As the time change approaches on Sunday March 14th, the Arcola Fire Department wants to remind residents to make another change that could save their lives – changing the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. 

Communities nationwide witness tragic home fire deaths each year.  An average of two children per day die in home fires and 80 percent of those occur in homes without working smoke alarms.  Non-working smoke alarms rob residents of the protective benefits home fire safety devices were designed to provide.  The most commonly cited cause of non-working smoke alarms: worn or missing batteries. 

Changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries.  In fact, working smoke alarms nearly cut in half the risk of dying in a home fire.  Additionally, the International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends replacing your smoke alarms every ten years. 

The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping. Smoke alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths.  Children and senior citizens are most at risk, and a working smoke alarm can give them the extra seconds they need to get out safely.”

Tragically, fire can kill selectively.  Those most at risk include: 

• Children – About 600 children under the age of 20 die each year in home fires.  Children under age 5 are at twice the risk of dying in a home fire.  Eighty percent of fatal home fire victims who were children were killed in homes without working smoke alarms.
• Seniors – Adults over age 75 are three times more likely to die in home fires than the rest of the population; those over 85 are 4.5 times more likely to die in a home fire.  Many seniors are unable to escape quickly.
• Low-income Households – Many low-income families are unable to afford batteries for their smoke alarms.  These same households often rely on poorly installed, maintained or misused portable or area heating equipment – a main cause of fatal home fires.

USFA has a fire safety campaign called Install. Inspect. Protect. which provides information about home smoke alarms and fire sprinklers. Please visit the campaign Web site at www.usfa.dhs.gov/campaigns/smokealarms/

 
For more information about fire safety, call APVVFD at 703-327-2222  or call the International Association of Fire Chiefs at 703-273-0911 or e-mail corporaterelations@iafc.org.

This weekend Loudoun County will experience snow conditions that have not been seen for some time. We would like to ask all residents to please help us help you. As you are shoveling your walk or sidewalk please make sure to also shovel around you nearby fire hydrant.

Please make sure that the fire hydrant near your house is accessible on all sides. In cases of emergency this can prevent possible life threatening delays.

We also want to remind residents that during these weather storms it is best to stay off the roads if at all possible.

Our last safety item is to please think about your emergency when calling 911. During these weather emergencies your local fire and rescue first responders are here to help in your time of need. If you have a Life Threatening Emergency do not hesitate and call 911. At the same time we ask that you not call 911 for non-emergency issues.

At 23:58 units from Company 7 and 9 were dispatched for an auto accident with reported entrapment. Engine and Ambulance 7 arrived on scene with one vehicle off the roadway upside down. Crews from Company 7 and Company 9 extricated one patient. Engine 9 setup an Landing Zone at Aldie Elementary and one patient was airlifted by Aircare 3 to Fairfax Trauma Center. Loudoun County Sheriff's Office is investigating the accident.

     The Arcola-Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Department (APVVFD) is pleased to announce that plans are underway for their annual Breakfast with Santa. This year’s Breakfast will be on Saturday, December 5, 2009, from 8:30 AM to 12 Noon. This festive event will be held at the Arcola United Methodist Church, 24757 Evergreen Mills Road (just east of Gum Springs Road).

All are welcome to come join APVVFD for breakfast. Bring the whole Family for Coffee, Juice, Eggs, Potatoes, Bacon, Sausage, Biscuits w/Butter and Jelly, and light and fluffy Pancakes. The young at heart can even decorate their pancakes for that extra bit of seasonal fun.

There will be special activities for kids including the opportunity to visit with Santa. All that do will receive a complimentary photo. Children must be
accompanied by an adult.

The cost will be $9.00 for adults, $5.00 for children ages 3 to 8, and $7.00 for seniors. Children under 3 are free. Feel free to also bring a toy or canned good for donation to the Loudoun County Holiday Coalition.

For more information, call the Station at (703) 327-2222 and leave a voice mail message in Box 29.

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