Arundel Volunteer Fire Department - October Newsletter
Thu. Oct 1st 2009
October Newsletter
Upcoming Events
10/9 - Fire Prevention Day
Fire Prevention week was established to commemorate two of the most destructive fires in the United States, both of which began on October 8th and blazed through October 9th in 1971. The first was the Great Chicago Fire which killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, and destroyed 17,400 Structures covering 2,000 acres. The second and largest fire was the Peshtigo fire in Northwest Wisconsin which killed 1,152 people, destroyed 16 towns, and spread over 1.2 million acres. In 1920 President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National FIre Prevention Day Proclaimation and since 1922, fire prevention week runs from the Sunday to Saturday of the week in which October 9th falls.
10/17 - Annual Open House
Come out and join the Arundel Volunteers Saturday October the 17th for a full filled day during our open house. There are plenty of activities for kids and adults. Moon bounce and fire prevention trailer for the kids. And for the adults; Ever wanted to know whats it like to be a firefighter rescuing someone from a car accident. Now you can participate in our everyday activities be assisting us in cutting up a car. Yes you can grab the jaws of life and check out what it is like to be right there in the middle of an incident helping to make a difference in someones life. Suburban Scene's "Calling All Chefs" Apple Cooking Challenge winner will also be announced.
10/25 - Kids Halloween Bingo
Doors open at noon and bingo starts at 1pm.
Cost is 10.00 per person, lunch included and is from 1pm - 2pm. Children 5-8 must have parent to play games with them. Come dresses in costume, contest during intermissionMore Details
10/31 - Halloween Parade
Look for us on Saturday, October 31 at the Crofton 33rd Annual Halloween Parade at 11:00am. The parade will begin at the Crofton Woods Elementary and end at Duke of Kent Road.
11/1 - Change your clocks, Changes your batteries
The Arundel Volunteer Fire Department reminds you to "Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries". Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors when you change your clocks during Daylight Savings Time to make sure that your family has the critical time needed to escape if there is a fire in your home.
Most home fires occur at night when people are sleeping. Rather than awakening you as many people believe, the smoke and toxic gases generated by a fire actually cause you to sleep more deeply. A working smoke detector can double a person's chances of surviving a fire by providing the extra time that is critical for safe escape.
Nationally, more than 90 percent of all homes have smoke detectors, but it is estimated that one-third of those don't work because of old or missing batteries.
11/27 - Christmas Tree Sales Begin
Christmas trees will be available for purchase November 27th through December 13th in front of the station.
The Bowie Baysox Baseball Club recently extended its thanks to Arundel Volunteer Fire Department volunteers, who provided almost 900 hours of emergency medical technician support during the 52 Baysox home games this season. The Baysox presented a donation to AVFD in appreciation of the volunteers' efforts. "This was an excellent opportunity for our members to support the community and enjoy doing what they're trained to do," said AVFD President Steve Race. Posing in the outfield at Prince George's Stadium in Bowie last month are, from left, Lieutenant Chris Youskauskas, Firefighter Blaine Slacum, Firefighter Danny Marron, Secretary Stephanie Jamieson, Firefighter Brett McAllister, Captain Bob Couchenour, Firefighter Chris Manley, Firefighter Mike Buckingham, EMT Jackie Phillips, Firefighter Paul Heward, and Firefighter Dave Loyd.
Announcememts
Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association Hall of Fame Inductee is One of Our Own
The Arundel Volunteer Fire Department is proud to announce the induction Firefighter/EMT Capt. Robert Couchenour, Sr. into the prestigious Hall of Fame for the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association. The award is given to individuals who are of significant service to the AACVFA, that includes being a member of a volunteer fire department, Maryland State Firemen’s Association and other civic organizations. Bob has been a member of the AVFD for over 30 years and has served as Chief, President and Chairman of the Board.
Check Your Mail for the AVFD Annual Fund Drive Letter
The Arundel Volunteer Fire Department would like the Davidsonville, Crofton, and Gambrills communities know that it has begun mailing out it’s annual fund drive letter. We would like to thank everyone who has supported our fund drive in the past. Also, remind the community that funding for life saving equipment and vehicles must be raised from donations from the communities that we serve. The AVFD has been serving its neighbors for over 54 years and has never and will never use phone solicitations.
Aircraft Firefighter Training Drill
On Saturday, September 19, 2009, members from Company 7 attended an aircraft firefighting drill at the Anne Arundel County Fire Training Academy. The session began with a discussion of basic tactics and an introduction to the full-size aircraft simulator. Following this, instructors utilized a series of live burns to emphasize the correct advancement of hose lines into the aircraft fuselage. This drill was presented by the Naval District Fire Department of Washington. The AVFD would like to thank Chief Lyon and his support team for making this valuable training available to our members.
AVFD Match Three
is a fun game that helps the Arundel Volunteer Fire Department provide emergency services to the Crofton, Davidsonville, and Gambrills area. When you buy a $5 ticket you will have 23 chances in the month of October to win prizes ranging from $25-$100. Each ticket sold has a unique 3 digit number from 000-999, if your ticket number matches the Maryland Lottery Pick 3 number on any weeknight in October…you WIN! The prizes are listed on the ticket and AVFD will contact each winner, so you don’t even have to follow the game yourself…though it is much more fun if you do. So come by any station event or contact the AVFD Community Events Hotline (410-721-1967) to get your ticket today.
Fire Prevention
Fire Prevention Week (October 4-10)
This year's focuses on burn awareness and prevention, as well as keeping homes safe from the leading causes of home fires, like cooking. Many families gather in the kitchen to spend time together, but it can be one of the most hazardous rooms in the house if you don't practice safe cooking behaviors. Cooking equipment, most often a range or stove top, is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Cooking equipment is also the leading cause of unreported fires and associated injuries. Read More
For this month as the weather gets cooler, have a service person inspect chimneys, fireplaces, wood and coal stoves and central furnaces once a year. Preferably right before use. Have them cleaned when necessary. This should help avoid carbon monoxide issues or fires from the heating systems.
Be Sure to attend our open house on Saturday the 17th to get all of your fire prevention needs. We have a training trailer thats great for kids, and various brochurs for aduls. Fire Department staff will also be able to answer your fire preventions questions as well.
On November 1st 2009 - It's Time to ..........
Change your clock & change your batteries
Statistics
We Need You!
Our department relies on dedicated people who volunteer their time and talents to keep the station up and running and our community a safer place. However, we need more than volunteer fire fighters and EMS providers we also greatly need volunteers who have professional skills and talents. Or a lifetime of experience to share and the desire to make a real difference in their world. We are looking for your invaluable skills and experience to help us help the communities we serve. We need your invaluable skills and experience. If you would like information on joining our department please visit our web site or simply call the station.
The AVFD would like to share some interesting numbers with you:
We have may exciting opportunities to volunteer at the Arundel VFD. We need administrative, and auxiliary members just as we do for active emergency responders. If you want more information on volunteering within our organization click here
The Arundel Volunteer
Fire Department would
like to thank the Greater
On Saturday, September
19, 2009, members from
Company 7 attended an
aircraft firefighting
drill at the Anne Arundel
County Fi...
