Barbecue Safety Reminders

We all love the taste of BBQ in the summer time and look forward to spending time with family & friends.  Please remember when using barbecue grills on decks or patios, be sure to leave sufficient space from siding and eaves.  This will prevent your siding from catching fire. 

With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.  Be sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and have the grill repaired by a professional, if necessary.

OCFD welcomes Chick-Fil-A to West Ocean City!  Members of the Department attended the Community Premier Grand Opening Night in Chick-Fil-A.

Dump Truck & SUV Collide

West Ocean City- On Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 12:44pm, the Ocean City Fire Department was dispatched to the intersection of Route 611 & Ocean Gateway for a motor vehicle crash involving a SUV and a dump truck.

 

Assistant Chief Will Savage arrived on scene to find a dump truck overturned on the eastbound side of the highway. The dump truck was carrying a load of sand. The dump truck came to rest in a steep ditch in front of the PNC Bank.

 

Both drivers of the vehicles refused treatment or transport.

 

The Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office & Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office was called in to assist with containing hydraulic fluid and a fuel leaking from the dump truck. The spills were contained.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Maryland State Police.

Story By: Ryan L. Whittington, OCFD PIO

OC Fire Dept. to Start New Outreach Program



Firefighter / Paramedic Amanda Shoemaker (Left);
Firefighter / EMT Moe Cropper; and Firefighter / Paramedic Ryan Womer review
addresses as they begin Home Fire Safety Evaluations.



The Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) is pleased to announce a new community outreach program: Home Fire Safety Evaluations.  This program will be conducted on a voluntary basis as a courtesy to residents and homeowners in the OCFD response area.



Members of the OCFD will begin a systematic door to door campaign asking if residents would like a free fire safety evaluation.  Firefighters will look for overloaded outlets, working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, unobstructed exit routes from your home, and good address visibility from the street.





“As Fire Chief in Ocean City, I lead a group of dedicated Firefighters and EMS providers who desire to make a difference in the lives of Ocean City residents and those who visit,” stated Fire Chief Chris Larmore.  He continued, “These home evaluations are one more step we are taking to make our town fire free, and ensure you are safe at home.”



A copy of the evaluation will be given to the resident along with suggestions.  A follow-up appointment may also be requested.  Our goal in providing this service is to ensure that homes are as free of fire hazards as possible. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call Captain Bryon Trimble, Program Manager, at 410-289-4346, ext. 7426.

OCFD-Issued Carbon Monoxide Detector Alerts Occupants

On Sunday, April 1, 2012 at approximately 1:40 PM, the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) was dispatched to the 200 block of North Division Street (Bridgeview Apartments) for a carbon monoxide (CO) detector activation.  Fire department units met with two occupants who advised that their detector unit had been activated.  Firefighters investigated with specialized air monitoring equipment, and confirmed elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the unit.  The problem was isolated to a malfunctioning gas stove.  There were no injuries.

The occupants also advised they had received the carbon monoxide detector and battery from OCFD less than 30 days ago.  The OCFD reminds residents and visitors of legislation requiring the installation of CO detectors in all residential dwellings where fuel-burning equipment is operated, for example: gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas kitchen stoves, gas clothes dryers, fireplaces, wood stoves, or engine exhaust.

For specific installation locations, visit the OCFD Office of the Fire Marshal website and review the code at http://www.oceancitymd.gov/ or call the Office of the Fire Marshal at 410-289-8780.  Those in need of a carbon monoxide detector or 9-volt battery replacement may contact Fire Department Headquarters at 410-289-4346.

Frozen Pipe Advisory



Frozen pipe on second floor causes damage.
Photo Courtsey: Mann Properties



Due to the recent dip in temperatures, the Ocean City Fire Department would like to offer property owners simple maintenance tips to ensure that fire sprinkler and domestic pipes do not freeze and break, causing thousands of dollars in water damage as well as rendering fire sprinkler systems inoperable. 

Maintaining wet pipes above freezing is a key concern.  Domestic water pipes can be insulated or wrapped with an approved UL listed heat tape.  In the event that a unit is unoccupied for the winter season, domestic water pipes can also be drained. 

Wet sprinkler systems, however, usually cannot be wrapped with a heat tape.  All sprinklered areas of a building should be checked to make sure they are above freezing.  Setting a unit thermostat to keep pipes around 40 degrees Fahrenheit will help prevent these pipes from freezing.

With regard to dry sprinkler systems, auxiliary condensate drains should be drained by a licensed sprinkler company or person knowledgeable about sprinkler systems. 

Finally, emergency contact numbers should be posted on the outside of the building, which can help the fire department contact responsible parties in the event of a pipe break.  Also, key lock boxes, which can be purchased from the fire department headquarters at 15^th Street, can allow access into a building in the event of an emergency to allow firefighters to turn off water mains and minimize damage within units.   

For more information on precautionary measures to take to prevent pipe breaks, contact the Ocean City Fire Department, Office of the Fire Marshal at 410-289-8780.

OC Fire Cadets

OCEAN CITY, Md. - In Ocean City, the future is burning bright for dozens of teenagers.    

25 cadets have joined the men and women of the Ocean City Fire Department.

