Fallston Fire Company

TODAY IS THE DAY !!!!!  FOOD TRUCK THURSDAYS RETURN TO FALLSTON!!!!!

On January 4, 2021 the Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company held the annual Election of Operational and Administrative Officers. In order to be eligible to be elected to an operational position members must have met training requirements set forth by the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association as well as additional requirements as a FVFAC member.  Administrative officers must meet FVFAC requirements for their respective position. Positions that are not filled through the election process may be filled by appointments carried out by the Board of Directors (for Chief Officers and Board members) and/or Senior Level Officers (for remaining positions).

For 2021 the Operational Officers of the FVFAC are:

• Chief Scott Blankenship (fulfilling remaining year of 2 year term 2020-2021)
• Deputy Chief Dan McKinney
• Assistant Fire Chiefs Robert (Bob) Colaianni & Stacey Gail
• Assistant EMS Chief Michael Kalck
• Fire Captains Kevin Hartlove, Kris Teal, Gary Zamerski
• EMS Captains Edward (Chip) Steininger and Chris Aycock
• Fire Police Captain James McCready
• Fire Lieutenants Jayden Edwards, Will Brush, Scott Schmidt, Brian Leschke
• EMS Lieutenant Erick Mitchell
• Fire Police Lieutenant William (Bill) Miller
• Fire Sergeants Zach Karn, Austin Young, Samantha Vaughn, Anthony (Tony) Brocato, Hunter Bajkowski
• EMS Sergeants Autumn Pafel, Emily Krause, Corey Mitchell, Jessica Blake, Zach Goetzke
• Fire Police Sergeant Jeff Popp
• PIO Dave Williams
• Health & Safety Officer Nathan Durman

The 2021 Administrative Officers of the FVFAC are:

• President Chris Gibbons
• Vice President Michael Hayden Sr.
• Treasurer Elizabeth (Beth) Schrode
• Corresponding Secretary Gary Zamerski
• Recording Secretary Rachel Brush
• Associate Directors Matt Barlow, T. Randy Blevins, Ed Benesch, Bob Colaianni

Congratulations to all of the elected and appointed 2021 FVFAC Officers!

BE VIGILANT OF FIRE SAFETY AS WE SETTLE INTO THE WINTER SEASON AND ENJOY UPCOMING HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES SAFELY

The Fallston VFAC and State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci want to remind everyone to check for fire safety within their homes as well as where they work. “Fire and life safety is everyone’s responsibility. By testing smoke alarms and CO detectors, keeping exits clear of obstructions, and maintaining fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems, we can all avoid injury or death from the effects of fire,” stated the State Fire Marshal.

To ensure your best chances of surviving a fire not only during the Holidays but every day, the State Fire Marshal offers the following tips on both escaping a fire and preventing one to begin with.

• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working properly. Remember, the effects of toxic smoke and gases can quickly overcome your ability to think clearly. Every second counts when escaping a fire.
• Check exits from both your home and any place you go to ensure you will be able to get to safety. Blocked exits resulting from improperly placed chairs, tables or even holiday decorations can result in the delay of getting out quickly and safely.
• When using portable unvented fuel-fired heaters, such as kerosene heaters, make sure to use only the recommended fuel specified in the owner’s manual and NEVER use gasoline. Note: Portable kerosene heaters are banned for use in Baltimore City.
• If you find it necessary to use an electric space heater, use only one that has been approved by an authorized testing laboratory such as UL. Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet, never use extension cords or strip outlets with space heaters.
• Keep all portable space heaters at least three feet away from anything combustible. This includes furniture, decorations, Christmas trees, and paper goods.
• If heating equipment fails, do not use kitchen stoves or ovens to supply heat. These devices are not designed for that purpose and the chance of a fire improves greatly.
• When using fireplaces, wood stoves or pellet stoves; please ensure these heat sources have been installed and properly serviced by trained technicians according to state and local codes, allowing them to work at peak efficiency and lower the risk of a catastrophic failure. When removing ashes always place them in a noncombustible covered  container and move them to a location outside and away from the home, deck, garage, or other structure.
• Please ensure you have the chimney cleaned and inspected before use.
• Never leave candles burning unattended. Extinguish the flame before leaving the room.
• Prevent fires from starting on the stove by staying in the kitchen and monitoring the food as it is being prepared. If a fire would occur in a pot or pan on the stove, calmly place a lid on it and turn off the burner.  Allow it to cool before removal from the stove.
• If using a turkey fryer, please follow all safety precautions and manufacturer’s instructions.
• If you are using a cut tree for Christmas, special precautions need to be observed: Select a tree with green needles that do not remove too easily from the branches and the trunk should be sticky to the touch. Place the tree in a location away from heat sources and add water every day during the recommended two-week life span while on display.
• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Ensure candles are placed well away from tree branches.  The use of battery operated candles is recommended to prevent fires.
• Dried out trees can ignite more readily. Remove the tree shortly after the holiday and place outdoors for disposal.
• Inspect holiday lighting for frayed or damaged wiring and check for cracked sockets. Replace strands with new sets as they become worn.  Follow manufacturer’s guidelines when attaching additional strands.
• Always unplug or switch off all holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Take down holiday lighting after the holidays. Holiday lights are temporary seasonal decorations that should be limited to 30 days use.
• If a fire occurs inside your home, close the doors behind you as you vacate to the outside, call 911 and never go back inside the home. Tell arriving first responders if anyone is still inside.

