Emmitsburg Area Fire and Life Safety “Open House”

The Vigilant Hose Company proudly announces their annual Fire and Life Safety Open House on Thursday, October 8, 2015, from 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. at the Fire Station, located at 25 West Main Street in Emmitsburg. This will be the sixtieth year that Vigilant Hose Company personnel have sponsored this popular event. Fire and injury prevention in Emmitsburg is a year-round effort, but during Fire Prevention Month, their personnel work even harder to underscore the importance of prevention and preparedness. A large crowd is expected. Guests are encouraged to bring their cameras! Fire Prevention Week is October 4-10, 2015; the theme this year is: Hear the Beep Where You Sleep: Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm. This year’s fire prevention open house will include: (1) A special interactive Fire Prevention “Pit Box” (NASCAR-like) from the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Fire Association; (2) Information and demonstrations available to help families and individuals prevent unwanted fire, as well as preparedness information, should fire or other emergency/disaster strike; (3) Information on residential fire sprinkler systems and how they work (installation of automatic home fire sprinklers in new residential construction is now mandatory); (4) Fire Prevention/Life Safety demonstrations plus free literature on family preparedness; (5) Emergency Medical Services providers will be on hand to showcase their life-saving skills; (6) Courtesy of the Catoctin Mountain National Park, “Smokey the Bear” will be present; (7) Information will be available regarding opportunities for residents and business alike to help their First Responders; (8) Details regarding the countywide “Gear-Up” campaign, a volunteer recruitment campaign that includes opportunities to serve in emergency response roles or in non-operational support roles to assist local emergency services better help their communities; (9) Fire truck rides are back this year (Important Note: children admitted to ride must meet the mandates of state law regarding age and size; no child car seats available in fire apparatus); (10) Frederick County resident deputy sheriffs will be on hand to offer crime prevention materials and insights; (11) Free refreshments provided by the Vigilant Hose Company Auxiliary for all attendees; and (12) Door prizes for persons of all ages (must be present to win).