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Fire/EMS Safety Tips for a Winter Storm - Stay Informed - Stay Ready - Stay Safe

January 20, 2016, 7:32 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

The men and women of your Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department want you to help us by staying safe yourself.  There is a potential for a winter storm this weekend and everyone needs to stay informed, stay ready and stay safe.  Some of our highest concerns during a winter weather event are driving, staying warm and power outages. Stay Informed, Stay Ready, Stay Safe

• Stay prepared by bringing out your emergency preparedness kit and having a supply of essential items (food, water, warming items, radios, batteries, flashlights, etc.) available.


• Stay informed by monitoring TV news, news radio, National Weather Service radios and the Internet. Important information may be broadcast that could affect you and your family. Ensure your cell phones and lap top computers are fully charged now – before the storm occurs.


• Stay safe by keeping fire safety and injury prevention a priority in your activities. It is important to remember that fire apparatus and ambulances will be slower to respond to your emergencies due to the weather and hazardous driving conditions. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms now to ensure they are working. In the event of an emergency, have an escape plan and call 911 immediately from a safe location. 


• If possible, stay indoors and off the roads at all costs. Reduced traffic on roadways will allow public works crews an opportunity to clear a path that can be used by first responders to handle emergencies. If you must venture outdoors, dress warm and in layers, wear a hat and gloves, and cover your face with a scarf. 


• A winter storm always has the potential to cause power disruptions as snow and ice will collect on power lines and tree branch’s that will then come in contact with power lines. Do not approach a downed power line – always consider downed power lines to be “live.” Restrict access to the downed lines and call 911. 


• Speaking of calling 911 – please – only call 911 for emergencies. Activity for Fire and EMS service could be high. If you do not have an emergency you should call 311 for assistance.


• In the event of power outages – use flashlights and battery powered lanterns for illumination – do not use candles. Ensure you have a battery-powered radio. 


• Give space heaters space – keep space heaters at least 3-feet away from anything combustible like bedding, furniture, paper, etc. 

• Use only seasoned wood products in your fireplace and use extreme caution when disposing of fireplace ashes, as they can remain hot for days after the fire is out. Dispose of ashes in a metal container outside and away from the house.


• Some winter storms produce enough snow and ice that will make it difficult to shovel, especially for those that have an existing heart condition or anyone over the age of 50. Limit shoveling to only a few minutes at a time, shovel smaller amounts, and take frequent breaks. 


• It is time to be a good neighbor – check on your senior citizen neighbors and ensure they have heat and food. Shovel their sidewalks and check on them frequently.


• Clear away snow from the fire hydrant on your street. If the fire hydrant is on your property; you are required to clear away the snow. 


• If you must drive – reduce your speed, increase the distance between you and the car in front of you, turn on your headlights, and do not be distracted by cell phones. Keep an eye out for pedestrians, as they will venture out into the streets as sidewalks disappear. This information especially applies to 4-wheel drive SUV operators.


Finally, remember to think of our four-legged furry friends and keep your pets indoors. 



The Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department stands ready and prepared to provide the best emergency and non-emergency services available. We ask you to help us by preventing emergencies from ever occurring to avoid the need for us to have to respond to that emergency. Remember, Safety First ensures Everyone Goes Home.
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WASHINGTON POST - Man narrowly escapes injury after falling light pole pierces his car on Beltway

January 20, 2016, 10:31 am
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Man narrowly escapes injury after falling light pole pierces his car on Beltway


A lightpole pierced a man's car on the Beltway Monday night. (Courtesy of Prince George's County Fire Dept.)
    