These tips will help you to ensure a safe and fire free Holiday season. For more information contact your local fire department or go to

https://nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Winter-holidays

Shortly before midnight on Tuesday December 15, 2020 the Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Co., along with other area Volunteer fire Companies were alerted to assist the Jarrettsville VFC for a reported dwelling fire in the 3400 block of Widows Care in the Quiet Inheritance development. First arriving units reported the dwelling to be fully involved. Personnel quickly determined that all occupants were safely out of the structure and a defensive firefighting operation was initiated. Additional large capacity tankers were requested to the scene as this area is not served by public water and fire hydrants. One firefighter was reported to have suffered a hand injury while involved in the rural water operation, no other injuries were reported. Investigators from the Office of Maryland State Fire Marshal were also requested to determine the cause and origin of the fire. As of this time the fire cause was preliminarily determined to be accidental due to discarded ashes. The OSFM reports that “A family member initially heard a noise and later observed a fire in the area of rear porch and rapidly spreading upwards on the side of the home. A family of five and two dogs were able to safely evacuate the home and call 911.”

The fire was declared under control in approximately 90 minutes with apparatus remaining on scene until 0315 hours. The property loss was estimated to be $600,000 including contends of the structure.

The FVFAC and the OSFM urge homeowners to remember that you should  …”Treat ALL ashes and coals as ashes, even when you think they had time enough to cool. Take care to dispose of them wisely. Your house, deck or garage are unsafe locations for storing ashes while they cool and have been the site of many recent and devastating fires both locally and nationally. Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep it outside and at least 10 feet from your home or nearby buildings.  The FVFAC and the Office of the State Fire Marshal recommend the following: 

• Do not discard your ashes into any combustible container such as a paper or plastic bag, a cardboard box, or a plastic trash can.
• Do not place ash containers on decks, porches or in garages.
• Put ashes into a non-combustible metal container with a lid.
• Pour water into the container to make sure the ashes are cool.
• Keep your can OUTSIDE the home, away from your fireplace or stove and anything combustible.
• Teach all family members to be safe with ashes from your fireplace or wood stove.

Please be sure to practice these procedures and pass this information on to family and friends who may have fireplaces, woodstoves, or other devices that generate ashes!

FVFAC units on this call included Engine 1312, Tanker 1321, Truck 1331, and Chief Officers.

photo credits FVFAC members and JVFC.

Rural Water operations using 2 “Port-A-Ponds”                                      Cleaning and checking equipment after the fire

We began our 2020 Santa visits through the FVFAC district last night. The weather curtailed Santa’s travels so we will be making up some ground this evening!

Please watch our Facebook page for updates and tracking Santa’s progress through our area. Remember that this year we are not able to access every dead end street, court, etc. and therefore we ask that you assemble at an intersection that we can drive through to see Santa and Mrs. Claus!!!    Please follow Santa’s progress through the Glympse App link on our Facebook page.

And of course…Social distancing and masks are the order of the day….err, evening!  Happy Holidays!!!!

photo credit Dave Smith, FVFAC

DECEMBER 3, 2020—UPDATE!!!!

Did you know Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment!

