Vigilant Hose Co. Open House

Danielle Ryan

(9/21) The men and women of the community's fire and rescue department proudly announce their 61st Annual Fire and Life Safety Open House to be held on Thursday, October 13th, from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. This year, fire prevention week runs from October 9 – 15 and the theme is "Don’t Wait – Check the date! Replace Smoke alarms every 10 years." The open house will be taking place at the Fire Station located at 25 West Main Street.

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 the 13th. Guests are encouraged to bring cameras. Additionally, VHC Members will be delivering outreach presentations.

This year’s fire prevention open house will include a variety of demonstrations and information to help families and individuals prevent unwanted fire. Activities for the kids including face painting and fire truck rides will also be available. Free refreshments courtesy of the Vigilant Hose Company Auxiliary will be available for all attendees, and door prizes will be given out as well.

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 Service 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. Our Frederick County Resident Deputy Sheriffs will be on hand offering crime prevention materials and safety insights.

An interactive Fire Prevention ‘Pit Box’ (NASCAR-like) from the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Fire Association will be featured at the event as well. Smokey the Bear will even 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 – 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 allow emergency services better help the community – will be discussed.