Luis Abrego didn’t even notice when the metal pole impaled his car.
He was sitting in the driver’s seat, stopped at the scene of an accident he had just witnessed on the Beltway. He inched forward just a bit, then heard a noise, no louder than the tap of a hammer.
And then all of a sudden a police officer was peering in his window, seemingly shocked that Abrego was unhurt.
“Yes, why wouldn’t I be okay?” Abrego said. Then he turned around.
A light pole had fallen onto his car and pierced it, all the way from the roof down through the floor. And it had only missed striking Abrego in the head by about two inches.
Ambulance struck by vehicle and hit a light pole, causing it to fall onto another car on the Beltway. ( Courtesy of Prince George's County Fire )
Authorities in Prince George’s County described the incident Monday evening as “bizarre” and said Abrego was very lucky to walk away unharmed.
It started when a vehicle on the inner loop of I-495 sideswiped an ambulance near St. Barnabas Road in Oxon Hill. The ambulance was returning to its station on Livingston Road after responding to an incident.
Authorities said the vehicle hit the ambulance so hard that the ambulance went off the road and onto a steep, muddy embankment with trees.
Abrego, who said he was driving about 15 feet behind the ambulance at the time, stopped short.
The ambulance then hit the light pole. That’s what caused the pole to break away from its base and fall over the travel lanes of the Beltway.
The pole pierced the roof of Abrego’s car, went through the interior and came out the bottom of the car, according to county firefighters.
The light pole missed Abrego’s head “by mere inches,” officials said.
“When I turned my neck and I saw the post in the car, I said, ‘Oh my God,’” Abrego said.
He immediately called his wife and daughter to tell them what had happened, and they couldn’t believe his luck. “Everybody said, ‘Hey, you need to play the lottery.’”
Authorities said that two medics who were in the ambulance were taken to a hospital to get treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.  
The vehicle that started the incident by hitting the ambulance went another 200 yards up the Beltway before it stopped on the shoulder of the road, authorities said.  That driver was interviewed by police. Officials said they do not yet know whether the driver will face charges.
When the incident occurred, Abrego, 60, was driving to his home in Alexandria from his job in Maryland — where he works as a detailer, fixing cars. He has never seen a car damaged quite the way his was.
“Never in my life. Believe me, I never saw something like this happen,” he said. When he tried to sleep Monday night, he said he kept seeing that post right behind his head every time he closed his eyes. But he went back to work on Tuesday, to fix other people’s cars.
Julie Zauzmer is a local news reporter.
Dana Hedgpeth is a Post reporter, working the early morning, reporting on traffic, crime and other local issues.

All images and videos are by Mark E. Brady, PGFD PIO
See PGFD Press Release by clicking here
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WUSA 9 News report on utility pole piercing vehicle on Beltway

January 20, 2016, 11:07 am
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News Talk on News Channel 8 - How to Survive a Burning House

January 20, 2016, 11:24 am
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Apartment Fire on Queens Chapel Road

January 22, 2016, 7:20 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

At about 3:30 am the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department was alerted to a fire in a 3-story garden style apartment building in Hyattsville. First arriving fire/EMS units found heavy smoke showing and obvious rescues to be made from upper level apartments.  Rescues were made using ground ladders of residents on their balconies and windows.  Some interior rescues were also made through the interior stairwell.  A precautionary 2nd Alarm was sounding bringing additional fire and EMS units to the scene. 

It required about 30 minutes to extinguish the fire that appears to have started in the kitchen if the apartment of origin.  No injuries were reported.

Fire Investigators estimated fire loss at $75,000.  The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The County Citizen Services Unit and the American Red Cross provided assistance to the building residents that were displaced.  20 adults and 6 children received assistance.  Some residents may be able to return within the week with others being a long-term displacement.


Working smoke alarms are credited with alerting the sleeping residents of the fire,
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CAUTION - Potential for heart attacks are high shoveling snow

January 23, 2016, 7:14 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

This weekend’s storm is certainly living up to the forecast.  High snow totals are being recorded across the region with cold temperatures and high wind gusts, a true winter blizzard.

This winter storm has produced enough snow that clearing sidewalks, driveways and other areas will be a challenge to shovel, especially for those that have an existing heart condition or anyone over the age of 50. Limit shoveling to only a few minutes at a time, shovel smaller amounts, and take frequent breaks.

