Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire Company 500

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SAVE THE DATE! Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire Company is hosting our 6th Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30, 2024. We've scheduled TWO sessions for this popular event - one for kids under 7 from 10 to 11 a.m. and one for kids between 7 and 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Let us know you're coming at: https://fb.me/e/9dKy4VNt9.

This is a FREE event. Registration is NOT required. Parking will be at the Jachman U.S. Army Reserve Center, next door to the fire station. Please join us for the Easter Egg Hunt, along with crafts, prizes, and more!

Be the best part of someone's bad day - become a volunteer firefighter, EMT, or paramedic! Join us at https://www.chestnutridgefire.com/membership.

NOTE THE CHANGE IN TIME! Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire Company is hosting our 6th Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30, 2024. We've scheduled TWO sessions for this popular event - one for kids under 7 from 2 to 3 p.m. and one for kids between 7 and 12 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Let us know you're coming at: https://fb.me/e/9dKy4VNt9.

This is a FREE event. Registration is NOT required. Parking will be at the Jachman U.S. Army Reserve Center, next door to the fire station. Please join us for the Easter Egg Hunt, along with crafts, prizes, and more!

Be the best part of someone's bad day - become a volunteer firefighter, EMT, or paramedic! Join us at https://www.chestnutridgefire.com/membership.

DOES YOUR HOME HAVE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS?

Every home with at least one fuel-burning appliance, heater, attached garage, or fireplace should have a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm installed in the main bedroom or the hallway outside the sleeping area.

These life-saving devices give you an early warning of a life-threatening event. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas—known as the Silent Killer—the most abundant and deadly byproduct of fire. From plug-ins to smart devices, CO detectors vary in price and features and are readily available at home improvement stores (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) and online. (Source: Safewise.com)

The period between the end of winter and the arrival of spring can contain some of the region’s most unexpected weather changes. Whether you’re planning a road trip or just following your daily route to work or school, be prepared!

Listen to the radio or television for up-to-date weather forecasts and road conditions. If the weather is bad, drive only if absolutely necessary. In case you are stranded, keep an emergency supply kit in your car with these extras:

• Jumper cables; flares or reflective triangle
• Car cell phone charger; portable power bank
• Map; ice scraper; blanket
• Cat litter or sand (for better tire traction)
(Source: FEMA)

The National Safety Council warns that “depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision can be compromised in the dark, and the glare of headlights from an oncoming vehicle can temporarily blind a driver.”

And although only 25 percent of our driving is at night, 50 percent of traffic deaths occur then. The AARP reports that a 50-year-old driver might need twice as much light to see as well as a 30-year-old. And, according American Optometric Association, at age 60 and older, we generally see road signs less clearly, have more trouble judging speed and distance, and are bothered more by the glare of headlights.

Remember: As time and seasons shift, adapt your driving habits to avoid deadly accidents and injuries. (Source: NSC; AARP; AOA)

Put a FREEZE on winter fires!

• Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires, and winter is when most home fires happen
• Half of all home heating fires occur in December, January and February
• Heating equipment is involved in 1 of every 6 home fires and 1 in every 5 home fire deaths
• Plug only 1 heat-producing appliance—like a space heater—into any electrical socket at a time. (Source: ready.gov)

The Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire Company is saddened to announce the passing of Life Member Eugene (Gene) Reynolds on January 17, 2024, at the age of 91. Gene, who was also known throughout Baltimore County and the State of Maryland as "Hazmat10," was a remarkable man, understated, always kind, giving, and with an almost encyclopedic knowledge of chemistry. His service to the Ridge and to Baltimore County cannot be overstated. Today, we rely on our phones or a computer to give us the information at a Hazmat incident. But “back in the day,” Gene’s expertise kept many first responders safe from the dangers of unknown chemicals, gases and mixtures.

We are indebted to him for his life of service to others, including almost 35 years at Chestnut Ridge, and for setting the highest example of what Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire Company represents. May his legacy be carried on by our own service and dedication to the safe protection of our community.

