Christmas in April 2014

MEDIA ADVISORY

CONTACT:           Phil Martin

                                Public Information Officer

                                301-836-1957

                                Phil.martin@seatpleasantfire.com

DATE:                    April 24, 2014

WHAT:                                 CHRISTMAS IN APRIL

WHEN:                                 Saturday April 28, 2014
                                              0800-1400

                               

WHERE:               7100 blk Willows Hill Dr.

Seat Pleasant MD 20743

WHY:                    The members of the Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company Inc. will once again be participating in Christmas In April.  The members will be working to provide better housing conditions for a Seat Pleasant area resident on Willows Hills Dr. Elected Officials, members of the press, and community activist are encourage to visit the site. Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Brenner will be leading our CIA effort this year.

                                Information about Christmas in April –

Christmas in April grew out of the urgent need for better housing conditions and the determination by communities across the country that they would do something about it, at least in their own neighborhoods. The need still exists and is growing. There are now 24 million low-income homeowners; that number will grow to 28.5 million by the year 2010. Today, Christmas in April is the leading national volunteer organization that, in partnership with the community, rehabilitates the houses of low-income homeowners, particularly the elderly, disabled and families with children. The goal is to keep people living in warmth, safety, and independence. Clearly an enormous segment of the population own their homes, yet cannot afford to or are physically unable to maintain them. With the population of Americans 65 and older projected to rise from 35.6 million to 71.5 million by 2030, these numbers will certainly grow. Christmas in April and its network of volunteers fill a desperate need, rehabilitating houses and revitalizing neighborhoods.

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Seat Pleasant Volunteers Educate Youth About Fire Prevention

SEAT PLEASANT MD - Members of the Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company Inc. hit the streets last month to make their presence aware as a part of fire prevention week, which was the second week of October. Volunteers visited area schools to teach children how to make sure they are prepared in the event of a fire at school or at home. The theme for this year’s fire prevention week focused on having two ways out in the event of a fire. "Volunteers did a run through for students on what to do from the first signs of smoke to calling 911 to the arrival of the fire department" said Phil Martin the Fire Company's Fire Prevention Coordinator. "It was very informative for us especially because we got the opportunity to see how much these children knew, some knew exactly what to do and some knew very little about fire safety" Martin also stated. Fire Fighters donned tier turnout gear, helmet, and air packs for the entire school day at Carmody Hills so students could be comfortable with the Fire Fighters in hopes of educating that fire fighters are friends not "scary monsters"

"One thing we did this year different was simulate 911 calls with the entire class so they can be prepared for the basic information needed to get a fire department response in the event of a fire" says Martin. The Volunteers also participated in two area parades in the Pepper Mill community as well as in Capitol Heights. The fire company plans to be back in the schools in November to monitor the fire drills to see how the students handle a live drill.

For more information on the Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company Inc. or to have them visit your school, call 301-865-1957

Fire Fighters educate about 2 ways out!

Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company Inc. joins Fight against breast cancer

CONTACT:        Phil Martin, Public Information Officer

                        (301) 836-1957

                        phil.martin@seatpleasantfire.com

 DATE:                    September 10, 2012     

WHEN:                Throughout the Month of October        

WHERE:               Throughout the City of Seat Pleasant and surrounding areas

 

 WHY:                   

The Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company Inc. announced that during the month of October, volunteers will be out in the community raising money to donate to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Starting in late September, members will start canvassing the City of Seat Pleasant and parts of Capitol Heights and Landover with pink boots and flyers with information on the Seat Pleasant Volunteers as well as Susan G. Komen.  During the canvass, volunteers will also offer to check and/or replace non working smoke detectors and batteries. To donate or for more information about the Seat Pleasant volunteers, visit www.seatpleasantfire.com or call 301-836-1957

 

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything In her power to end breast cancer. Today, Susan G. Komen for the Cure® works to end breast cancer in the U.S. and throughout the world through ground-breaking research, community health outreach, advocacy and programs in more than 30 countries. Visitkomen.org. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company Inc. Urges Residents to “Have Two Ways Out!” During Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2012

CONTACT:           Phil Martin, Public Information Officer

                                (301) 836-1957

                                phil.martin@seatpleasantfire.com

 

DATE:                    September 10, 2012           

 

WHAT:                  Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company Inc. joins Fight against breast cancer

 

WHEN:                 Throughout the Month of October 

                                               

WHY:                    October 7, 2012 – If you woke up to a fire in your home, how much time do you think you would have to get to safety?  According to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one-third of Americans households who made and estimate they thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening. Unfortunately, the time available is often less.  That’s why Seat Pleasant’s Fire Department is teaming up with NFPA during Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2012, to urge residents to “Have Two Ways Out!” This year’s theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.

In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to 369,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 13,350 civilian injuries, 2,640 civilian deaths, and $6.9 billion in direct damage. “One home structure was reported every 85 seconds in 2010,” says Phil Martin of the Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company. “Fire is unpredictable and moves faster than most people realize.  Having a tried and true escape plan with two ways is essential to ensuring your family’s safety should fire break out in your home.” 

·         Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company recommends the following tips for planning your family’s escape:

·         Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.

·         Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet once they’ve escaped. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan.

·         Write the emergency telephone number for the fire department on your escape plan.

·         Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone living in your home.

Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator and remind grown-ups to have your family practice the plan twice a year or whenever anyone in your home celebrates a birthday.

The Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company will be visiting area schools during Fire Prevention Week to promote “Have Two Ways Out!” Through these educational, family-oriented activities, residents can learn more about the importance of fire escape planning and practice, as well as the power of prevention.