Be warned that the snow that has fallen so far has been of the lighter powder texture.  It is anticipated that this afternoon’s snowfall will be the heavy and wet texture.  The heavy and wet snow adds weight to your shoveling, requires high energy and is dangerous to your health.

Use smaller shovels; perhaps a narrow shovel that will not allow you to pick up big amounts.

Cold temperatures also will affect your health when shoveling.  You will exert high energy when shoveling which will make you breath harder and more often.  Deep and frequent breathing will result in inhaling colder air that will constrict your lungs and airways making the exchange of oxygen into your bloodstream difficult.  When you venture outdoors this weekend wear clothing that will cover your mouth and nose.

Ask a neighborhood youth to clear your walks for you or be a good neighbor and clear the snow for your senior citizen neighbor.

If you experience signs and symptoms of a heart attack, which include, chest pains, difficulty breathing, heaviness on your chest, numbness in your neck and left arm, call 911 immediately.



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Fort Washington Man Suffers Snow Shoveling Death

January 23, 2016, 9:57 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

With over a foot of snow already on the ground and more still falling a Fort Washington man appears to have suffered a heart attack while shoveling snow at his home.  At around 8:30 am, Firefighters and Medics from the Fort Washington Fire/EMS Station responded to the 1200 block of Sandy Bar Drive and found the man in cardiac arrest.  Firefighters and Medics did their very best in attempting to revive the man, however, despite their valiant efforts he was pronounced deceased.

At around 10:30 am the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME-MD) confirmed to Prince George’s County Public Safety Communications that this was a storm related death.

The Fire/EMS Department does not release the names of medical patient fatalities.  Additional information can be obtained through the OCME.

This weekend’s storm is certainly living up to the forecast.  High snow totals are being recorded across the region with cold temperatures and high wind gusts, a true winter blizzard.

This winter storm has produced enough snow that clearing sidewalks, driveways and other areas will be a challenge to shovel, especially for those that have an existing heart condition and other medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure and anyone over the age of 50.  Limit shoveling to only a few minutes at a time, shovel smaller amounts, and take frequent breaks.

Be warned that the snow that has fallen so far has been of the lighter powder texture.  It is anticipated that this afternoon’s snowfall will be the heavy and wet texture.  The heavy and wet snow adds weight to your shoveling, requires high energy and is dangerous to your health.

Use smaller shovels; perhaps a narrow shovel that will not allow you to pick up big amounts.

Cold temperatures also will affect your health when shoveling.  You will exert high energy when shoveling which will make you breath harder and more often.  Deep and frequent breathing will result in inhaling colder air that will constrict your lungs and airways making the exchange of oxygen into your bloodstream difficult.  When you venture outdoors this weekend wear clothing that will cover your mouth and nose.

Ask a neighborhood youth to clear your walks for you or be a good neighbor and clear the snow for your senior citizen neighbor.

If you experience signs and symptoms of a heart attack, which include, chest pains, difficulty breathing, heaviness on your chest, numbness in your neck and left arm, call 911 immediately.



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After the Winter Storm

January 23, 2016, 3:00 pm
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Just because the snow has stopped falling, or will very soon, the storm is not over.  High gusty winds are forecast through the day Sunday and there is plenty of clean-up yet to be done.  This was a big snow storm and big work is needed before everything returns to somewhat normal.

The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department urges everyone to remain at home until transportation and public safety officials give the “all-clear” for driving.   There are still several precautions to take after the winter storm is over.

Our Department of Public Works, state Highway Administration and municipalities have been doing tremendous job in clearing roads so public safety vehicles can pass.  It is reasonable to believe that most primary and secondary roads will have some lanes passable on Sunday.  Neighborhood roads as well as parking lots could be snow covered into the early part of the week.  Driving will be of primary concern.  Pedestrians will resort to walking in the road with a lack of cleared sidewalks.  Roads will still be hazardous to drive.  Use extreme caution.

