Gaylord Resort Attraction is Cold and Safe

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930 mebrady@co.pg.md.us

The Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Departments Office of the Fire Marshall and local firefighters conducted a Life Safety Inspection and walk through of the Gaylord National Resort as they gear up for their Christmas on the Potomac. This holiday attraction will open to the public on November 18, 2010, and includes events inside the hotel atrium and a separate event that includes over 2-million pounds of ICE. Fire Inspectors and the crew from the first due station conducted the inspections and walk-thru of both venues located at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill on Monday, November 15, 2010.



Fire Inspectors Hoover, Yancy and Watkins observe
pyrotechnics deployed inside the atrium.

Fire Inspectors Mark Hoover, Ray Hinkle, Keith Yancy and Cassandra Watkins were joined by personnel from Oxon Hill Fire/EMS Station 842, under the leadership of Fire Fighter/Medic Captain John Elie, started their inspection in the atrium of the Gaylord Hotel. The 2010 Christmas on the Potomac includes a 60-foot glass Tree of Light, indoor snowfalls nightly, 2 million twinkling lights and a show including pyrotechnics. The inspection included a review of the pyrotechnics display and areas where patrons will be allowed to gather and observe as well as other items.



A second inspection was conducted at a nearby site that includes a tent that houses displays crafted of ice. The Gaylord Resorts signature winter holiday attraction brings to life a 1957 Dr. Seuss holiday classic. Sculpted from TWO-MILLION pounds of ice, the indoor walk-through attraction brilliantly showcases how the “Whoville-hating” Grinch, with a heart two sizes too small, learns the true meaning of Christmas. Last year’s event attracted thousands of visitors.

Throughout the morning long inspection it was apparent that Gaylord Resorts went to great lengths to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Fire Captain Elie stated, “A walk through and inspection allows firefighters and medics an opportunity to become familiar with the venue and discuss pre-plans in the event of an emergency. This is an elaborate display that uses tons of ice, temperatures inside the tent at 9 degrees with thousands of people in attendance and we need to be prepared to handle any incident that may occur.”


The crew from Oxon Hill #842 are briefed by Fire Inspector Mark Hoover inside the Gaylord Hotel atrium.

 

A small puff of smoke rises after a percussion device was deployed.



Fire Inspector Hinkle, Fire Captain Elie, Fire Inspector Hoover and a representative
of Gaylord discuss the events scheduled inside the atrium.




Fire Inspectors observe a green flame generated using methane gas.



Fire Inspector Hinkle, Fire Fighter/Medic Polimeni and a Gaylord representative tour the ICE display.

In the interest of public safety and injury prevention; Fire Fighter/Medic Captain Elie volunteered to test the ice slide.

Captain Elie after the ice slide indicated it was safe (and fun).

Fire Inspectors Hoover, Yancy and Watkins during the tour of the ICE display.

The crew from Oxon Hill Fire/EMS Station #842 observe the ice skating rink as part of their walk through.