern for freezing.


As a reminder never use an open flame to thaw frozen pipes. Also never use other large heating elements such as salamanders or fuel based heaters to thaw pipes. If you suspect you have frozen pipes it is imperative you contact your plumber or building maintenance as soon as possible to rectify the situation.
 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL RICH GARDINER, SPOKESPERSON HARFORD COUNTY VOL. FIRE AND EMS ASSOCIATION @ 410-977-0587

The Jameson Irish Whisky Company, the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association and over a dozen liquor store owners recently joined forces to raise funds to support the Harford County Technical Rescue Team. A total of $3,000 was raised from Jameson sales between March and June of 2008. The Association and the Technical Rescue Team want to extend their gracious thanks to the store owners and Jameson for their generous donation. These funds will go toward equipment purchases and maintenance.
 
Pictured: (l-r) Mike Stine, Reliable Churchill Division Manager; Lou Jonski, Treasurer Harford County Vol. Fire and EMS Association; Joe Mezzadra, Trade Development Manager; Anthony Coliano, Trustee to the Association; Bruce Richardson, Vice President Reliable Churchill; and Bill Dousa Vice President Harford County Vol Fire and EMS Association.

January 12th: At 05:50:49hrs Box 861 was alerted sending firefighters from Joppa-Magnolia, APG-Edgewood, Fallston, Bel Air, Kingsville, Jarrettsville and Havre de Grace to 2823 Old Joppa Road, near Franklinville Road for a reported dwelling fire with rescue. Upon arrival firefighters were faced with a well involved single family rancher style dwelling with all occupants accounted for.

 
Approximately 50 personnel worked the 2 alarm equivalent incident. Two firefighters were injured; one was transported, along with one civilian, to UCMC for smoke inhalation. The other firefighter was taken to Bayview for burn treatment. All injuries are listed as minor and non life threatening. Last units cleared at 10:45:26hrs. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
 
Units on Scene: A892, E1211, T831, EB481, Ch13, T1331, E812, U897, K1321, E314, KB488, E1311, Ch3, E312, A891, E712, EB202, E512, A1392, U888, FM44, FM41
 
Photos Courtesy: Bel Air VFC

Crews from the Whiteford VFC, Fawn Grove VFC (York Co), Delta Cardiff VFC (York Co), Darlington VFC, Norrisville VFC, Bel Air VFC, and the Shock Trauma Go Team work to extricate a heavily entrapped driver of a midsized SUV. The accident occurred in the midafternoon of December 5th as the vehicle was traveling south along Route 136 near Line Road in Whiteford. The vehicle operator attempted to avoid a cat that was in the roadway. In doing so she ran off the road, lost control and struck and embankment.  She was flown to Shock Trauma for treatment of injuries.

Photos Courtesy: Frank Krick, Chief- Whiteford VFC

SEASONAL SAFETY MESSAGE

 

                       The end of 2008 is almost upon us and so is the winter season as homeowners will turn on their furnace and light their fireplace for the first time in many months. The Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to have their chimneys, fireplaces, furnaces/boilers, and hot water heaters checked by a qualified technician to ensure total safety in their operation. There are potentials for Carbon Monoxide poisoning and fire emergencies from the lack of maintenance of these items.

 

                       Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas that is a result of combustion of fuel products such as wood, natural gas, oil, gasoline, propane, coal and kerosene.  CO becomes a problem when the appliance falls into disrepair or suffers a malfunction. An example is when a chimney flue becomes clogged and the smoke products cannot escape properly from the fireplace or when the fuel product does not burn properly in the appliance and the CO quietly creeps through cracks or holes in the chimney or furnace pipes. A qualified technician can check the entire furnace/boiler and heating system before first use. Also recommended is the installation of a carbon monoxide alarm along with the smoke alarm. This instrument is designed to sound an alarm before the symptoms of CO poisoning are felt. If the device were to activate the occupants are advised to exit the structure and call 911. Occupants experiencing Carbon Monoxide poisoning may feel dizzy, confused, nauseated and also experience headaches. If levels go undetected the illness or poisoning may worsen and could eventually lead to death.