Similar to our recommendations before and during the winter storm, we ask everyone to:

·      Stay Informed - by TV, radio, Internet and newspapers

·      Stay Ready – Just because it has stopped snowing does not mean its OK to travel or resume normal activity

·      Stay Safe – Use common sense and keep Safety First

·      Clean all snow and ice off of your vehicle including the roof.  Chunks of snow and ice could fly off of car tops and damage other vehicles and cause injuries

·      Snow accumulated on tree branches and utility lines may eventually cause them to fall - keep in mind the gusty winds will be here through Sunday

·      Drive with your headlights on and make sure you have plenty of window cleaning fluid

·      Downed power lines – treat every downed power line as a live power line and call your utility provider

·      Be careful when moving tree limbs or trees as utility wires may be involved.  Call 311 to report downed trees that are blocking roadways.

·      Please clear snow from all sidewalks and fire hydrants that are on your property.

·      Walk slowly and beware of invisible ice.  Snow will melt during the day and refreeze at night causing hazardous walking and driving conditions.  Take due caution

·      Check on neighbors and elderly family members - clear their sidewalks for them

·      Watch out for potholes and possible flooding and re-freezing from melting snow


Stay indoors on Sunday and enjoy some NFL Championship Football!!!
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PGFD - Commercial Building Fire - 4600 Silver Hill Road

January 23, 2016, 7:11 pm
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Prince George’s County Firefighters battled a fire in a carpet store this evening during a blizzard.  At about 6:30 pm fire/EMS units were alerted to a commercial building fire at 4600 Silver Hill Road in Suitland.  Units reported a 1-story, former gas station converted to a carpet store, with wind-driven heavy fire showing.  Firefighters took a defensive position and battled the fire from the exterior.  Within a short period of time a partial collapse of the structure occurred.  The store was not open today.

The bulk of the fire was extinguished in about 30 minutes.  Hot spots continued to be extinguished for an extended period as entry into the structure was not possible due to instability of the structure. 

Despite upwards of 20 inches of fresh snow and high winds there were no reported injuries.


The cause of the fire is under investigation and fire loss is still being tabulated.

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Don't let snow blind you to winter fire safety

January 25, 2016, 4:16 pm
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

It's late January and winter has finally caught up to us.  The region was hit by a blizzard and we continue to dig out and wait to get back to work and school as roads and sidewalks are cleared.   It was a BIG storm and will take BIG time to recover.

Colder temperatures will most likely remain with us through the end of February and we know everyone would like to stay warm. The Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department (PGFD) wants everyone to stay warm safely.  Don't be blinded by the big snow and lose sight of good common sense fire safety habits.  

The Department is reminding everyone that home fires are more prevalent in cold weather than in any other time of the year. This is due in part to an increase in cooking and heating fires.  This reminder involves the safe use of space heaters and general heating safety tips.

Stay Safe

The civilian, volunteer and paid men and women of the Fire/EMS Department want to remind everyone that fire safety and prevention are especially important during times of cold temperatures.  

Temperatures drop and fires increase.  According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) statistics space heaters account for about one third of the home heating fires yet more than 80 percent of the home heating fire deaths.  Cooking and heating are the top causes of fires during cold weather. 



Colder winter temperatures brings the highest number of home fires than any other time of year. Every cold weather season, home fires increase in part due to cooking and heating fires. Fire safety and injury prevention must not be lost in an effort to stay warm. Stay warm and do so safely.   

The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department recommend the following safety tips for space heaters. 





Space Heaters

·      Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
 



·      Check to make sure it has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over or if placed too close to an object.

·      Heaters are not dryers or tables; don't dry clothes or store objects on top of your heater. 


 

·      Space heaters need space; keep combustibles at least three feet away from each heater.


·      Always unplug your electric space heater when not in use. 

