Lynnhill Condos Cited for Fire Code Violations

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

MEBrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

The Prince George’s County Office of the Fire Marshall issued a correction order to the management company of two Temple Hills building on Thursday evening citing several significant fire code violations. 

On Friday, August 18, Fire Chief Ben Barksdale held a press conference outlining the plan to bring the buildings into fire code compliance by Tuesday, August 22.  If management is not able to meet the mandate then the buildings will be declared “unsafe” and residents will have 24 hours to vacate.  

This action is being taken to ensure the safety of what residents remain in the building.

This is the letter notifying the residents of the current situation as it pertains to the Fire/EMS Department.  The notices were posted today.

Office of the Fire Marshal

NOTICE

                                                                                                            August 18, 2017

Residents, Staff, and Management
Lynnhill Condominiums
3103 and 3107 Good Hope Avenue
Temple Hills, Maryland  20748

During the past several weeks, The Prince Georges County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department (PGFD) has been working with the property management of the Lynnhill Condominiums to correct significant fire code violations that could compromise the safety of residents.  As a result, PGFD has notified the property management of Lynnhill Apartments that they have until 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 22, 2017, morning to correct major fire code violations identified throughout the facility.   Furthermore, PGFD has made it clear that these violations must be corrected at that time, and if these violations are not corrected, the building will be deemed as an "Unsafe Building".  Residents will have 24-hours to vacate the building following the posting of the Unsafe Building Notice.

            Critical violations that must be corrected include:

·         Fire alarm system must be inspected and in proper working order

·         All doors to vacant units must be secured

·         Accumulated trash/debris in all vacant units and areas must be removed

·         Fire doors throughout the buildings must operate properly, close and latch

            PGFD realizes the significant inconvenience this situation will have on residents, however, this action is being taken to ensure that the people are safe.  If the building is deemed “unsafe” residents will be allowed to return to the building after it is closed to retrieve personal belongings to include furnishings during the following days.  The Prince George’s County Police Department will remain on site to monitor the situation and ensure the security of the building until all residents have vacated the building. The Prince George's County Department of Social Services, other County agencies, and the Red Cross will provide assistance to those needing temporary housing and other services during this time.  For information and assistance, please call the Lynnhill Residents Assistance Hotline at 301-909-6065, or you may email at Lynnhill.Residents@maryland.gov.

PGFD PRESS CONFERENCE - Fire Code violations notice placed against Lynnhill Condominiums

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

MEBrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

The Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department will announce several fire code violations have been placed against the Lynnhill Condominium buildings in Temple Hills.  Failure to comply with correcting these significant fire code violations within a prescribed time frame could result in further actions being taken.

PRESS CONFERENCE

WHAT: Fire Code violations notice placed against Lynnhill Condominiums

WHEN: Friday, August 18, 2017 at 12:00 noon

WHERE: Lynnhill Condominium parking lot 3100 block of Good Hope Avenue, Temple Hills

WHO: Prince George’s County Fire Chief Benjamin M. Barksdale, Command Staff and other County Agency leaders 

2017 National Capital Region (NCR) 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, hosted by PGFD

Good Morning,

It is that time of year again - planning is well underway for the 2017 National Capital Region (NCR) 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, hosted by the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department.  The event, to benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at the Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center at National Harbor.

You can register NOW to participate in the stair climb or the 5k walk at http://events.firehero.org/pgcounty .  It will only take a couple minutes to register. Make it a family event or form a department or station team! Last year we had over 600 participants.

In addition to needing climb/walk registrants, we are in search of sponsors.  If you are able to sponsor a floor, make a sponsorship commitment, or know of a company or person willing to do the same - see the attached sponsorship letter.

I encourage everyone to register and consider becoming a sponsor - assistance finding sponsorships would be greatly appreciated.  Any questions should be addressed to Assistant Fire Chief Krichbaum.

Benjamin M. Barksdale

Fire Chief

Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department

Largo, MD 20774

Stay Safe Observing Solar Eclipse

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

MEBrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Next week any person within Prince George’s County should be able to witness a partial solar eclipse, weather permitting.  NASA’s website stated; “A solar eclipse is one of nature’s grandest spectacles.” There are parts of the country that will be able to witness a total eclipse of the sun; however, within the National Capital Region we will be able to see a partial eclipse.  Regardless of where you choose to witness the solar eclipse we ask that you do so safely.

The men and women of the Prince George’s County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department; civilian, career and volunteer, want you to be able to view this “grand spectacle” and to do so safely.  We offer these simple safety tips so you can continue to talk about this event for years to come.

On Monday, August 21, the eclipse will occur between 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm.  The ideal viewing time for Prince George’s County is between 2:35 pm until 2:50 pm with the maximum cover (81%) occurring at 2:42 pm.

• Protect your eyesight.  You should never look directly into the sun at any time and this includes during the solar eclipse.  Viewing without the appropriate protection could damage your eyesight for the rest of your life.  The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or hand-held solar viewers.