This photo is of Gene celebrating his 90th birthday with us at the Ridge in August 2022.

It’s another snowy day on the Ridge! Roads are getting covered and are slick in spots. Road crews are out and doing their thing so please use caution, give yourself some extra time if you are going anywhere, and most importantly use good judgement and common sense on the roadways. Be safe and have a great day!

Winter weather means staying indoors—whether at home, school or the workplace. Due to the high prevalence of flu and respiratory illness across the nation, “just the sniffles” can quickly progress to serious illness.

Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to tell the difference between them. Play it safe—your healthcare provider can help you determine if you are sick with a cold or the flu and prescribe the proper treatment.

Resolve to make your family escape plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so knowing which types of disasters could affect your area is essential. Plan how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. Your plan should address:

• How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• What is my shelter plan?
• What is my evacuation route?
• What is my family/household communication plan?
• Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?

Home fires are more dangerous now than ever! Modern synthetic construction materials, home furnishings and contemporary layouts allow fire to spread and become toxic faster—giving you and your family only three minutes or less to escape.

During a fire, a closed door can make a 900-degree difference! A closed door can also slow the spread of fire, reduce toxic smoke levels and improve oxygen levels, resulting in a life-saving difference in your home. (Source: closeyourdoor.org)

The place where we should feel safest—at home—is where most smoking-materials-related structure fires, deaths and injuries occur. Smoking is still the leading cause of fire deaths; one out of four fatal victims of smoking-material fires is not the smoker whose cigarette started the fire.

And yet, smoking-material fires are preventable:
• Don’t smoke inside
• Discard smoking materials in a fire-safe container
• Use a proper, heavy ashtray that won’t tip over easily—don’t improvise

TONIGHT! Santa will be visiting Chestnut Ridge neighborhoods on our fire engines! On Thursday, December 21, Santa will be making his rounds. We will start at 6:00 p.m. and will stop at 9:00 p.m.

You can track Santa's routes in real time on our SANTA TRACKER here: https://www.crvfc.org/. Or look for your street on the list below. (Note that there will be two routes running at the same time.)

Please remember, our FIRST PRIORITY is responding to Emergency Incidents, but we will try to follow this schedule as best as we can! Any streets that we missed we will attempt to make them up the following night.

If we have to cancel because of rain/snow or emergency calls, we will have a make-up day on Friday, December 22.

TONIGHT! Santa will be visiting Chestnut Ridge neighborhoods on our fire engines! On Wednesday, December 20, Santa will be making his rounds. We will start at 6:00 p.m. and will stop at 9:00 p.m.

You can track Santa's routes in real time on our SANTA TRACKER here: https://www.crvfc.org/. Or look for your street on the list below. (Note that there will be two routes running at the same time.)

Santa will be back out on Thursday evening as well.

Please remember, our FIRST PRIORITY is responding to Emergency Incidents, but we will try to follow this schedule as best as we can! Any streets that we missed we will attempt to make them up the following night.

If we have to cancel because of rain/snow or emergency calls, we will have a make-up day on Friday, December 22.

A dry Christmas tree can burn very hot and very fast. This holiday season, be fire smart!

• More than 1 in every 5 Christmas tree fires are caused by a heat source too close to the tree
• Read the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the correct number of light strands to connect
• Make sure your tree is at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents and that it is not blocking any exits
• Get rid of your tree after Christmas or when it is dry
(Source: FEMA)

TONIGHT! Santa will be visiting Chestnut Ridge neighborhoods on our fire engines! Starting TONIGHT, Tuesday, December 19, Santa will be making his rounds. We will start at 6:00 p.m. and will stop at 9:00 p.m.

You can track Santa's routes in real time on our SANTA TRACKER here: https://www.crvfc.org/. Or look for your street on the list below. (Note that there will be two routes running at the same time.)

Santa will be back out on Wednesday and Thursday evenings as well.