  

·      Turn off at night or whenever you sleep. 
·      Never use an extension cord with space heaters - plug directly into wall socket.




Kerosene space heater 

·      Never refuel indoors.  

·      Remove the kerosene heater outdoors, turn off and wait for it to cool down before refueling and only use the correct type of fuel.




General Heating Tips     

•    Furnaces, fireplaces and chimneys should be cleaned and checked each year by an appropriate professional prior to using.  Clear away any clutter from these heating devices, at least 3 feet away.

•    Only use seasoned wood in fireplaces, never use ignitable liquids to start a fire and do not overload your appliance.

•    The 3-foot rule also applies to furnaces and fireplaces.  No combustibles items within 3 feet of these heating appliances.

•    Dispose of fireplace ash into a metal container and store outdoors away from structures on a concrete surface.  Fireplace ash can ignite a fire days after they have been discarded.

Finally, ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are working by pushing the test button on the front cover.  Your alarms should be tested monthly on the first day of every month - Safety First Day of the Month.  If you do not hear an audible warning, replace your alarm with a new 10-year, tamper proof, with hush feature alarm.  Having a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, in hallways just outside of sleeping areas and in every bedroom in addition to a exit drill in the home plan and practiced dramatically increases your chances of surviving a burning home.  Remember to sleep with your bedroom door closed.

A working CO detector will protect you and your family from deadly "silent killer" fumes that may be building up in your home.  Remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family. 



For additional information from the USFA on Winter Fire Safety; click here.

Residents are encouraged to utilize Prince George’s County’s County 311 system to obtain information about public services and obtaining a smoke alarm installed in your home.
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Accokeek woman rescued from snow covered vehicle by PGFD and National Guard Humvee

January 26, 2016, 8:38 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Prince George’s County Firefighter/Medics and members of the Maryland National Guard rescued a female that has been living in her car for some time but became trapped inside since the start of the blizzard.

At about 6:00 pm, Monday, January 25, a resident in the 16400 block of Newasa Lane in Accokeek contacted Public Safety Communications.  The calling party was concerned about a vehicle located near his residence and the possibility someone was inside the car buried under the high snow.

Fire/EMS units from Accokeek were dispatched to the area but were unable to access the vehicle in question due to deep snow on unplowed Newasa Lane.  A Humvee from the Maryland Army National Guard 110th assigned to work with firefighter/medics from the nearby Allentown Road Fire/EMS Station reported to the scene. 

Guard members Captain John Rodriguez and Staff Sargent Derek Meddings were joined by firefighter/medics on board the Humvee.  The National Guard Humvee motored through the deep snow on Newasa Lane and came upon the vehicle with an adult female inside.  The scene was located on property owned by the vehicle occupant who apparently was living inside of her vehicle.  Snow covered, out of gas and warmed only by blankets she had in the car the adult female was assisted out of the vehicle and loaded onto a stokes basket with additional blankets. 

While not totally agreeing to leave her vehicle it was determined that transportation to a hospital was in her best interest for evaluation and treatment.  The patient was loaded into the rear of the Humvee and taken to a plowed and cleared secondary street where the ambulance from Accokeek awaited.  She was treated for hypothermia and transported to a nearby hospital.

This is just one great example of the work performed by the Maryland Army National Guard during this winter event.  Their vehicle capabilities and training have served the citizens of Prince George’s County very well.


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9205 New Hampshire Avenue Fire Ruled Accidental - Update

January 27, 2016, 10:05 am
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Media Contact: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

On Wednesday, January 13, 2016, a fire occurred on the top floor of 9205 New Hampshire Avenue in Adelphi.  Media helicopter video captured the fire and 2 occupants being rescued by firefighters from the apartment adjacent to the apartment on fire.

Investigators from the Office of the Fire Marshal have concluded their investigation and the fire has been ruled accidental.  It appears an aerosol can of extremely flammable spray adhesive unexpectedly released a continuous stream of product.  The product came in contact with an open flame on the kitchen stove igniting a fire.  Both apartment occupants, a husband and wife, sustained burns from coming in contact with the product and resulting fire.

