Harford County, along with the entire the Mid-Atlantic region is under the effects of a record breaking snow storm. Harford County Volunteer Fire & EMS Companies, other public safety agencies, and the Maryland National Guard (MNG) are working together to respond to the needs of the citizens of Harford County. Your Volunteer Fire and EMS companies have responded to several structure fires, weather related incidents, and numerous medical emergencies since the beginning of the storm on Friday. MNG Humvees are currently assisting EMS crews to reach and transport patients on emergency calls. This snow is extremely heavy. Individuals who are at risk for cardiac or other stress related ailments or are  not physically able should not attempt to shovel this snowfall.  

The Harford County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been opened and is staffed by representatives of several agencies. Citizens may report non-emergency storm related needs to the EOC by calling 410-838-5800. Click on the links with this story to see weather related information from Harford County and also a press release from County Executive David Craig.

Other fire and life safety concerns related to this snow storm include downed utility lines, emergency generator use, and alternate heat source hazards. Citizens may call Harford County 911, or BGE at 410-685-0123 or 1-800-685-0123 to report unsafe conditions such as wires down. Avoid damaged or downed wires, trees, and standing water. Keep pets and children away from them as well. Always assume downed lines are energized. If you see a downed wire, do not attempt to get close to it and never touch downed wires. If possible, advise others to stay away as well. Also, a link to information on safe generator use is provided here for your convenience. Please keep safety at the forefront throughout the storm recovery efforts at your home, in your community, and throughout Harford County.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2010-2011 school year Fire fighter Cadet Program. Students who will be seniors (due to graduate in 2011) at Harford County High Schools are eligible for inclusion in this program. Click on the link at left for the Cadet High School Program for additional information.

During this time of snow and cold weather, the member companies of the Harford County Volunteer Fire & EMS Association remind everyone to follow these important safety tips to avoid fires or burn injuries.

Smoke Detectors - Install a smoke alarm on at least every level of the home or building, preferably in every room. Test your smoke alarm batteries every month and change the batteries at least once a year. New technology has greatly improved smoke alarms and detectors for home use. Smoke detectors have shown to have a useful life of ten years. Now detectors are on the market with a long-life (10 year) battery sealed in the unit. As the useful life of the detector expires, the homeowner simply discards the old detector and installs a new unit. The only maintenance is a monthly test of the unit. Also, for older homes without hardwired detectors there are now wireless interconnected detectors available. When multiple detectors of this type are installed in the home remote areas can be protected. When one detector activates they will all sound an alarm.
 

Alternate Home Heating - Never use a range or oven to heat a home or building. These appliances are not designed for long term or continuous use. In addition, toxic carbon monoxide gas can be produced by these devices. Space heater use must be monitored at all times.  Never leave an operating space heater unattended. Be sure to allow at least three feet of clear space all the way around the heater so that combustible items do not ignite.  Make sure the space heater has an emergency shut-off in case it tips over.  Follow all manufacturers guidelines especially in the use of the recommended fuel for any space heater.  Never refuel the space heater indoors. Always refuel them away from the house and never refill it while it is operating or still hot. Electric space heaters must be connected directly to a wall receptacle. Never use extension cords or any type of multi-plug outlet for these devices. 

Make sure wood stoves are properly installed and away from combustible surfaces.  They need to have proper floor support and adequate ventilation.  Never use flammable liquids (such as gasoline) to start or accelerate the fire. Make sure that your chimney is professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary. The use of a glass or metal screen in front of a fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting carpets or furniture nearby is essential. Dispose of hot ashes in metal containers placed away from the house or building. Never use a combustible container (e.g.- paper bag, cardboard box, or plastic pail) to dispose of the ashes, no matter how long after the fireplace or stove has been used. And never place the ashes or their container on a deck or in your garage. 
 

Additional Tips -  Be sure to keep the fire hydrant near a home or business clear of snow for easy access by firefighters. This can save precious moments during an emergency after the snow plows have been through your neighborhood. Practice your family Exit Drills In The Home. The family meeting place you selected in good weather may not be accessible after a snow event. Also remember when clearing snow, to clear a path from all the exits from your home.