• NEVER WEAR “ECLIPSE GLASSES” WHILE DRIVING

• Do not park on the shoulder of roads to watch the eclipse.  Utilize parking lots or open areas to stop your vehicle, turn your vehicle off and observe from a safe location.  Drive defensively and be keenly aware of other motorists and pedestrians.  Knowing the optimum viewing times - plan ahead.  Distracted driving during the eclipse is just one area of high concern for public safety agencies.

• Pedestrians should stay clear of all roadways while observing the eclipse.  Select an area void of any vehicular traffic and use extreme caution if walking or biking on or near roads.  Distracted pedestrians and bicyclists are also a concern for all public safety agencies.

For additional information including eclipse glasses and other safety tips visit NASA Eclipse Safety Tips.

All photos provided by: NASA

Hoyer Announces SAFER Funding for Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department

News Release August 10, 2017

Hoyer Announces SAFER Funding for Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) announced today that a $699,000 grant has been awarded to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program. The award funds will be used to support the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters at departments throughout Prince George's County. “I’m pleased to announce this grant that will benefit the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department and other volunteer fire departments in Prince George’s County,” said Congressman Hoyer. “The men and women who make up the volunteer fire departments put their lives on the line each day to serve their communities. Ensuring our firefighters have the support and funding they need to do their jobs remains a top priority for me.  This grant will provide recruitment support and marketing programs for volunteer fire departments throughout Prince George’s County.”  “This Grant will be used to recruit new firefighter/EMT’s, retain the experienced volunteers we have now and to improve the application process of new recruits,” said Prince George’s County Fire Chief Benjamin M. Barksdale. “We appreciate the efforts of our elected officials in securing this Grant that will enhance our combined fire/EMS resource service delivery to our residents.” "With the support of this SAFER grant, we will now have the tools and funding to put into motion our plans for specific strategic marketing, much-needed technology upgrades, and successful recruitment and retention events and training,” said Jay Tucker, Chairman, Prince George’s County Fire Commission. “We look forward to this resulting in the largest positive impact that the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire Service has seen in decades.” “The Hyattsville VFD is excited to host this incredible grant opportunity which will provide for much needed technology, infrastructure and marketing support to the volunteer fire and rescue service across Prince George's County,” said Thomas Falcone, President, Hyattsville VFD. As co-chair of the Congressional Fire Caucus, Congressman Hoyer took a lead role in helping to establish the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program and the SAFER Program, and each year he leads a letter with Members of Congress to the Appropriations Committee to ensure adequate funding is appropriated for the program. Over $15 million has been awarded to Fifth District fire departments since the program was established. Click here for more information. To learn more about volunteer fire departments in Prince George’s County, click here.  ###

Discounted Tickets for UMD Football Game on September 9th

Good Afternoon,

I am reaching out to let you know that we are now on sale with tickets to our Hometown Heroes Day for our football game versus Towson at noon on September 9^th. We are excited to honor all local police, firefighters, first responders and EMT’s who serve in our community. We will be recognizing all hometown heroes on the video board and on the field after the game for the opportunity to take a postgame photo on the field.

All heroes and their families will have the opportunity to purchase block seating at the special price of only $10 tickets. If you would like to purchase tickets or have any questions, I can be reached at 301-405-8119. Thank you for you service.

Go Terps!

--

Kevin Hill
Senior New Business Sales Consultant
Fan Relationship Management Center | University of Maryland
P: 301.405.8119 | E: kevhill@umd.edu

If  you have a friend, co-worker, or family member that could

benefit from my services please provide me with their name and

phone number – I am happy to follow up with them on your behalf.

Enhanced Service Delivery through Production and Deployment Changes

The Prince George¡¦s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department continually evaluates service delivery against national performance benchmarks. The Department has identified several opportunities to enhance staffing utilization and service delivery. As a result, the following production and deployment changes will enhance service delivery beginning Sunday, August 6, 2017:

Paramedic Engines

o Station 805 ¡V Paramedic Engine 805 (PE805) will be placed in service

o Station 836 ¡V Paramedic Engine 836 (PE836) or Paramedic Engine Tanker 836 (PET836) will be placed in service

Dedicated Staffing

o Ambulance 834 (A834) will be dedicated

o Engine 834 (E834)/Truck 834 (TK834) will be dedicated with at least three (3) personnel

All Response Medic Unit

o Medic 825 (MD825) will operate as an ¡§All Response Medic Unit¡¨ for a 90-day trial period

Medical Director 800 (MED800)

o The Prince George¡¦s County Jurisdictional Medical Director will operate an emergency vehicle and may respond on calls

Ambulance 858 (A858) National Harbor

o An additional operation period on Sunday 1100-2300 hours will be added to the scheduled deployment

o This increases the unit production from 36 unit hours per week to 48 unit hours per week

All station personnel are also reminded to dedicate staffing to EMS units whenever possible to ensure we maximize resources available to meet the demands on our system. Any questions or concerns about these deployment changes can be directed to the Emergency Services Command via chain-of-command. Thank you for your continued service to the community.