The flaming product ignited other combustibles in the apartment including furniture.  The victim’s son arrived home in the midst of this ordeal, called 911 and assisted in removing his parents out of the building.  Fire loss was estimated at $200,000.

The husband has since been released from the Burn Unit while his wife remains hospitalized.

Raw video of the fire and rescue can be seen by clicking here.  This video is provided courtesy of Brad Freitas  @News ChopperBrad


House Fire in Adelphi Maryland from NewsChopperBrad on Vimeo.

Original PGFD Press Release can be viewed by clicking here.


Pictures of the burned interior hallway.












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Temple Hills woman rescued by firefighters expected to recover

January 27, 2016, 10:16 am
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Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

On the morning of January 17, 2016, Prince George’s County Firefighters rushed into a burning house at 3105 Bellbrook Court in Temple Hills.  Firefighters searched and located an adult female in the basement which appears to be the area of origin.  She was removed and provided to awaiting medics that treated and transported immediately to a Burn Unit.  She was in critical condition with burn injuries and smoke inhalation.  Officials from the Office of the Fire Marshal have listed this fire as under investigation as they await an opportunity to interview the victim.

The victim remains in the Burn Unit ICU and is intubated.  Her condition is stable and medical staff stated she is expected to recover.

Additional information will be provided when available.

Original PGFD Press release can be seen by clicking here.


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FOX 5 DC Firehouse Friday - Accokeek Fire/EMS Station 824 - PGFD

January 29, 2016, 7:44 am
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A variety of PGFD images from past several days

January 29, 2016, 8:56 am
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A variety of images of PGFD captured over the last several days.  
Some images were taken by myself and others were captured on the internet or sent via Email to me.
Mark E. Brady, PGFD PIO.





































































































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Super Tips from PGFD and USFA for the Super Bowl

February 1, 2016, 5:00 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Super Bowl 50’s line up has been set.  Denver Broncos VS Carolina Panthers!!!  
Many people will tune in to the match up or maybe tune in for the commercials. 
Here are cooking safety tips you can share to help people celebrate safely. 

Getting your Super Bowl game face on? Score more points this year by putting kitchen fire safety in your line up

Super Bowl Sunday is the USA’s second biggest day for food consumption. That means a lot of time spent planning and preparing game day snacks. Before you kick off your menu, take a look at these tips for safer cooking.

Kitchen Huddle


Prepare your cooking area. Use back burners or turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Move things that can burn away from the stove. Keep a timer handy and use it when you’re roasting or baking.

Penalty Flag

Frying poses the greatest risk of fire. Keep an eye on what you fry. Start with a small amount of oil and heat it slowly. If you see smoke or if the grease starts to boil in your pan, turn the burner off. Even a small amount of oil on a hot burner can start a fire.

Defense


Stay awake and alert while you’re cooking. Stand by your pan. If you leave the kitchen, turn the burner off. Keep a large pan lid or baking sheet nearby in case you need to smother a pan fire.

Illegal Contact


Prevent burns when you’re cooking. Wear short sleeves, or roll them up. Don’t lean over the burner. Use potholders and oven mitts to handle hot or steaming cookware.

Defensive Linemen


Children need constant adult supervision. If you have young children in the home, keep them three feet from anything that can get hot, including the stove. Put hot objects and liquids beyond a child’s reach so they can’t touch or pull them down. Never hold a child when you cook.


Touchdown!


Keep safety in mind when serving on game day too. If you burn candles, position them out of reach of children and away from anything that can burn. Consider using flameless candles that are lit by battery power instead. Food warmers and slow cookers get hot. Place them toward the back of the serving table so they won’t get knocked off. Provide hot pads to prevent burns. Light the chafing dish fuel can after it is placed under the warmer. Make sure nothing comes in contact with the flame. If young children are in your home, supervise them and keep matches and lighters locked away.

