The Kent Island VFD Life Safety Division recently hosted Kent Island Cub Scout Pack #495 at Station #1 where the scouts learned about Safety and Firefighting from Life Safety Officer Dave Reid and his daughter, FF Chelsea Reid. 

The scouts learned about the equipment firefighters use to protect themselves from the heat and toxic gases.  In addition, the group was trained in home safety in the departments Safety Trailer which uses safe smoke to teach the children how its safer at the floor, and how a heated door means there could be fire on the other side.

While we pride ourselves on our ability to respond to emergencies in our community, teaching Safety and preventing the need for our services is much more beneficial.

Thanks to Dave and Chelsea for their dedication and commitment to the Life Safety Program.

Photos by Elena Butler... Thank You

Over the past 12 months, Division of Life Safety staff members have been busy supporting a wide variety of community educational events. They have also taken time out of their busy schedules to attend classes that support the Division’s mission. Continuing education provides our staff with up-to-date tools to get the life safety message out to the community. Examples of the training our staff have recently taken include:

·         Hosting a third round of the MFRI Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I class.
·         Attending National Fire Academy 6 and 10 day classes targeting community risk reduction.
·         Attending both the MFRI Chief Officers Seminar and the Public Fire and Life Safety Educator Seminar.
·         Attending the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation’s Courage to be Safe® Train the Trainer firefighter safety class.
 
Our staff is using these educational opportunities to increase the Division’s programs to include such topics as:
·         The National Fire Protection Association Remembering When® senior citizen injury prevention program.
·         The National Fire Protection Association Risk Watch® injury prevention program in our elementary schools.
·         Perform a risk analysis and develop a risk management plan to reduce injuries and increase the health of our First Responders.
·         Perform a community risk analysis to identify areas that could benefit from an educational program designed to reduce injuries to our citizens and reduce property losses.
 
These educational programs support the Division’s goal of providing the highest quality all hazards injury prevention program to the Community and to our members. Thanks to the following Department members for attending these educational programs; Dona Carlozzi, Sherri Younger, Jody Schulz, Francis "Mo" Mowbray, Steve Andrews, Joe Cvach, & Carrie and Dave Reid.

PIKESVILLE, Md.  In response to the sudden rise in structure fires throughout the State of Maryland, State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard requests all Marylanders to test and maintain their smoke alarms. "These life saving devices can provide the needed advantage to escape injury and death from the ingredients of fire," stated Barnard.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 65 percent of home fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms at all or smoke alarms that do not operate properly.

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home and in each bedroom. Follow manufacturer's instructions on placement of smoke alarms for battery operated units. Alarms that are hard wired must be installed by an electrician.

Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If the alarm "chirps," warning the battery is low, replace it right away.

Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested.

In addition to smoke alarm maintenance; plan and practice your home fire escape plan, know two ways out of every room and include a specific location outside to meet.

If you have questions, or need assistance to get a smoke detector, change batteries, etc.  Contact our Asst. Life Safety Officer Dave Reid,  lifesafety@kivfd.org  or call Station #1 (410) 643-5454