MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
If your alarm did not emit a warning - replace the batteries and re-test. Still no sound?? It's time to purchase and install and new alarm. Smoke and CO alarms only have an effective life of between 8 to 10 years. A recent change in Maryland Law requires homes protected by a 9-volt battery powered alarm to replace those alarms with a 10-year tamper proof alarm with a hush button. This update is a law we can live with!!!
Firefighters will be going door-to-door on the first day of every month reminding our residents to test and replace their alarms. We will also open up our Fire/EMS Stations for anyone that would like to stop by. We have have personnel available to take blood pressures and discuss fire prevention and developing an escape plan with 2 ways out of every room in their house.
October is Fire Prevention Month - As cold weather approaches the number of fire incidents will increase. Now is the time to have your heating appliances checked and cleaned by a certified and insured technician. Operation of furnaces and fireplaces could result in a home fire if these warming devices malfunction. Furnaces, fireplaces and space heaters need a 3-foot clearance of any item that could catch on fire. Never use extension cords to power your space heater.
Read the Gazette Newspaper article on Fire Prevention Month here.
Many of our Fire/EMS Stations will be holding Fire Prevention Open Houses this month. Click here for a list of locations and dates.
October 1 also has laws going into effect that are "Laws we can live with!!!"
* No talking or texting on hand held communication devices - now a primary offense.
* All occupants of a motor vehicle must have a seat belt on.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Fire/EMS Department will foster a month long project as part of a national and international campaign to increase awareness of breast and cervical cancer, support those affected by the disease, and raise funds for research, treatments, diagnoses and cures. Our pink fire engine "Pinky" will be visiting numerous community events helping to raise awareness.
Firefighters and Paramedics will be wearing "pink" uniform shirts during the month to encourage support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and remind everyone that early detection, by examination, provides the best chance of surviving a diagnosis of breast and cervical cancer. Annual exams are vital to survival.
Approximately 3,660 women in Maryland will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. A crucial key to lowering these numbers is through regular breast cancer screenings. Research shows that at least 30% of these breast cancer deaths could be stopped if breast cancer screening guidelines are followed. Screenings for breast cancer include simple tests such as clinical breast exams and mammograms. A clinical breast exam is performed by a doctor and can find breast cancer at an early stage when it can best be treated. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray picture of the breast. The X-ray pictures can show cancer that is too small for the doctor to feel.
So…
Test your battery powered smoke and CO alarms.
Consider replacing 9-volt battery operated smoke and co alarms with a 10-year alarm.
Visit a Fire/EMS Open House with your family for a fun-filled educational experience.
No talking or texting while driving.
Everyone in a car must be buckled up.
Women in your life should be reminded and encouraged to schedule a breast and cervical examination.
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