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Thursday, January 19, 2012 The members of United Communities and Kent Island Volunteer Fire Departments joined together for a drill on cold water and ice rescue. Now that we are into the part of the year when the water is the coldest and we are surrounded by water, it is important to be prepared in the event of an emergency. Body heat can be lost 25 times faster in cold water than in cold air. In water 40-50 degrees F, a person will only last 30-60 minutes until exhaustion or unconsciousness sets in. The expected time of survival is only 1-3 hours*. Getting to the victim quickly and safely is the most important part for their survival. Our department’s hold many drills during the day when it is easy to see what you are doing, but decided a drill at night would be the most productive to find limitations to our resources, and the need for any additional equipment in the event of a night emergency rescue. Our members practiced rope throwing, proper technique to get a victim to shore, and putting on the cold water rescue suit. Remember to always wear your personal flotation device when you go out onto the water, it is almost impossible to put it on after falling into cold water. Never walk out on frozen ice; you cannot be sure how thick it is. Ice that is not clear and sound can be very dangerous, and ice on a body of water with a current below it is not reliable for stationary loads, the thickness can vary. Proper equipment, training and team work is a must for a successful outcome. Please remember to be safe and smart. *This is an average
As these cold months are upon us we need to think smart about fire prevention. If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove use caution when cleaning out those hot ashes. Hot coals, hidden in a pile of ashes, and thus well insulated can stay hot for up to 4 days. NEVER empty ashes into a paper or plastic bag, or any flammable container. The only suitable container for ash storage is a metal container with a tight fitting lid. Do not store your metal ash container on your deck, in your garage, or any other location that may allow heat transfer to nearby flammable items. It is also very important to have your chimney inspected every year. Annual inspections allow the chimney sweep to note cracks, creosote buildup or other obstructions which may diminish the functionality of the system. Our concern is not only chimney fires, but also carbon monoxide intrusion into homes. Space heaters are another potential problem in these cold months. Only use a space heater that has been tested to the most up to date safety standards. Older space heaters may not meet newer safety standards. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper use. Place the heater on a level, hard, nonflammable surface. Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from bedding, drapes, furniture, and other flammable items. Turn the heater off when you are sleeping or leave, and be sure to keep pets and children away from heater. Do not use portable propane space heaters indoors or in any confined space unless they are specifically designed for indoor use. Be sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home on each level. Remember to be smart and stay safe this winter season.
All the members of UCVFD would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. We had alot of fun visiting the residents of our area with Santa this year. We hope everyone stays safe this holiday season, please click on the photos to view more, or visit our photo gallery
Friday, December 2, 2011 At 12:04 hrs Station 9,1,2,and 3 along with QAC P-100 and EMS 3 where dispatched for a dwelling fire in the 9-6 box, QAC PM-100 arrived with heavy fire showing from the first and second floor, at 12:12 hrs Engine 91 arrived and the crew began stretching a line to the front door, ET-1 arrived and assisted E-91 crew with an interior attack, Officer 104 assumed command. There was a report that someone was still in side and a primary search was started. At 12:18 hrs command requested a Tanker Task Force, several more units arrived and additional lines where placed in service, at 12:23 Command requested a second alarm which brought units from Anne Arundel, Annapolis and the Naval Academy, personnel where attempting to make an aggressive interior attack but at 12:27 hrs command requested all personnel to evacuate do to the current fire conditions, all personnel went into a defensive attack, the bulk of the fire was knocked down and crews resumed an interior attack and a secondary search, during the search crews found a male subject on the second floor bedroom who was pronounced dead at the scene. Command requested the State Fire Marshall who arrived and requested other law enforcement agencies, several units remained on the scene and assisted with overhaul and the investigation. The cause of the fire and the death of the male found in the house is still under investigation. Thanks to all the departments for an excellent job.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011 The Cadets at UCVFD were busy with training on their meeting night. They were having a drill on search and rescue and hose line advancement. Each were assigned an operational task to aid in their learning.
The Elves at UCVFD have been making some home improvements getting ready for Santa. We have been very busy updating his home away from home when he is here. Check our calendar of events in the left column to see all the events going on in December, and click on a date to view the details. Santa told us he is looking forward to visiting Stevensville once again this year, and he has a very long nice list for this area.
There will be a first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Wednesday, Novemebr 9, 2011 at 2:00 PM (Eastern). The National-level EAS is a public alert and warning system that enables the President of the United States to address the American public during extreme emergencies. Similar to local EAS tests that are conducted frequently, the Nationwide EAS Test will involve broadcast radio and televisions stations, cable television, satellite radio, and television services and wireline providers across all states and territories. Please inform your friends and family about this upcomming test (date and time), this test will last for approximately three minutes and then regular programming will resume.
United Communities VFD Auxiliary sponsored a Fire Prevention Poster Contest at Matapeake Elementary School, Stevensville. Grades Kindergarten through 5th participated. A $25 gift card to Toys R US was given to one student from each grade. Each winner and their family will be driven to Dairy Queen on a fire truck and treated to ice cream. All entries will receive a certificate for their poster. The winners in the photo are, Andrew Goss, Ashlyn Newcomer, Hanna Petursson, Nora Gast, Jake Fulton, and Cadence Kelley Behind the students are,Carol Kamp, Principal and Rose Clark, Auxiliary President
To each individual there maybe a certain event in their life that they alone may remember forever. But on September 11, 2001 all Americans will remember the same event for a lifetime. On this day, millions of people lost a loved one, a friend, a coworker, or a stranger they may have gotten the chance to know in the future. An act of terrorism brought our nation together in a way we will never forget. On September 11, 2011 we will pay tribute to these lost lives, you may not be able to say exactly where you were a month ago at 8:46 in the morning, but you will always be able to say exactly where you were 10 years ago 9/11 at 8:46 in the morning. For more information on 9/11 tributes: http://www.911memorial.org http://www.honorflight93.org http://pentagonmemorial.org
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