MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930, mebrady@co.pg.md.us
MEDIA NOTE: ICE RESCUE CLASSES WILL CONTINUE OVER THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK. CONTACT ME IF YOU WANT TO ATTEND AND OBSERVE.
Weather conditions were perfect for Prince George’s County Firefighter/Medics participating in an Ice Rescue Class. Temperatures near freezing with periods of light snow provided the setting for the hands-on portion of the class. The Fire/EMS Departments Technical Services Battalion provided the class today, Monday, January 11, 2011, to career and volunteer members, with the classroom portion being conducted at the Berwyn Heights Fire/EMS Department and the actual ice drill being held at nearby Lake Artemisia. The class meets the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1670 – Standards on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents.
About 2 dozen personnel participated in today’s class. Ice Rescue Classes will be held throughout this week and next at various locations throughout the County.
Firefighter/Medics are training for the possibility that some of citizens and residents may fall prey to the dangers of thin ice. December and January have provided a period of freezing temperatures and many local ponds and other bodies of water have become ice covered. While the scene may be enticing, the ice on many of these waterways is not thick enough to support a person’s weight.
The Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department warns all citizens and residents that any body of water covered by ice should be considered extremely hazardous and should not be approached. For ice skating and other ice related activities the Fire/EMS Department recommends visiting one of your area ice skating facilities located throughout the County. Remember, Safety First – ensure Everyone Goes Home.
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