Emmitsburg Area Fire and Life Safety Open House

The men and women of the Emmitsburg community’s fire and rescue department proudly announce their annual Fire and Life Safety Open House on Thursday, October 13, 2016, from 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m., at the Fire Station, located at 25 West Main Street in Emmitsburg. The public is invited. This will be the sixty-first year that Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) personnel have sponsored this always popular event. Fire and injury prevention in Emmitsburg is a year-round effort, done in concert with area residents, businesses, institutions, and agencies, but during Fire Prevention Month, department personnel seek to especially underscore the importance of prevention and preparedness. A large crowd is expected at the fire station on October 13. Guests are encouraged to bring cameras. Additionally, VHC members deliver outreach presentations. Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15, 2016. The Theme for National Fire Prevention Month 2016 (October) is: “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.” As part of VHC’s continuing efforts to educate everyone in their community about essential elements of smoke alarm safety, this year’s Fire Prevention Open House will include: • Information and demonstrations will be available to help families and individuals prevent unwanted fire, as well as preparedness information, should fire or other emergency/disaster strike, along with free literature on family preparedness. • An interactive Fire Prevention ‘Pit Box’ (NASCAR-like) from the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Fire Association. • Information on Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems and how they work (installation of automatic home fire sprinklers in all new residential construction is now mandatory). The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute/University of Maryland Fire Sprinkler Trailer will be doing live-fire demonstrations, showing the effectiveness of sprinklers in saving lives. • Emergency Medical Services providers from the Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company will be on hand to showcase their life-saving skills and will conduct Blood Pressure Checks on request. • Smokey the Bear will be present, courtesy of the Catoctin Mountain National Park. • Information will be available regarding opportunities for residents and businesses alike to help their First Responders—even including how the public and the private sector institutions can be directly involved in supporting the VHC family help other families. • Details regarding the countywide “Gear-Up” Campaign, a volunteer recruitment initiative regarding opportunities on how one can serve in emergency response roles or in non-operational support roles to local assist emergency services better help the community. • Frederick County Resident Deputy Sheriffs will be on hand, offering crime prevention materials and safety insights. • Face Painting and Fire Truck Rides* will be offered. *Important Note: Children admitted to ride must meet the mandates of state law regarding age and size (no child car seats are available in fire apparatus). • Free refreshments, courtesy of the Vigilant Hose Company Auxiliary, will be available for all attendees. • Door Prizes will be available for persons of all ages (winners must be present to win).