Take the time to "Press to Test" your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors today -  the Safety First Day of the Month of February.  This test will ensure if your alarm is working or not.  Non-working alarms could cost you your life!!!. These working life saving devices will protect you, your loved ones and Super Bowl party guests.

If you do not have a working smoke alarm and can not afford to purchase one yourself call 311 and a firefighter will visit your home and install one for you, free of charge.

If you purchase your own smoke or CO alarm make sure they are the 10-year type with a hush feature available at most home improvement stores.
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PGFD Assistant Fire Chief Francis Awarded "Firefighter of the Year" by Bowie K of C

February 1, 2016, 6:02 am
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      MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

       The Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department is pleased to announce that Assistant Fire Chief Alicia A. Francis was selected for The Knights of Columbus “Career Fire Fighter of the Year for 2015” award.   The annual Public Safety Award Ceremony was held on Saturday, January 30, at the Knights of Columbus in Bowie.  Francis was joined by about a dozen friends and co-workers at the ceremony.

        Some people find their life’s calling through education or by following in the footsteps of a family member.  For Alicia Francis, it was a head-on vehicle collision that led her to discover what she wanted to do with her life.  On December 25, 1990, an inattentive driver took a left turn and hit her head on, leaving her unconscious and with a nearly severed right leg.  It took two years of painful and challenging rehabilitation before she was able to walk again. However, the crash ignited within her a new passion.  After being saved by the paramedics and their assurance that she was going to be okay, Francis felt she had to give back.  She now knew without a doubt what she wanted to do and began her career with the Fire/EMS Department on July 10, 1995.

      During her tenure, the 20-year veteran has served at several fire stations throughout the County and even went back through the academy and cross-trained to become a firefighter.  Assistant Fire Chief Francis climbed the ranks of the Department and was promoted every two years since 2006.  Fire Chief Marc Bashoor, recognizing her hard work and dedication, selected her to be his executive officer.  She accepted the position and became the first African-American woman to work directly with the fire chief in that capacity.  Two years later, in February 2014, the woman who at one time wasn’t sure she would ever walk again became the first female director of the Fire/EMS Department’s Training Academy as an Assistant Fire Chief.    
       
       Becoming a member of the Fire/EMS Department presented many challenges for Assistant Fire Chief Francis, including and especially handling the pressure of being a woman.  The Bowie resident was once told that women don’t belong in the fire service.  However, she feels times have changed since that time and is proud that women are finally being recognized and respected in the male-dominated field.  She is honored to have been instrumental, along with other female pioneers in the fire service, in the breaking of those barriers. 
       
        Assistant Chief Francis, who believes that one should endeavor to remain in a life-long posture of learning, mentors both high school students and adults.  Her philosophy is “My hands are extended to the next person to pull them up beside me or even push them ahead of me.” She is a woman of strong faith in God and enjoys singing with her church choir, The Levites.

        Assistant Fire Chief Alicia A. Francis, currently the Director of Operational Compliance and Officer Development, has over the years proven to be an asset to the Fire/EMS Department.

       Also receiving special recognition on Saturday evening was Mark Magaw, Public Safety Director of the County.  The Bowie Knights of Columbus recognized Magaw for his many dedicated years to Prince George’s County while serving as Police Chief.

Assistant Fire Chief Francis and Public Safety Director Macaw at the Knights of Colobus Award Ceremony

AFC Francis receives her "Career Firefighter of the Year" Award


Public Safety Director and Retired County Police Chief Mark Macaw receives his recognition award
from the Knights of Columbus.





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Safety First Day of the Month of February - Time to Press to Test

February 1, 2016, 6:04 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

February 1, 2016, the start of the month that includes Valentines Day.  It is also our Safety First Day of the Month.  Combine the two and lovingly demonstrate to your valentines you will do everything possible to keep them safe.  Flowers, a gift and dinner are good but what about the gift of potentially saving their life, priceless.  "Press to Test" your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms today to ensure your loved ones are protected from the devastation of fire and CO.  Every 1st day of every month is designated as the day to test your smoke and CO alarms to ensure they emit that life saving alert.  Simply press the test button on the front of the alarm.