The Officers and Members of the Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Co. along with the Maryland State Fire Marshal want you to follow these guidelines to keep you, your family, and friends safe this Thanksgiving holiday.

The kitchen is the heart of every home during the holiday seasons. Fire and Life Safety must be the first recipe to follow when preparing the family feasts. On Thanksgiving Day a lot of activities are occurring with friends and family in the home. “Holidays are a time of celebration. Please follow these simple guidelines to ensure a fire safe Thanksgiving Day meal,” states Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci.

·        Make sure your smoke alarms are working properly by testing them NOW.  Additionally, ensure that your guests are aware of all available exits if a fire would occur and have them meet at a designated location outside.

·        The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.  Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.

·        Establish:  A three foot, “Kids & Pets Free Zone” around any area where hot foods or drinks are prepared.  Have activities that keep kids out of the kitchen during this busy time.  Provide games, puzzles, books, etc. outside of the kitchen to keep them busy.  Kids can also be involved with preparations with recipes that can be made outside of the kitchen area.  Just in case, be sure you turn handles inward on the stove and countertop to avoid spills.

·        Keep a lid nearby when you are cooking to smother small grease fires.  Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the burner, and then leave the pan covered until it has cooled.

·        Keep anything combustible – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, etc. away from the stovetop.

·        Eliminate clutter in the kitchen.  A clean work area allows for better efficiency and less chances for mishaps.

·        Keep matches and lighters out of reach of curious children’s hands.

·        Do not leave lit candles unattended or in places where they could be knocked over by children or pets.

.        Maintain a three foot safety zone around any portable heating device.  Keep the zone free of combustible materials, and block children and pets from getting to close.

Turkey Fryer Safety

·        Many turkey fryer appliances can be easily tipped over, allowing for hot oil spillage.  Ensure you place them on a hard, level and non-combustible outdoor surface well away from structures and combustibles.   (Link to turkey fryer safety video)

·        Do not place a turkey fryer under an overhang or temporary roof.  A flare up can easily ignite materials above the appliance.

·        Partially frozen turkeys can cause a spill over and result in a flare-up.  Thoroughly thaw the turkey before cooking.

·        Turn off the burner before placing the turkey in the container.  Re-ignite the burner after you are sure it is safe to do so.

·        Constantly monitor the temperature of the oil.  It can easily reach temperatures to the point of combustion.

·        Be careful not to overfill the fryer.  Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for proper filling levels.

·        The handles and lid will get dangerously hot.  Use well insulated potholders or oven mitts.

·        Never leave the fryer unattended while cooking.  Keep an all-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher on hand.  Do not use water in an attempt to extinguish a grease fire.

         Following these simple guidelines for fire and life safety will help to ensure a tragedy free holiday meal.  Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!

Watch for important safety and community messages on the FVFAC Facebook page!

Follow NFPA.org for fire and life safety information and tips…

If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms, you might have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, keep track of your symptoms and contact your healthcare provider (primary care physician, etc.). 

Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick…

If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community.

Harford County will award local Volunteer Fire and EMS Companies grants totaling $2 million to help pay their expenses due to COVID-19.

Funded by the federal CARES Act, the grants will be distributed to the twelve Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association member organizations in accordance with the Association’s established funding formulas. CARES Act money must be used for COVID-related costs and must be expended by December 30, 2020.

“Our Volunteer (Fire and EMS) Companies are on the front lines of Fire and EMS services in Harford County,” County Executive Barry Glassman said. “We know they have costs due to the pandemic and these funds will help them continue providing high quality emergency services to our community.”

Chris Gibbons, President of the FVFAC stated “The Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company greatly appreciates Harford County Government’s granting of this funding source to assist with our expenses related to planning, preparation, and response due to the Covid 19 pandemic.”

For more information, contact:

Cindy Mumby

Director of Governmental & Community Relations

410-340-5376

camumby@harfordcountymd.gov

The Officers and Members of the FVFAC along with State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci are urging everyone to “Change Your Clock – Change Your Battery” in both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in their homes. Recognizing that working smoke alarms and CO detectors double a family’s chance of surviving a home fire and unsafe carbon monoxide levels, the State Fire Marshal says the beginning and end of Daylight Savings Time is an excellent opportunity for families to change the batteries. “Please take the little time required to help ensure the safety of your family and friends by maintaining these early warning life-saving devices.”

