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.

Emergency Medical Services Appreciation

MEDIA ADVISORY

CONTACT:           Phil Martin, Public Information Officer

                                (301) 836-1957

                                phil.martin@seatpleasantfire.com

DATE:                    May 23, 2012

WHAT:                                 Emergency Medical Services Appreciation

WHEN:                                 Monday June 4, 2012

                                8:00p.m.

WHERE:               6305 Addison Rd

Seat Pleasant MD 20743

WHY:                    Mayor Eugene Grant proclaimed May 20-26, 2012 be recognized in the City of Seat Pleasant as National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) week. Every year around that date EMS is honored across the Nation for the great service they provide to our community. The Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company will honor their EMS members, which are members who are primarily Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and not Fire Fighters, at the June company meetings. The Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company would like to invite the community, media, city, and county officials to join them in thanking the EMT’s who volunteer their time to keep the Seat Pleasant area safe.

                                Parking will be available in the shopping center parking lot behind the Seat Pleasant volunteer Fire Company and behind the City of Seat Pleasant City Hall (Located next door). The event will last approximately one hour.

                                If you have any inquiries, please contact the Public Information Officer.

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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, watermelon, unlimited soda, and cold beer. Door prizes, 50/50 raffles, DJ, and more.

WHEN?
Saturday, September 15, 2012 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm

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 $40.00 in advance, more at the door
Children 12 and over are $25.00

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

Christmas in April

MEDIA ADVISORY

CONTACT:           Kevin Brenner, Fire Chief (Primary Contact)

                                (301) 336-2331

                                Medic8ball@gmail.com

                            Phil Martin, Public Information Officer (Secondary Contact)

                                (301) 836-1957

                                phil.martin@seatpleasantfire.com

DATE:                    April 22, 2012

WHAT:                                 CHRISTMAS IN APRIL

WHEN:                                 Saturday April 28, 2012

                                Volunteers will depart the firehouse at 7:00am

WHERE:               400 block of Dateleaf Ave

Seat Pleasant MD 20743

WHY:                    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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Children and Smoke Alarms (Detectors)

From the US Fire Administration


In spite of recent news events about children sleeping through them, smoke alarms and home escape planning are still a vital part of survival from fire. Smoke alarms have been and still are the cornerstone of fire safety technology in the home.
Statistics point to a fifty percent reduction in fire fatalities since the introduction of smoke alarms into the home. Although 90% of all residences have smoke alarms today, no smoke alarms were present in 42% of residential structure fires where fatalities occurred. Smoke alarms were present in 58% of fatal residential structure fires, but only operational in 37% of those fatal fires. That means that most often where smoke alarms are present in a fatal fire, the smoke alarm is nonfunctional due to dead or missing batteries.
However, the recent news events remind us of the need to continue research in fire safety and seek to improve on successful technologies such as smoke alarms. The USFA has recognized the need for a vigorous and timely exchange of information between the nation's fire safety stakeholders. It is important that the USFA and its fellow fire safety related organizations share information in order to analyze and disseminate appropriate and accurate information to the public and fire safety education specialists throughout the United States.
USFA and its partners are currently reviewing existing literature and studies from both foreign and domestic sources. USFA is also looking to identify and support relevant testing groups on this issue. Partners, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL), are currently reviewing criteria for establishing such testing.
What is imperative at the moment is for our citizens to understand the need not to rely solely on smoke alarms as the entire answer to escaping from fire. These recent news events serve to reinforce the need for home escape planning. Smoke alarms are a tool in the planning process. Parents need to clearly understand their supporting roles in the escape plan. After going over the plan with your family, you should conduct a walkthrough of the plan. When you feel comfortable with your plan, hold a fire drill at night (activate your alarm) while your children are sleeping so that you and they can determine the appropriate response to a smoke alarm.
Smoke alarms and automatic sprinklers do save lives but they are just tools in the home escape process. We will continue to conduct research and promote new fire safety technologies but families need to remember that while technology is an integral part of the process, the maintenance of that technology (e.g. regular testing, replacing batteries, etc.) and incorporating planning and participation in their use will be the key to saving lives.

MEDIA ADVISORY

MEDIA ADVISORY

Contact:               Phil Martin

                                (301) 836-1957

                                phil.martin@seatpleasantfire.com

Date:                     January 29, 2012

WHAT:                  SEAT PLEASANT VOLUNTEERS HIT THE STREETS TO PROMOTE FIRE SAFETY

Volunteers will be hitting the streets and canvassing the community to promote fire safety in the city. During the month of February, members will be checking and installing smoke detectors as well as providing important fire safety information.