 

                       Chimney fires are a common occurrence during the fall and winter heating seasons. They are caused by a build up of creosote in the chimney flue. As the homeowner lights his fireplace the heat builds and ignites the creosote. This material may burn for a while often undetected. When the fire is found it may have extended beyond the containment of the chimney and into the house itself creating a serious threat to life and property. Several times each year fire departments respond to working chimney fires, some of which have caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Having a licensed and certified chimney sweep check and clean the chimney before first use of the season will reduce the chance of tragedy striking you and your family.


 

                       Finally please discarded fireplace or smoking material related ashes in a metal container outside and away of the home. Never leave ashes in the garage, on the hearth, or the back deck and never package them in any paper type containers. This practice has accounted for the cause of several serious house fires that volunteer fire departments across Harford County have handled over the past several years.

     The Harford County VFEMSA Fire & Injury Prevention Committee held the 2009 Little Fire Chief and Little Miss, Junior Miss, and Miss Fire Prevention contests November 2, 2008 at the Level Volunteer Fire Company. This event brought contestants and supporters from all parts of Harford County and beyond together to further the cause of fire prevention and public fire safety education. 


 
     The day began with the Little Fire Chief and Little Miss Fire Prevention contests. These are randomly chosen from the field of entrants. The following are the entrants for Little Miss Fire Prevention: Taylor Goff, Carly Dorbert, Emily Hare, Aubrey Hoover, Laidan Ryan, Amber DuBree, Ashley Parsons, Kimberlee Brown, Kayla Jones, Sydney Hook, And Allison Glassman. And the winner is…………… Kayla Jones, Harford County Little Miss Fire Prevention for 2009 !!!!!!!!


 
     Also at this time the Little Fire Chief contest was decided. The following junior firefighters were entered; Kaylob Brown-Lynch, Stephen Fogler, Brandon Ebert, and Benson Sacks. The 2009 Harford County Little Fire Chief is ……Stephen Fogler!!! Looking at the previous winners for these positions, there are several familiar names that have had the title “Chief” – such as Krick, Gallion, Simpson, Lloyd, Standiford, Townsend and others! Those are really big boots to fill for these little ones!


 
     Next on the agenda was the Junior Miss Fire Prevention contest. Selection to this position involves an interview process, knowledge of fire safety principles, and answering random questions on fire safety and public fire safety education. The contestants for this contest were: Sabrina Wainwright (representing Joppa Magnolia VFC), Samara White (representing the Susquehanna Hose Co and Havre de Grace Ambulance Corp), and Caity Lipscomb (representing Level VFC). After interviewing, answering questions, and demonstrations of their ability to deliver public safety education messages the winners are ……… Caity Lipscomb as Junior Miss Fire Prevention 2009 and 1st Runner Up Sabrina Wainwright !!!!!!


 
      Finally, the main event! The Miss Fire Prevention title brings with it both responsibilities and privileges above and beyond those for the earlier winners. Miss Fire Prevention is called upon to attend numerous events in Harford County, and throughout the area. She is required to enter and compete in the MSFA Miss Fire Prevention contest held during the MSFA Convention in Ocean City each June. In addition, she will receive a $3000.00 college scholarship toward her educational goals. The contestants for this position are subject to an interview by a three-member panel of judges who are involved in public fire safety education from other areas of Maryland. They must also exhibit their public speaking abilities and their knowledge of the dangers of fire and public fire safety education by answering questions before the judges and attendees. The entrants for Miss Fire Prevention were: Heather Ely (representing Level VFC), Jessica Williams (representing Fallston VFAC), Abby Gustaitis (representing Norrisville VFC), Ashley Workman (representing Level VFC), and Nicole Williams (representing Fallston VFAC). The winners, after careful consideration by the panel of judges are……Abby Gustaitis, Harford County Miss Fire Prevention 2009 and 1st Runner Up Heather Ely !!!!!!


 
      Congratulations to all of the contestants in this event. All of the attendees agreed that picking the winner and runner up in each category would be an extremely difficult task as all of the contestants were extremely qualified to “take home the sash and crown”.

During the funeral services for Baltimore County Paramedic Brian Nevell on October 20th the Darlington VFC relocated an engine to Baltimore County Station 55. During their standby detail they handled two medical calls, one with Joppa Magnolia Medic 891 in box 55-2 at the Ma Mason Assisted Living Home and the other being a walk in patient at Station 55. This was handled along with Baltimore County Medic 8 and EMS 6.

