A Public Service Announcement from Frederick County Fire & Rescue
As the County continues to deal with the spread of COVID-19, our fire stations and public safety system remain fully staffed with emergency medical services professionals, firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, and dispatchers who are ready to answer your call.
In an effort to keep our personnel and citizens healthy, the Department has instituted several guidelines for our first responders, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Please do not be alarmed if you see our crews wearing enhanced personal protective equipment, such as N95 respirators, face shields, goggles, gloves, and gowns. They have been instructed to maintain a safe distance during assessment, when possible, and to apply surgical masks to patients.
- Our members are being monitored for signs and symptoms of illness before, during, and after their shifts.Any member who is showing signs or symptoms of illness are not to be in the stations and will not respond to incidents.
- Emergency equipment and apparatus are being disinfected after each incident.
- Fire Stations are closed to the public and non-essential personnel.
For our Citizens:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Practice safe social distancing.
- If you are feeling ill or are concerned you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your primary care physician before calling 911.
In the event you do need emergency services, it is imperative that you inform our 911 call takers if you, or anyone in your home, are experiencing flu-like symptoms or difficulty breathing. Be aware that our 911 center personnel are asking additional questions to assess your condition and to screen for potential
COVID-19 exposure. This allows our crews to take the added precautions discussed above so that immediate medical care can be provided upon arriving.
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As always, Frederick County Fire and Rescue System is answering your calls for emergencies.