WHEN:                                 Tuesday, January 31, 2012

                                Volunteers will start their visits promptly at 3:00 p.m.

WHERE:                Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company

                                6305 Addison Rd

                                Seat Pleasant MD 20743

WHY:                    Each year fires are responsible for more than 21,000 injuries and over 4,000 deaths in America. 83% of all civilian fire deaths occur while in their homes. Many of these fires could have been prevented. The Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company Inc. understands how important fire safety is and will continue to knock on doors and educate the public on fire safety.

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Capitol Heights House Fire

Phil MartinPublic Information Officer
301-836-1957
phil.martin@seatpleasantfire.com


Capitol Heights MD- On January 23, 2012 around 8:40 p.m., units from Seat Pleasant and surrounding areas were alerted to the 1000 block of Kayak Avenue in Capitol Heights in company 5's area for the report of a house on fire. The engine from Seat Pleasant arrived on scene with heavy fire conditions throughout the house and a report of persons trapped. After assessing conditions, command ordered exterior operations only. Crews on the scene also had to work to protect the neighboring houses because the fire was causing a threat. After the fire was knocked, command held Engine 82 and Truck 26. Seat Pleasant Volunteers cleared the fire around 11:15 p.m.

Picture: Chief Kevin Brenner

Biggest drug raid in Seat Pleasant History! Good Job guys!

Contact: Vinnie Mascarenhas
Tel. 443-942-3234
January 9, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seat Pleasant Police Department Makes a Major Bust Dismantling a Marijuana Grow Operation

Seat Pleasant, MD – Today Mayor Eugene W. Grant has issued a statement concerning a 51 year old male who had been arrested for stealing electricity from residents of the City of Seat Pleasant which resulted in Police finding a Marijuana Grow House. On early Saturday morning January 7, 2012 Seat Pleasant Police Officers responded to a call at 600 63rd Place, Seat Pleasant, MD in reference to a male stealing electricity from his neighbor’s house. Seat Pleasant Police officers arrested the male after he was positively identified as the male who stole the electricity. While officers were attempting to re-secure the address they were alerted to the strong smell of Marijuana coming from the house.

“Seat Pleasant has a zero tolerance policy against those who not only steal from their fellow neighbors but promote and sell dangerous and illegal substances in our neighborhoods. We will not condone or tolerate illegal activities or drugs in our neighborhoods. I am proud of the Seat Pleasant Police Department and Sergeant Herb Pettiford for his leadership on this issue. Today, Seat Pleasant is a safer place for our children and we will continue to look for and fight crime wherever it occurs within our great City of Excellence” stated Mayor Eugene W. Grant.

Seat Pleasant Police K-9 “Sadie” and her handler PFC Perez responded to the house and alerted officers to signs of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. Seat Pleasant Police Officers along with Prince George’s County Police Detective obtained a drug Search Warrant. Officers entered the home and found it to be a Marijuana Grow House. Officers recovered numerous large and small marijuana plants valued at approximately $40,000.00, U.S. currency, however the actual street value of the drugs is unknown at this time but estimated to be much higher than the recovered plants value. Additionally, police recovered two halogen high intensity lights and one twelve gauge shot gun.

Seat Pleasant Police Officer Sergeant Herb Pettiford stated “if it had not been for the police K-9 and her handler PFC Perez, along PFC Whitaker, and P/O Lowery and there proactive police patrolling skills this seizure would not have happened.” Chief Sam Prue and Mayor Eugene W. Grant were very instrumental in creating the Police K-9 program for the Seat Pleasant Police Department.

Mayor Eugene W. Grant wishes to thank and acknowledge the City Council for granting his request to add a K-9 unit as part of Seat Peasants’ arsenal to fight the war on drugs.

Seat Pleasant: “A City of Excellence” is one of Maryland’s 157 municipalities with a population of 5,000 residents, 100 businesses, 13 houses of faith, and 20 non-profit organizations. The Seat Pleasant government has a mayor, seven member city council and 35 government employees operating a $3.2 million dollar budget.
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Vinicia M. Mascarenhas
Special Assistant to the Mayor
City of Seat Pleasant
6301 Addison Rd.
Seat Pleasant, MD 20743
301.336.2600o 301.336.0029f
443.942.3234c