 
Photos By: Sam Sauers, Chief, Darlington VFC

        The fire companies of Harford County would like to take this opportunity to remind you to change your smoke alarm batteries at least twice a year, test your smoke alarms at least once a month to make sure they are functioning properly, and prepare and practice fire escape plans with your family. It only takes a few minutes to do simple routine maintenance on your smoke alarms which can save the lives of you and your family. October is Fire Prevention Month and the theme of Fire Prevention Week is “It’s Fire Prevention Week: Prevent Home Fires!”

     According to the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, in 2007 there were close to 400,000 reported residential fires, which occurred every 79 seconds, resulting in approximately 3,000 deaths and 7 billion dollars in property damage. These are staggering statistics but you can help make a difference. It is essential that every home be equipped with a properly installed and working smoke alarm on every floor, including the basement, and inside and outside every sleeping area of the residence. Having functioning smoke alarms, and if possible a fire sprinkler system, installed in your home is like having a firefighter living with you 24 hours a day!

        Properly maintained, installed and operational smoke alarms are a small price to pay to protect you and your family. In general smoke alarms are modestly inexpensive and can be purchased at any local hardware, home improvement, or discount department store. You can also contact your local fire department and they will assist you further, this includes providing you with a smoke alarm if you are unable to afford one.

        The battery is arguably the most important component of the smoke alarm and should be changed at least twice a year, and the devices themselves tested at least once a month to ensure they are working properly. Most homeowners remember to do this in conjunction with changing their clock twice a year; but you can use whatever dates best suits you and your family. Some families have found that using birthdays and special holidays as their days to change the batteries helps educate their children to the importance of working smoke alarms. Whenever you chose to change the batteries it is important to never use any type of rechargeable batteries. Their charges can become irregular and therefore are not considered reliable in such a critical component of your home. Rely on lithium or alkaline batteries to operate the alarm. Also never “borrow” a battery from a smoke alarm for use in some other device nor borrow a battery from something else in the house to put into the smoke alarm. This is a common mistake homeowner’s have been found to have made and it can be disastrous. 

      In addition smoke alarms themselves have a life span of approximately 10 years. After that time you must replace the device with a new one. The smoke alarm sensor gradually wears out from exposure to airborne impurities over the years and becomes ineffective. No other appliance in your home works as hard. If you don’t know how old the alarm is then it is probably time for a new one. Some devices come with a dated label attached however you may also want to write the date of purchase on the back of the device with a permanent marker before you install it. If you alarm doesn’t have a label then it is already 10 years old! A signal that the smoke alarms’ life span has ended is when the device makes a chirping sound similar to a low battery but when the battery is replaced the sound does not go away. In some models this is also known as the “end of life warning”. This can occur at anytime during the smoke alarms life span. Smoke alarms don’t necessary always last the entire 10 year time frame. Pay attention to the signals the alarm provides you and understand their meanings.

      A common misunderstanding with a smoke alarm is the sound of a low battery. When you hear an intermittent chirp from your alarm it is time to change the battery. This also can mean, as mentioned above, that your device is in need of replacement. If you already have a hard wired smoke alarm system in your home (a system by which all the smoke alarms are electrically wired in the house and if one device activates they all activate thus they are heard throughout the residence) and the chirping continues it may indicate loose wiring. Contact an electrician for further assistance. Remember just because your system is hard wired doesn’t mean you don’t have batteries in these devices. There are hard wired systems that have battery backups. If the power goes out you and your family are still protected because the battery picks up the power supply.

       Additional maintenance of your smoke alarm involves keeping the smoke alarms away from areas where excessive moisture, dust, steam or smoke is generated such as a garage, a shower or over the stovetop. Also install smoke alarms away from sources of air drafts which can interfere with their operation. Keeping the alarms clean and free from dust buildup helps them operate properly. When in doubt get out your vacuum and clean around the outside of the device. Don’t worry you can’t hurt the device by doing this.

      When you purchase your smoke alarms stick with those that are UL tested. Remember to read the manufacturers instructions for the model you purchased. There are many different makes and models currently being sold. Select the one that best suits your circumstances. If you or your family have special needs such as a member with hearing impairment there are smoke alarms on the market that use flashing (strobe) lights and vibrations. If you are in doubt check with your local fire department prior to purchasing.