This past month we tragically lost four family members in a Chillum house fire where no working smoke alarm was found.  Don't let this happen to you.  Test your alarms and if they are old or not working replace them with new 10-year alarms.

Lets set the example to show how much you truly love the ones we can protect and live with and PGFD will help by reminding you every month.    

On the first day of every month, regardless of whatever day it is, simply press the test button on the cover of your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.  What is important to note here is that you need to have smoke and CO alarms installed in your home for you to keep your resolution.

When you "Press to Test"

If you hear the audible warning – you are good for another month.

No audible warning?? – provide a fresh battery in your alarms and re-test.

Audible warning??  Yes – you are good until next month!!!  No tones – remove the alarm and replace it with a new 10-year alarm.

While you’re tending to your alarms – remove any dust or other particles from your alarm by dusting or using a vacuum.  Remember these alarms could be the difference between life and death of you and your family.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors - Keep in mind that some of our neighbors may not physically be able to reach their alarms to test or change batteries.  If you have senior citizens family members or neighbors, please, perform this lifesaving function for them. They may not ask for help but they certainly could use some.

Anyone that can not afford to purchase their own 10-year smoke alarm or batteries to rejuvenate your 9-volt alarms may call 311 and make arrangements for a firefighter to visit your home and install these life saving items for you.

Remember that it is now a law for homes that have gas service, fireplace and/or an attached garage are required to have CO alarms installed on every level of your h.

The Fire/EMS Department strongly endorses the use of 10-year, tamper proof with hush feature smoke and CO alarms on every level of your home, outside of sleeping areas and in every bedroom.

Also, design a exit drill in your home and identify two ways out of every room in the event of a fire.  Designate a safe meeting place outside and practice you exit drill at least twice a year.

**  Hint **  Other monthly tasks such as changing filter furnaces, providing our pets with monthly medications, etc. can be done on the safety first day of the month as well.

Install CO alarms on every level of your home, primarily, just outside of sleeping areas.

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, primarily, just outside of sleeping areas and in every bedroom.  Sleep with your bedroom door closed.  

Plan and practice an exit drill in the home.  Identify 2 ways out of every room in your house and a safe meeting place outside.
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PGFD Career Recruit School Graduation

February 3, 2016, 1:31 pm
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PGFD Firefighter escapes injury after fall through floor of burning house

February 4, 2016, 7:53 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

A Prince George’s County Firefighter escaped serious injuries after falling through a weakened floor of a burning Upper Marlboro house.  On Wednesday, February 3, at around 5:45 pm, firefighters responded to the 10700 block of Waco Drive for a 911 report of a house fire.  The Office of the Fire Marshal indicated that working smoke alarms alerted the occupants to the fire and they called 911.

Upon arrival firefighters from the Croom Fire/EMS Station 845 were the first to arrive and encountered a 2-story single family home with light smoke showing.  Ensuring all occupants were outside of the house firefighters made their way inside to search and extinguish the fire.

During their cause and origin investigation Fire Investigators determined the fire was located between the floor joists under the first floor and above the basement ceiling.  As firefighters searched the first floor for the fire one member stepped onto a burned out weakened portion of the floor and fell through the joists and into the basement.

Following standard operating procedures the firefighter radioed his “MAYDAY” message to incident commanders and indicated that he was not injured and did not need to be rescued.  The firefighter made his way back up the basement steps and rejoined his crew in extinguishing the fire. 

After the fire was extinguished the firefighter was checked out by medics and with the exception of some minor scrapes to his upper body did not need any hospital treatment.


The fire caused an estimated $15,000 in loss.  The cause of the fire remains undetermined.
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