A Maryland law became effective on July 1, 2013, involving “battery only” smoke alarms used in residential properties. When these “battery only” smoke alarms have reached their 10-year life span, they need to be replaced with new long-life sealed lithium battery smoke alarms with silence/hush button features. The silence/hush button feature temporarily disables the alarm so the occupant can ventilate the space from mild smoke conditions typically created during some cooking operations. The use of these alarms eliminates the need to replace the batteries during the alarm’s 10-year life.

The law also requires homeowners to ensure they have a smoke alarm installed on each floor and outside sleeping areas, per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommendations. It is recommended to place them in each bedroom as well.

If your property is protected with 120-volt electric smoke alarms, they should be replaced every 10 years with new 120-volt smoke alarms w/ battery back-up to ensure proper and timely operation in the event of a fire.

Along with working smoke alarms and CO detectors, Home Escape Plans are another way Marylanders can avoid injury or death in their homes. By identifying at least two different escape routes, families can practice the plan together – before an emergency strikes. Practicing the plan helps educate younger children about the danger of hazardous situations and the importance of recognizing that a smoke alarm or CO detector’s sound signals a potential hazard in the home. “Changing the battery in your smoke alarms and CO detectors, along with developing and practicing a home escape plan, are two of the best ways to protect your loved ones and yourself from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning,” stated State Fire Marshal Geraci.

Also, please remember to keep doors closed while sleeping in case a fire occurs inside your home. A closed-door will allow more time to escape or be rescued by blocking smoke, toxic gases, heat, and flames from entering your room. If making your escape from a burning building, close doors as you leave to stop additional oxygen from entering and enhancing the fire’s growth.

The Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Co., along with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and NFPA offer the following information to help insure that you have a fire safe Halloween this year!

As parents and caregivers continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, Halloween is still one of the most exciting nights of the year. This year’s festivities will look a little different and call for creative alternatives that are both fun and follow local COVID-19 guidelines and recommendations. But regardless of how you choose to celebrate this Halloween, State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci recommends several fire and life safety tips to help everyone enjoy a safe Halloween.  “Planning ahead can help make this and every Halloween fire safe. Taking simple fire and life safety precautions, like making sure fabrics for costumes and decorative materials are flame-resistant, can prevent fires and avoid needless burn injuries”.

State Fire Marshal Geraci provides these sensible Halloween Fire & Life Safety tips:

· Pick costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure costumes are short enough to prevent tripping and ensure masks don’t block vision.

· Consider adding reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat containers for greater visibility.

· Purchase only costumes, wigs, and props labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. When creating a costume, choose materials that will not easily ignite if it comes in contact with heat or flame.

· Provide children with flashlights or glow sticks to carry for lighting or as part of their costume.

· Use flashlights or glow sticks as alternatives to candles or incandescent lights when decorating walkways or yards. They are much safer for trick-or-treaters whose costumes may brush against the decoration.

· Always supervise children as they go trick-or-treating.

· Remember to keep exits clear of decorations ensuring nothing blocks escape routes from home.

· Instruct children to stay away from open flames or other heat sources. Be sure children know how to stop, drop, and roll in the event their clothing catches on fire. (Stop immediately, drop to the ground, covering your face with your hands, roll over and over to extinguish the flames).

· If you are walking with pets, consider using a leash with reflective material attached.

· Instruct children attending parties at others’ homes to locate the exits and plan how they would get out if an emergency occurred.

· When decorating inside the home, consider using battery-operated candles instead of burning regular candles to help eliminate the potential of a fire occurring.

· Do not overload electrical outlets and extension cords. Excessive use of extension cords may cause overheating and also become trip hazards.

· Replace frayed, cracked, or otherwise damaged electrical cords.

· Don’t overload electrical circuits.

State Fire Marshal Geraci offers one additional tip that could well be the most important. “Make sure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. These devices are very effective fire safety tools in preventing injury or death from fire and carbon monoxide” 

The Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance company continues to support our local community as well as neighbouring counties when requested and whenever possible. We have been actively participating in small community drive by’s on numerous occasions including but not limited to birthday celebrations, graduations, and patriotic events. If you have a request please email Pio@fvfac.org

As with any requests, we cannot make any guarantees. The health, safety, and well being of our community comes first and will not be compromised.