by Geoff Fox About 30 firefighters from multiple fire departments in the tri-state area responded to a brush fire on Millstone Road on Wednesday, September 6. According to Hancock Fire Chief Robert Hoopengardner, the call came in at 2:24 p.m. that afternoon. A post from Hancock Volunteer Fire Company on[Read More…]
Public Saftey
Public meeting on Service Dogs: Rights, Access & Laws in Maryland
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights will host an online public meeting on Monday, July 24 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. to discuss the rights and laws related to service animals in Maryland. Other sponsors of the meeting include the Maryland Department of Disabilities, The Mid-Atlantic CDC Center, the[Read More…]
Swim safely: Water safety is a family affair
by Kate Evans It’s that time of year when everyone enjoys cooling off in the water. Whether it’s in a public swimming pool, local lake, river or stream, home swimming pool or by the ocean, water is a favorite source of relief from the heat. A few tips can help[Read More…]
Volunteers needed for Hagerstown airport emergency drill in October
Hagerstown Regional Airport is calling for volunteers to participate in a full-scale simulated aircraft emergency disaster exercise on Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This exercise aims to evaluate and enhance the emergency response capabilities of HGR’s emergency agencies. Volunteers will play a vital role by[Read More…]
COVID public health emergency ends, but disease remains
by Kate Evans On May 5, the World Health Organization cancelled its designation of COVID-19 as a public health emergency. The United States also removed its designation of COVID-19 as a public health emergency on May 11, more than three years after it was first instituted. However, health officials say[Read More…]
Marylanders urged to guard against tickborne diseases
Following Governor Wes Moore’s proclamation of May as Tickborne Disease Awareness Month in Maryland, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) recently launched a Tickborne Disease awareness campaign urging Marylanders to take simple precautions to prevent illness caused by infected ticks. The warmer spring weather means increased risk of tickborne disease[Read More…]
Two Washington County volunteer EMS companies start transitioning staff to county employment
The Washington County Board of County Commissioners approves a transition plan to shift the Volunteer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) companies career staffing into County employment. The Division of Emergency Services is authorized to begin transitioning the Volunteer EMS companies career staffing into county employment in the late Spring of 2023.[Read More…]
Preparing for a transport disaster, Part II: How is Hancock positioned to handle train or truck emergencies?
by Geoff Fox Last week, The Hancock News reported on how Hancock Fire Company and Hancock Rescue Squad are prepared to respond to a train derailment or truck accident similar to recent incidents in East Palestine, Ohio, and Frederick. In part two, we look at how the county’s emergency services[Read More…]
Spring brings greater risk of wildfire in Maryland
Spring wildfire season has begun in Maryland, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges residents across the state to prepare and help prevent wildfires. Wildfire occurrence is highest in the spring and fall when forest fuels are the driest and weather conditions — warm, dry, and windy — are[Read More…]
Preparing for a transport disaster, Part I: How is Hancock positioned to handle train or truck emergencies?
by Geoff Fox In 2023, train derailments, toxic spills and other transport-related emergencies have been making headlines across the country. The most notable incident was a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio which spilled a variety of toxic chemicals, and resulted in a fire that evacuated the immediate area for[Read More…]
