Volunteers host open house for Fire Prevention Week

Lowe’s donates 180 smoke detectors for distribution

On Saturday, the Accokeek-Bryans Road Lions Club, in partnership with the Lowe’s Home Improvement store and the Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, hosted an open house for the general public for live demonstrations, blood pressure checks, tours of the VFD facility, visits with “Flash Max” and refreshments.

As part of the annual Fire Prevention Week last week and keeping with this year’s theme, “Look ... Listen ... Learn ... Be Aware. Fire

Can Happen Anywhere,” the Lions Club donated $1,000 to the Bryans Road VFD.

“The money will be used to create ‘Freddy the Fire Truck,’ a remote controlled fire truck that will aid as a tool for future Fire Prevention Weeks to teach first through fifth grade students in Charles County about fire safety,” said Fire Prevention and Safety Officer Ron Burns.

Lowe’s donated 180 smoke detectors, up to $2,000 worth, which will be distributed and installed throughout Charles County by the Bryans Road VFD to anyone that shows the need and does not have funds available to purchase.

“Flash Max,” the fire safety superhero, attended the open house to “spread the message of home fire safety and survival to children and families through an aggressive education program in a fun, entertaining and interactive platform. Also, to make fire prevention education fun and engaging for fire service personnel.”

Burns and the Bryans Road VFD said they were grateful for the many donations received and the support shown from the community.

“We are grateful to have the Accokeek-Bryans Road Lions Club’s support and generous donation to help improve our community and fire prevention efforts,” Burns said.

Along with the various demonstrations and presentations, the Bryans Road VFD provided participants of the open house with informational brochures on topics ranging from first aid, airbag safety, facts on smoke detectors, senior citizen fire safety and more.

STAFF PHOTOS BY DEJA ROSS Above, firefighters prepared different activities for children to participate in at the Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department open house Saturday. One of the activities allowed children to help extinguish a “fire.” Below, Flash Max teaches children about fire safety and survival during the Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department open house Saturday.

STAFF PHOTOS BY DEJA ROSS Above left, the Accokeek-Bryans Road Lions Club donated $1,000 to Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad during an open house event Saturday. From left is superhero Flash Max, Little Miss Fire Prevention, two employees of Lowe’s Home Improvement, Fire Prevention and Safety Officer Ron Burns, Joe King, Phil Gordon, Jim Landry, Andrea Cumberland and Ruth Moses. Above right, children were able to climb on and explore firetrucks at the Bryans Road VFD open house Saturday.