These are just a few safety reminders for everyone to follow to help stay safe and warm during cold weather. For additional information contact your nearest Harford County Volunteer Fire & EMS Company.

As we continue through the winter holiday seasons, Christmas Tree Fire Safety becomes one of the primary topics that your Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association member companies need to discuss with our communities. U.S. fire departments annually respond to several hundred structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Nearly half of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in four resulted from a heat source that’s too close to the tree. You can help to insure a fire safe Christmas in your home by using only Christmas tree lights that carry the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Replace any string of lights that have worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.. Always turn off or unplug the lights before leaving home or going to bed. Never  use lit candles to decorate a tree.

If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant. If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2” from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.

Make sure your tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights. After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home. Check with your refuse hauler or local municipality as to the proper procedures for pick up and disposal of your tree.

By taking these preventative steps and following simple rules of thumb, most home fires can be prevented during the holidays and beyond. For further information on Christmas Tree fire safety, and other winter and holiday fire safety topics contact your nearest Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association Company or go to www.nfpa.org/holiday.

 For most of us, the holiday season represents a time for family festivities and good cheer. What few of us consider is that the holiday season is a time when there is  an increased risk of home fires. Many households engage in holiday activities that serve as some of the leading causes of U.S. home fires, including cooking. Christmas trees, candle usage and holiday decorations also significantly contribute to the seasonal causes of home fires. Add to that the hectic nature of the holidays, when people are trying to accomplish multiple tasks at one time, and the chance for home fires grows even further. “As everyone gets busier during the holidays, we often become rushed, distracted or tired, that’s when home fires are more likely to occur.” says Harford County Volunteer Fire & EMS Association President Albert Bair. Fortunately, with a little added awareness and some minor adjustments to holiday cooking and decorating, the season can remain festive and safe for everybody. “By taking some preventative steps and following simple rules of thumb, most home fires can be prevented,” says Bair.

You may contact your local Harford County Volunteer Fire & EMS Company for additional information to insure a fire and injury safe holiday season by clicking on the the "Links" section of this website. To review and print  more holiday fire safety ideas, a link is provided below. You may also find helpful safety tips by going to www.nfpa.org.

As we enter the holiday season fire safety around the home becomes a very important subject. Not only are we into the home heating season, but there is more cooking and entertaining taking place in our homes than at any other time of the year. Each of these activities brings with it an increased risk of fire and burn injury hazards. To begin our series of holiday fire safety tips, please click on the link provided to review the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) fact sheet on the use of gas-fueled oil filled turkey fryers. These appliances can create a dangerous fire and burn injury hazard when used improperly. Read the attached information and make an informed decision prior to using this type of device. Also remember that any propane , charcoal, or other open flame cooking device is not permitted on a deck, balcony, or porch of a multi-family dwelling (townhouse, apartment, condo, etc) in Harford County. Also, all open flame cooking devices should be at least 15 feet from any part of the dwelling, deck, sheds, etc. when in use. Your Harford County Volunteer Fire & EMS Association member companies wish you a very safe and happy holiday season. Please check this website during the holidays for updated safety messages.

The Volunteer Fire and EMS Companies of Harford County have been busy delivering fire and injury prevention programs to schools, libraries, scout groups and other venues throughout the county in support of  NFPA Fire Prevention Week. The theme for 2009 is "Stay Fire Smart. Don't Get Burned !"  Use common sense and foresight when cooking, preparing bath water, or using alternate heating sources in the home.

Altough there is a concentrated effort to deliver these messages at this time, your Harford County Volunteer Fire & EMS Companies provide many types of  Community Risk Reduction Programs throughout the year. Please visit the "Links" section of this website to see what your local Volunteers are planning. Also visit the websites for NFPA (www.nfpa.org) and the Home Safety Council (www.homesafetycouncil.org)  for additional fire and injury prevention information.

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