Carbon monoxide (CO), often called “the silent killer,” is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas created when fuels (such as kerosene, gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. Carbon monoxide can result from home fuel-powered devices such as fireplaces, home and space heaters, stoves, water heaters, etc. CO can also result from fuel camping equipment, including ... (Full Story & Photos)

Smoking materials, including cigarettes, pipes, and cigars, are the leading cause of fire deaths. If you smoke in your home, you put your entire household at greater risk of fire. The same can be said for smoking in the outdoors and in public spaces. Between 2015 and 2019, fire departments responded to 651 structure fires started by cigarettes, resulting in over $15 million worth of property damage. ... (Full Story & Photos)

Every day, millions of people wake up, go to work or school, and take part in social events. But every so often the unexpected happens: an earthquake, a fire, a chemical spill, an act of terrorism or some other disaster. Routines change drastically, and people are suddenly aware of how fragile their lives and routines can be. Each disaster can have lasting effects — people may be seriously injured ... (Full Story & Photos)

The following products were recently recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

1) Product: Tkala Fashion children’s pajamas (Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com)

Hazard: Violation of Federal Flammability Standard and Burn Hazard; The pajamas fail to meet the federal flammability standards for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries to children.
Recall date: July ... (Full Story & Photos)

Many fire departments are experiencing serious fires, injuries, and deaths as the result of compulsive hoarding behavior. The excessive accumulation of materials in homes poses a significant threat to firefighters fighting fires and responding to other emergencies in these homes and to residents and neighbors. Hoarding can hinder you from getting out of a burning home and can hinder firefighters from ... (Full Story & Photos)

St. Mary’s College of Maryland routinely asks Ridge VFD to teach their new group of Resident Assistants (RAs) about fire extinguishers and fire safety. Very often, major catastrophes can be avoided through the proper use of a portable fire extinguisher. They are intended to be used during the “incipient stage” of a fire (just started and/or is small) when the extinguisher can minimize damage and ... (Full Story & Photos)

Going to college is an exciting time for students and their parents. Living in a new “home away from home” not only gives young adults more freedom to make their own choices, but it also provides them an increased level of personal responsibility while at school.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), from 2015-2019, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average ... (Full Story & Photos)

4-08 Box, 16:50 - Squad 4 and Engine 43 responded to the area of Buzzy’s Country Store in Scotland for the reported serious motor vehicle accident. Chief 4B on the Squad arrived on location at 16:53, established command, and reported two vehicles off the roadway, with two patients with apparent minor injuries out of their vehicles. Engine 141 and helped Engine 43 crew with patient assessment for ... (Full Story & Photos)