"I fell in love with it when I was a little kid. I always wanted to be a firefighter, my dad was my hero, my superman. I joined it with love and grew more love for it, and it's definitely something I want to do for the rest of my life," said former cadet, Seth Goggin.     

For over 40 years the fire department has maintained their cadet program, recruiting young people. The teens are trained to assist the experts on fire and EMS calls like they did here with this drill.

"They simulated an actual fire and they were able to put it out and suppress it, as part of a training simulation," said Ocean City Fire Department's Public Information Officer, Ryan Whittington.

"It's vital to let them know what volunteerism is about; let them help the community, and serve the community in which they live," said Whittington.    

The benefit: taking the teenagers off the streets and putting them into a program that would prepare them for the future. Officials say some even complete state and national certifications for police and fire, which allows them to apply for a firefighter position right out of high school. Officials say it would normally take three to four years to get a certification, with this program, it only takes a year. And the program is proving to be a success, in the last five years, participation has quadrupled

Reported By:  Alyana Gomez, Reporter

From: www.wmdt.com

OCFD Volunteer Division- 2012 T-Shirt

The OCVFC Board of Directors has approved the 2012 T-Shirt design. 

T-Shirts are on order and should be available in early March 2012.

What Are Paramedics

By: Ryan L. Whittington, OCFD Public Information Officer

Lights flashing and sirens blaring, you pull your vehicle over and yield to Ocean City fire apparatus or ambulances.  As the emergency vehicle passes, you merge back into your travel lane and go about your day.

Have you ever wondered what goes into making certain your firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) providers are top notch?  Over the next few weeks, I will highlight a different job within the Fire Department and explain in detail what it’s all about.  I take pride as I write this article knowing that, in Ocean City, we provide you with excellent service every hour of every day.
Ocean City Fire Department ambulances respond to emergencies with a minimum of two advanced life support (ALS) providers (paramedics) and one basic life support (BLS) provider (emergency medical technician).  This staffing (more than in most other jurisdictions) ensures that all medical emergencies, especially high priority, receive advanced medical care within minutes.

All Ocean City Fire Department paramedics are Nationally Certified through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).  NREMT serves as the National EMS Certification organization providing a valid, uniform process to assess the knowledge and skills required for competent practice by EMS professionals.  Providers recertify with NREMT every two years.  Re-certification requires attending a minimum of 72 hours of continuing education that meets the national standard for paramedics.  This training includes:  cardiac life support, pharmacology, trauma, obstetrics/pediatrics, airway, and operational tasks.

Ocean City Fire Department ambulances are also certified though the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System (MIEMSS).  An independent state agency, MIEMSS is governed by an EMS Board appointed by the Governor of Maryland and responsible to oversee and coordinate all components of the statewide EMS system in accordance with Maryland statute and regulation.  All Ocean City ambulances and three fire engines have been inspected by MIEMSS and are certified with their “Seal of Excellence.”  This certification addresses the requirements of patient care supplies and medications according to Maryland Medical Protocols.
Should you ever need an Ocean City ambulance, be assured that the men and women providing you care are well qualified, enjoy public service, and take pride in riding on top notch units.

Winter Fire Safety

As temperatures drop below freezing, the Ocean City Fire Department reminds the citizens and visitors of Ocean City to consider fire safety as they begin to utilize supplemental heat sources in their homes.  According to the United States Fire Administration, winter residential building fires result in an estimated average of 945 deaths, over 3,820 injuries, and $1,708,000,000 in property loss each year.  Usually, fires caused by heating sources occur because the devices weren't cleaned regularly, were placed or installed too close to combustible materials, had design or operational flaws, or were fueled improperly. Here are a few tips, in order to help prevent a heating-related fire in your home:

When purchasing supplemental heating devices, make sure they carry an independent testing laboratory label, such as U.L.  Follow the manufacturer’s directions for installation, use, and maintenance of all new heating equipment.  Keep combustible items at least three feet from all heating devices.  Inspect electric heaters for damage such as frayed or worn electrical cords.  Chimneys and flues of woodstoves, fireplaces, and fireplace inserts should be cleaned and inspected yearly by a professional.  Fireplaces should always be screened during use to stop embers and sparks from igniting floor coverings.  Lastly, make sure everyone in your home understands the dangers of drying clothes and other combustibles over heating devices.

Although good maintenance of equipment and safe, diligent use of heating equipment can help lessen the risk of a home fire, it cannot entirely prevent it.  Working smoke alarms are vital in notification of a fire, allowing you and your family adequate time to escape.  Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor (including the basement), and outside each sleeping area.  It’s a good idea, especially if you sleep with your doors closed, to install a smoke alarm inside your bedroom.  Wall-mounted alarms should be positioned 4-12 inches from the ceiling, while ceiling-mounted alarms should be positioned 4 inches or more away from the nearest wall.  Alarms should be tested every month, and batteries replaced twice a year.

In addition, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors should be installed in a central location outside of all sleeping areas if your home contains any fuel burning (oil or gas) equipment.  Test CO alarms monthly and replace the batteries according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (typically twice a year).  Remember, CO detectors are not a substitute for smoke detectors.

You can access the National Fire Protection Association webpage at www.nfpa.org or contact the Ocean City Fire Department (Office of the Fire Marshal) for more tips on safely heating your home.