      In accordance with proper maintenance of your smoke alarm you should develop home fire escape plans and practice them with your family at least twice a year. Conducting home fire drills should incorporate the use of your smoke alarms to test your children’s response to them. Conditioning your children to the sound of the alarm will help them escape safely when a fire strikes. These drills will also serve as an additional test for the smoke alarm to make sure it is functioning properly. Remember you are supposed to test them at least once a month. You can do this through the use the “test” button on the alarm to activate it. If the device doesn’t sound replace the battery immediately and then recheck test the device again to ensure it functions. If it still does not activate immediately replace the entire device with a new one. Importantly, prior to beginning your drill and activating your smoke alarm, make sure you notify your fire alarm monitoring company (ADT, Harford Alarm, Wells Fargo, etc), if you have one, of what you are doing to ensure they do not dispatch the fire department to your home during your drill. Once the drill is completed call them back and tell them your test is complete.

     Finally take the time to visit your local fire station; meet the firefighters and learn even more about what you can do to help us keep you and your family safe.

 

Thank you and be safe!

The Associated Companies of the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association

 

 

 

            On September 10, 2008 the Fire Protection Research Foundation released the findings of a study entitled Home Fire Sprinkler Cost Assessment. The Fire Protection Research Foundation is an affiliate of the National Fire Protection Association; a worldwide leader in providing fire, electrical, building, and life safety to the public since 1896. The purpose of the foundation is to plan, manage, and communicate consortium-funded research on a broad range of fire safety issues in collaboration with scientists and laboratories around the world.

             According to the report, the cost of installing fire sprinkler systems to the home builder averaged $1.61 per sprinklered square foot. The term sprinklered square foot is defined as the total area of spaces with fire sprinklers. The cost of a sprinkler system to the home builder, in dollars per sprinklered square foot, ranged from $0.38 to $3.66. This includes all costs to the builder associated with the system including the design, installation, and other expenses such as permits; additional equipment, and increased tap and water meter fees to the extent that they apply. The study sampled data from jurisdictions across the United States (and Canada), including several from Maryland. In addition to the cost data analysis the study also discusses insurance premium discounts to those homeowners that install fire sprinklers.

             Over the years fire sprinklers have proven their value across the county; including several times within the past year in Harford County multifamily structures, most recently on September 1st in the 1000blk of Jeanett Way in Bel Air.  Fire sprinkler systems allow occupants time to escape and reduce or even eliminate fire growth making the firefighter’s job much safer. Residential fire sprinklers not only save lives and reduce property damage but also make the fire service more efficient by conserving vital emergency resources helping to maintain the volunteer fire service and reduce future tax burdens on the public. The number of firefighters and equipment needed at the scene is reduced allowing them to be available for other emergencies that may occur. Less time on the scene equals a quicker response to your call for help.

             As stated previously the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association is 100% behind efforts to mandate the installation of fire sprinkler systems in all new single family home construction in Harford County. Currently the City of Aberdeen and the City of Havre de Grace are the only two jurisdictions in Harford County that have recognized the life safety importance of fire sprinklers in single family homes. Fire sprinkler systems in apartment complexes and townhouses, also known as multifamily dwellings, are already a county requirement.

             If you wish to read the report in its entirety you click on the link below.

http://www.nfpa.org/newsReleaseDetails.asp?categoryID=488&itemID=40496

FOR FURTHER INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT: RICH GARDINER, SPOKESPERSON/PIO @ 410-977-0587

   The Harford County contingent to the Maryland Strike Team has officially returned home from their deployment to Louisiana. All are safe and happy to be back home. Many thanks go out to these folks for taking on this trip to support our fellow Americans.

 
Photos Courtesy: Bill Dousa, Abingdon VFC

On September 7th several members of the Maryland Strike Team, Bel Air VFC EVD Ron Britton, Bel Air VFC Paramedic Matt Hipley, Bel Air VFC President John Blake, Fallston VFC Lt Jimmy Longo, Bel Air VFC Paramedic Michelle Dunphy, and Whiteford Paramedic Todd Dousa visited the site where Bel Air VFC Assistant Chief Wilson "Skip" Strong was killed on September 26, 2005. Chief Strong was killed as a result of a motor vehicle crash while working for the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company in the US Gulf Region as part of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. The crew was directed to the accident site by the Chief of the first arriving fire department where they laid a cross and held a moment of silence.