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Seat Pleasant, please contact the Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company at 301-836-1957 or email phil.martin@seatpleasantfire.com. To learn more about “Have Two Ways Out!” visit NFPA’s Web site at www.firepreventionweek.org .

2nd Annual SPVFC Crab Feast

!!!SAVE THE DATE!!!



WHO?
The members of The Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company Inc., the citizens of the City of Seat Pleasant, family and friends.

WHAT?
Our 2nd Annual Crab Feast, featuring seasoned steamed Maryland blue crabs, fried chicken, southern potato salad, creamy cole slaw, steamed corn on the cob, unlimited soda, and cold beer. Door prizes, 50/50 raffles, DJ, and more.

WHEN?
Saturday, September 15, 2012 from 1:00pm-4:00pm

WHERE?
The Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company Inc.
Pat Souders Community Hall
6305 Addison Road, Seat Pleasant, MD 20743

WHY?
To have a day full of fun and good Maryland blue crabs with the community in which we serve and to raise funds for our daily operational cost.

COST?
Adults are $35.00 in advance, more at the door
Children 12 and under are $25.00
Fire department members with valid identification are $30.00 (only when purchased in advance)

For more information please contact our Public Information line at (301) 836-1957 or events@seatpleasantfire.com.

City of Seat Pleasant June Newsletter Submission

An IMPORTANT MESSAGE brought to you by the Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company and Columbia Gas of Kentucky

CARBON MONOXIDE INFORMATION
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, non-corrosive gas made up of one part carbon and one part oxygen. It can be a by-product of the combustion of ordinary fuels. CO is relatively harmless in open spaces, but very poisonous if allowed to accumulate. A malfunctioning appliance can create a hazard.

BE ALERT TO THE DANGERS OF CARBON MONOXIDE
Whenever combustion takes place without sufficient oxygen, carbon monoxide is produced. Since less fresh air is en-tering homes today due to conservation measures, it's doubly important to be alert to the dangers of improper venting.

CARBON MONOIXDE ISN’T NATURAL GAS
It can be produced if natural gas doesn't burn and vent properly. Carbon monoxide is also produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. This can happen if your gas appliance or fuel-burning device isn't properly maintained or adjusted. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. Other CO sources include vehicle exhaust, blocked chimney flues, fuel-burning cooking appliances used improperly for heating purposes, and charcoal grills used in the home, tent, camper, garage or other unventilated area.

SYMPTOMS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Carbon monoxide may cause any or all of the following symptoms -- headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, irregular breathing, rapid heartbeat, ringing in the ears, seeing spots, fatigue, confusion, memory loss, loss of coordination, blurred vision, feeling ill or tired at home but fine when away from home, loss of consciousness, coma and eventually seizures, cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. Other household symptoms include stuffy, foul-smelling or stale air, the smell of exhaust fumes, a yellow/orange flame on gas ranges, furnace or water heater burners, soot around outside of chimney, furnace or water heater flue vent or fireplace and large areas of condensation of water vapor on walls or win-dows.

WHAT TO DO:
Your gas furnace and water heating equipment should be serviced regularly to ensure they are working properly, effi-ciently and safely. This includes proper venting of exhaust gases. In a tightly sealed home, you may need to install fresh air inlets and exhaust fans to supply the circulation needed for combustion. Carbon monoxide detectors, available at numerous hardware, home and variety stores, are just as important as smoke detectors. But they are not foolproof, so the choice is up to you. Know how to prevent carbon monoxide.

Follow these simple guidelines if you think you have a carbon monoxide problem in your home.
1. Leave the area and call... if your detector alarm sounds and you are experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, leave your home and immediately call your local emergency services number or 911.
2. If you have no symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning… and your detector alarm sounds first check the detector. Push the reset button (if available), turn off any appliances or other sources of combustion. Get fresh air to the build-ing and check for sources of carbon monoxide. Adjust, repair or replace your appliances as needed by calling a quali-fied service or repair company
Always call ... if you think you have symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and you do not have a detector, leave your home and immediately call your local emergency services number or 911.

PREVENTATIVE SAFETY TIPS
 Purchase carbon monoxide detectors.
 Be sure all fuel-burning equipment is installed, adjusted and operating properly.
 Have appliances installed by a professional, and carefully follow manufacturer instructions.
 Do not cut off or restrict combustion air sources to appliances.
 Equipment should be inspected regularly by a professional heating or appliance contractor.
 Provide adequate ventilation in the house when using stoves, fireplaces or unvented space heaters.
 Never burn charcoal indoors or in an enclosed space.
 Clean chimney and check for blockage, especially with wood burning fireplaces and stoves.
Open garage door before starting vehicle.

Seat Pleasant honors volunteer EMT's

Members with Mayor Eugene Grant and city residents

On Monday June 4th, the Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company held it's first ever Emergency Medical Services (EMS) appreciation awards ceromony. The ceromony recognized members who have gone above and beyond the call to provide outstanding emergency medical service to the Seat Pleasant Area. The ceromony was also a great opportunity for the city to show its appreication to the station, Mayor Eugene Grant presented a check for $15.000. The "big winners" of the evening were Emergency Medical Technicians Nicole Bennett and Marcus Jones who both recieved the 2012 Life Saving Award for thier heroic efforts while volunteering thier service. Residents also attended the ceromony and spoke about the excellent service they recieed from the volunteer EMT's. For more information on how to become a Volunteer Emergency Medical Techincian, contact the Departments recruitment staff at 240-706-7808 or recruitment@seatpleasantfire.com. For more information on the awards ceromony contact the public Information line at 301-865-1957.