PGFD to
Bring Lifesaving Technology to Region via 9-1-1 Integrated Smartphone App
What:Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III and Fire Chief
Marc S. Bashoor will join representatives from CTIA Wireless Foundation to
announce the PGFD’s participation in PulsePoint, a free mobile app that alerts
CPR trained citizens of cardiac arrests in their vicinity and enables them to
provide potentially life-saving CPR.
A live demonstration of hands-only CPR will be performed. Bystander CPR is critical to the successful
resuscitation of sudden cardiac arrest patients.
Media is invited to join us on Wednesday, October 12th, at
11:00 a.m. at the Prince George’s County Sports and Learning Complex in
Landover for the announcement and celebration.
Who:County Executive
Rushern L. Baker III
Fire
Chief Marc Bashoor
CTIA
Wireless Foundation Executive Director Athena Polydorou
MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E.
Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
MEBrady@co.pg.md.us
@PGFDPIO
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for
Prince George's County and surrounding areas. Please take the time to
read their most recent update and safety advice. Remember, Stay Informed - Stay Ready - Stay Safe!!!
From the National
Weather Service:
AN UPPER LEVEL LOW PRESSURE OVER THE WESTERN
GREAT LAKES WILL
DROP
SOUTHWARD INTO THE OHIO VALLEY WEDNESDAY INTO THURSDAY. AS
THE
UPPER LOW DROPS SOUTHWARD...LOW LEVEL FLOW IS FORECAST TO
RAPIDLY INCREASE OVER THE AREA WEDNESDAY NIGHT RESULTING IN
SIGNIFICANT MOISTURE TRANSPORT INTO THE AREA. PERIODS OF HEAVY
RAINFALL ARE ANTICIPATED LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY
NIGHT ACROSS THE CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC. THE PERIOD OF GREATEST
RAIN
RATES IS EXPECTED LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY
AFTERNOON. WIDESPREAD RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 3 TO 5 INCHES ARE
EXPECTED WITH LOCALIZED HIGHER TOTALS IN AREAS OF REPEATED
ACTIVITY.
Safety Advice
Precautionary/preparedness actions: A Flash Flood Watch means
that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a
very dangerous situation. Be prepared to take action should flash flood
warnings be issued.
Flash Flood Facts...
Flash floods occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive
rainfall or a dam failure. Flooding is a longer-term event and may last a week
or more.
Most flash flooding is caused by (1) slow-moving thunderstorms,
(2) thunder-storms repeatedly moving over the same area or (3) heavy rains from
hurricanes and tropical storms.
Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, and destroy
buildings and bridges.
Densely populated areas have a high risk for flash floods. The
construction of buildings, highways, driveways, and parking lots increases
runoff by reducing the amount of rain absorbed by the ground.
Water can erode the roadbed creating unsafe driving conditions.
Many flash floods occur at night when flooded roads are hard to
see.
2 feet of water will float your car, truck or SUV!!! 6 inches of
fast-moving floodwater can knock you off your feet.
Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are auto related. If
your car stalls, leave it and seek higher ground, if you can do so safely.
Underpasses can fill rapidly with water, while the adjacent
roadway remains clear. Driving into a flooded underpass can quickly put you in
5-6 feet of water.
The Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services
(EMS) Department wants you to stay safe during this potentially dangerous
weather conditions. Help us by helping yourself and heed warnings and
safety tips.
Flash Flood Safety Tips...
Never try to walk, swim, or drive through swift-moving
floodwater. Remember, 2 feet of water will float your vehicle and 6 inches of
fast moving floodwater can knock you off your feet.
If you come upon floodwaters, STOP, TURN AROUND AND GO ANOTHER
WAY!!
Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road.
If your car stalls in high water, DON'T PANIC, leave your car
and seek higher ground, if you can do so safely and call 911.
Stay
informed about the storm and possible flooding by listening to your NOAA
weather radio, commercial radio, television or Internet.
Sign up for "ALERT - Prince George" and receive important information on your phone and other devices. Please click here to sign up.
