News

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Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department

02/26/2022

OPVFD conducts After The Fire: Neighborhood Canvass.

The canvass was conducted in response to a fatal fire that occurred on February 21, 2023 at 116 Seafarer Lane. 

Ocean Pines, February 26. The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department conducted a Neighborhood Canvass on Saturday February 25, 2023, in response to the fatal residential structure fire that occurred on February 21, 2023. Volunteer & Career members of the department along with the Worcester County Fire Marshal's office went door to door in the area of 116 Seafarer Lane in North Ocean Pines to help educate residents on Fire Safety. 

Residents who spoke with departmental personnel were provided with a double sided handout that addressed Clothes Dryer Fires as well as a Fire Safety Checklist for homeowners/renters. Additionally, members volunteered to test smoke alarms and provided new smoke alarms to residents who needed them.

In total, members spoke with residents from at least 21 different homes in this neighborhood. All homes did have working detectors; however, three new detectors were provided due to current detectors being older than 10 years. Additionally, all homes only had one detector, typically located in the hallway, outside of sleeping areas. All residents were encouraged to install additional smoke alarms in each of their bedrooms and ensure all smoke alarms are replaced once the devices reach 10 years of age. Contact was attempted to be made with 43 total homes.

“After a tragic event such as this, we cannot stress enough the importance of having working smoke alarms in your homes”. said Lt. Joseph Enste. “We firmly believe that you should have smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month using the test button and replaced once they reach 10 years old.  Additionally, Lt. Enste encourages families to make a home escape plan. “Draw a map of each level of your home. Show all doors and windows. Go to each room and point to the two ways out. Practice the plan with everyone in your household. Doing these simple things can make all the difference during an emergency.”

The OPVFD would like to thank Worcester County Fire Marshal, Matt Owens and WCFMO Deputies Hunter Mauk and John Adkins for joining in the Neighborhood Canvass along with Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors, Doug Parks, Rick Farr, & Monica Rakowski.

For those who are looking for additional information on Fire Safety Planning for their homes, new resources have recently been added to the fire department’s resources section on their website (www.OPVFD.com). 

Residents are also encouraged to get involved; the department is always looking for additional volunteers. Free training is provided and no experience is required. Membership opportunities exist for those who want to be Firefighters, EMS, Fire Police, Cadets, and Administrative  members who focus on fundraising and general support for the department.

About the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department

Established in 1973, the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department is combination department (volunteer and career) that is a premier provider of emergency services in Worcester County, Maryland – protecting residents and businesses located within Ocean Pines as well as along Racetrack Road and Ocean Expressway, in addition to over 10 miles of shoreline/waterways. As a 100% volunteer 501c.3 non-profit organization – The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department is an independent organization that serves at the discretion of the Ocean Pines Association. We negotiate for cost-effective budgeted services with the OPA each year.

Media Contact:

Lt. Joseph Enste

Public Information Officer

[email protected]

443-614-2717

www.opvfd.com

PRESS:

WMDT Channel 47: Ocean Pines Vol. Fire Dept. increasing safety education for residents amid recent fatal fire