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.