Congressional Flag
Ceremony Honors 112 Fallen Firefighters
WHO:
Leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus will present 112 American
flags flown over the U.S. Capitol to the National Fallen Firefighters
Foundation (NFFF).
WHEN:
Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Upper Senate Park
WHY:
These flags will be given to surviving relatives at the National Fallen
Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday, October 9 in Emmitsburg,
Maryland. Seventy-nine firefighters who died in the line-of-duty 2015 and
33 who died in previous years will be honored during the weekend.
Members of the Congressional Fire Services
Caucus will address attendees and several Fire Service Survivors will be
available for interviews.
“Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.”
This year Fire Prevention Week will be October 9th through the October 16th.
The National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA’s) survey data shows that the public has many misconceptions about smoke alarms, which may put them at increased risk in the event of a home fire. For example, only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced.
As a result of those and related findings, we’re addressing smoke alarm replacement this year with a focus on these key messages
Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
Make sure you know how old all the smoke alarms are in your home.
To find out how old a smoke alarm is, look at the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm; the alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date.
Lets take a look at your smoke alarm.
First, remove your smoke alarm by twisting it off of it's base which is attached to your wall or ceiling. Examine your alarm and look for a manufacture date. If your date is within 10 years, move on to the next step. If you can not find a date and you believe your alarm is 10 years of age or older; time to replace your alarm with a new 10 year alarm. Next, push the TEST button on the front cover of your smoke alarm.
An audible beeping noise SHOULD sound. If it does, congratulations, your done until next month.
If it does not sound an audible alarm - replace the battery. Push the TEST button again - still no alarm - remove the alarm and immediately replace with a new 10-year, tamper proof, with hush feature smoke alarm.
If your alarm is about 10 years old or you don't remember if you ever replaced the alarm, do it today!!! Smoke alarms work all day - every day and will wear down over their 10 year service life.
County Law requires a working smoke alarm in your home. Over the next two years the law will continue to evolve to require a working 10-year smoke alarm on every level of your home, primarily outside of sleeping areas.
County Law currently requires a working CO detector on every level of your home, primarily, outside of sleeping areas. This law includes all homes with a gas service (natural, propane, oil, etc), a fireplace or an attached garage. This law also requires that all hotels, motels, dormitories and all apartments and condos have working CO alarms.
Have you ever noticed that it is sometimes a challenge to reach your alarms installed on your ceiling or high on the wall. Perhaps you use a step-ladder or stand tall on your toes to reach the test button. Think about your senior citizen neighbors and relatives that may have difficulty even reaching a light switch. Test their alarms for them every month, change their batteries at least once-a-year and contact 311 for them if they need a new 10-year smoke alarm installed by firefighters, free of charge.
Don't wait for a firefighter to knock on your door. If you need a working smoke alarm and can not afford to purchase one, call 311 and ask about the free smoke alarm program.
Several Fire/EMS Station in Prince George's County will hold Open House events around Fire Prevention Week. Everyone is invited to attend one of these events to learn more about fire prevention and the life and death importance of working smoke alarms.
The Glen Dale Volunteer Fire Association, Inc.
11900 Glen Dale Boulevard
Sunday, October 2, 2016 11:00 am until 4:00 pm.
For additional information visit their website at www.GDVFD18.com
Branchville Volunteer Fire Company and Rescue Squad, Inc.
4905 Branchville Road, College Park
Sunday, October 9, 2016 Times TBD
For additional info visit their website at www.BVFCO11.com
Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department Open House
St. Joseph Fire/EMS Station 806
2901 St. Joseph Drive, Springdale
Saturday, October 15, 2016 11:00 am until 3:00 pm
For additional information Email TACrisman@co.pg.md.us
Bowie Volunteer Fire Department
15454 Annapolis Road
Saturday, October 15, 2015 11:00 am until 4:00 pm
For additional information visit www.bowiefire.org
Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department
6200 Belcrest Road
Saturday, October 22, 2016 10:00 am until 2:00 pm
For additional Information visit their website at www.hvfd.com