Please remember, our FIRST PRIORITY is responding to Emergency Incidents, but we will try to follow this schedule as best as we can! Any streets that we missed we will attempt to make them up the following night.

If we have to cancel because of rain/snow or emergency calls, we will have a make-up day on Friday, December 22.

This morning, the fire station hosted Santa Claus and welcomed over 300 members of our community for Breakfast with Santa! Of course, the big guy was the main attraction, but we also had a scavenger hunt, face-painting, cookie-decorating, arts and crafts, raffles, a hot chocolate bar, and great food for everyone.

Did you miss seeing Santa this morning? Don't worry, he'll be making another appearance on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings (December 19, 20, and 21) as he rides on our fire engine around the neighborhoods in our first due area, starting at 6 p.m. Check out the lists below to see which night we'll be on or near your street. Turn on your porch light and come on out to say hello!

NEXT WEEK! Santa will be coming to Chestnut Ridge neighborhoods on one of our fire engines next week! Starting on Tuesday, December 19, and continuing through Thursday, December 21, Santa will do his best to visit each neighborhood in our first due area. We will start at 6:00 p.m. and will stop at 9:00 p.m.

Please remember, our FIRST PRIORITY is responding to Emergency Incidents, but we will try to follow this schedule as best as we can! Any streets that we missed we will attempt to make them up the following night.

If we have to cancel because of rain/snow or emergency calls, we will have a make-up day on Friday, December 22.

If you registered to attend our Breakfast with Santa TOMORROW, Saturday, December 16, please be sure to show up and get ready to have some fun!

Sessions are at 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Remember: Each attendee (including parents!) must have a ticket for entry.

Santa's a popular guy and both sessions are completely SOLD OUT!

In the holiday spirit? Bring a new toy and non-perishable food items to donate at the event!

It’s fun to decorate for the winter holidays, but holiday decorations can increase your home fire risk. As you deck the halls this season, be fire smart:

• Almost half of the home decoration fires in December are started by candles
• Christmas is the peak day for candle fires
• Think about using battery-operated, flameless candles
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable (Source: FEMA)

It's the SEASON OF GIVING at Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire Company! We're all about serving the community and not just through emergency responses! As we enter the Season of Giving, we have set up FOUR donation boxes in front of the fire station to help people in need in our community. Please contribute if you can!

• Coats for Hope - We are collecting “GENTLY” used or new coats, gloves, mittens, hats, and scarves to support Coats for Hope. This is a non-profit organization run by Tori, one of our members. The garments will be donated to area domestic violence victims and shelters.

• Non-Perishable food items - We're collecting non-perishable food items for our local food pantries. Food should be within current date and unopened. Please check your pantry and see what you have that you don’t need or want!

• Pajamas - We are collecting Pajamas for Josh's Jammies. They can be any child size, male or female, and should be new. They do not accept used garments as they are given to children who are in the hospital and are typically immune compromised.

• Toys for Tots - We are collecting “NEW” toys for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation programs. They can be any new/unopened toys, including puzzles, stuffed animals, action Heroes, and more.

Bring your donations and place them in the appropriate box in front of the fire station. THANK YOU for your generous contributions to our community!

BOTH sessions of our Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 16, are now sold out!

If you registered to attend, please be sure to show up and get ready to have some fun! Sessions are at 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Remember: Each attendee (including parents!) must have a ticket for entry.

In the holiday spirit? Bring a new toy and non-perishable food items to donate at the event!

NEXT WEEK! Santa will be coming to Chestnut Ridge neighborhoods on one of our fire engines next week! Starting on Tuesday, December 19, and continuing through Thursday, December 21, Santa will do his best to visit each neighborhood in our first due area. We will start at 6:00 p.m. and will stop at 9:00 p.m.

Please remember, our FIRST PRIORITY is responding to Emergency Incidents, but we will try to follow this schedule as best as we can! Any streets that we missed we will attempt to make them up the following night.

If we have to cancel because of rain/snow or emergency calls, we will have a make-up day on Friday, December 22.