The Riviera Beach Volunteer Fire Co. would like to invite you to our Friday night BINGO. The doors open at 6:30 pm with the first early bird game starting at 7:15pm. Game packages start at only $11.00 and we play 28 games with 2 Jack Pots. One for $ 500 and one for $1,000 with a total pay out of over $1,360. During the night the kitchen is also open until intermission.
 
Any Questions please ask @ webmaster@rbvfc13.com

 The Riviera Beach Volunteer Fire co. will be holding a Gun-A Day Lottery for the month of November. Below is a list of the gun during the month. For tickets email gunbash@rbvfc13.com or call 4103030173.

Nov 1st-REMINGTON 1100 12GA

Nov 2nd-SAVAGE MOD 111FCXP3 270 WIN

Nov 3rd-MAVERICK 88 SECURITY 12 GA

Nov 4th-RUGER K10/22 RP8 22 CAL

Nov 5th-INFERNO HELLFIRE QUAD CROSSBOW

Nov 6th-TAURUS THE JUDGE 3" 410/45LC

Nov 7th-STEVENS MOD 200 270

Nov 8th-MOSSBERG 500 20GA

Nov 9th-MARLIN 925 22CAL

Nov 10th-COLT M4 CARBINE 22 CAL

Nov 11th-I.A.C. MODEL 97 12GA PUMP

Nov 12th-MAVERICK MAVBA 30-06

Nov 13th-SAVAGE MOD 111FXP3 30-06

Nov 14th-HENRY REPEATING ARMS LEVER ACTION 22CAL

Nov 15th-THOMPSON/CENTER TRIUMPH 50 CAL

Nov 16th-SAVAGE MOD 93R17GVXP 17HMR

Nov 17th-REMINGTON 770 30-06

Nov 18th-MAVERICK MAUBA 270

Nov 19th-MOSSBERG 500 20 GA

Nov 20th-H&K .40 S&W USP

Non 21st-CENTURY INT GP1975 AK47

Nov 22nd-CENTURY INT STAGE COACH 12GA

Nov 23rd-STEVENS MOD 200 308

Nov 24th-2ea KSA CRICKETT 22 CAL

Nov 25th-COLT AR15 223CAL

Nov 26th-RUGER K10/22 RPF 22CAL

Nov 27th-SIG SAUER 522 22CAL

Nov 28th-MOSSBERG 510 20GA

Nov 29th-MAVERICK 88 SECURITY 12 GA

Nov 30th-TAURUS THE JUDGE 3" 410/45LC

Today as part of the Riviera Beach Volunteer Fire company's community outreach program members from the fire company helped the St.Jane Frances church with their American Red Cross blood drive by cooking pit beef and helped staff to serve those who donated. The brand new Engine 131 was brought with the members to show the community what their donations help us pay for and offered a thank you to them. While there Monsignor Carl Cummings asked Asst.Chief Kiser if Engine 131 had been blessed and answered no. Monsignor offered to bless Engine 131 at that time. Monsignor Cummings and Asst.Chief Kiser went outside and had a little ceremony blessing Engine 131 and all who ride on her then he took holy water and blessed the unit. The Riviera Beach Volunteer Fire Company wishes to thank Monsignor Cummings and Retired Deputy Fire Chief of Baltimore City Fire Rod Devilbliss for the opportunity to help the church raise money and the Red Cross with getting much needed blood.

Fireboat13 was showing her stuff today for some glamor shots that was being taken by some area fire buffs. After a few photos fireboat 13 and crew went and did some training on the water. While in the middle of training the crew was monitoring VHF marine radio channel 16 when they heard a call to Coast Guard Group Baltimore that there is a possible vessel in distress at the mouth of Rock Creek. The fireboat called both Anne Arundel Fire Dept Communications and Coast Guard Group Balt To let them know the crew received the call and was en route, the fireboat arrived to find a 15' power boat was having minor troubles and was able to make it back to shore under it own power without assistance from the fireboat or coast guard. The crew was starting to get ready to do some more training when they were alerted once again by communications if we could return to the dock and get special unit 13 out for call in Davidsonville.

Photos Courtesy of: Five Alarm Photography

   The Officers and Members of Riviera Beach Volunteer Fire Company would like to invite you to see our newest piece of equipment, to help protect the communities we serve. Just a Little about our new engine that will be known as Engine 131.

2009 Seagrave Marauder II Stainless Steel side mount pumper. The vehicle has a Cummins ISM 500 horse power motor and a Allison EVS 4000 transmission. 1500 GPM Hale Q Max pump with a 750 gallon Booster tank. The unit is 29' long and 106" tall at the rear warning lights. Wheel Base is 184" seating for 8 persons in the cab. The unit will have 5 preconnected handlines with a booster reel. Can carry 1000' of LDH hose and 1000' of 3" supply line. Other tools the unit will have is full complment of Amkus rescue tools. I have added some new pitcures of the progress.

The engine is currently at Gable Signs and Graphics getting the lettering completed. I have posted some pictures of the progress.
 

Boat fire box 10-12 with multiple calls.  FB13 responded with units dispatched for a 45' Wellcraft boat on fire.  Units arrived to find boat 75% involved with fire spreading to pier.  FB13 assisted with fire attack and oil cleanup. 

Photos courtesy of FF Shawn Coleman

The Riviera Beach Volunteer Fire Company needs your help! During the past several years the demand on people's time has taken a toll on the ranks of volunteer fire departments nationwide; unfortunately, our company has been no exception. We have a continuing need for volunteers that can help us provide the community with fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical and rescue responses as well as assisting during civil emergencies, such as hurricanes and snow storms. Not only do we need the help and support of County residents, we need the same help and support from the business community. There exists an excellent pool of potential firefighters within the local businesses - the employees. Some of our local employers may wish to consider becoming partners in our effort to serve the community by allowing select employees to leave their jobs to respond to calls. For information on how you can help your local Fire Department, please call 410-255-3636 (Fire Company), or visit the Fire Station, 8506 Fort Smallwood RD Pasadena MD 21122.           

Box 11-7
Stoney Creek Bridge on Fort Smallwood Rd near Greenland Beach Rd, Pasadena
8/10/10, 11:05 PM
Squad 11
Medic 11
Medic 30
Chief 11
EMS 2
Engine 134
Trooper 1
Anne Arundel County Police
Anne Arundel County Sheriffs

Squad 11 on location with a motorcycle verse car in the area of the stoney creek bridge on Fort Smallwood Rd. Chief 11 on location with command and field communications. Chief 11 requesting EMS supervisor to the scene. Chief 11 requesting Maryland State Police aviation for a category A male. The Landing Zone at the Riviera Beach Park. Trooper 1 with a 14 minute eta. Engine 134 handling the Landing Zone. Trooper 1 transporting the priority 1, category A to Shock Trauma.
 

Photos and story courtesy of : Five Alarm Photography

Fire Boat 13 and new crew members were getting broke in the hard way. With a new member at the helm, young crew members get a taste of serious training on the water. Riviera Beach VFC was asked to attend some training that involved the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and Active Duty. The crew of fire boat 13 had no clue what was in store for her young crew. The day starts with learning how to use a de-watering pump then some classroom on charting and plotting a course lesson and search and rescue skills and patterns , then the crew goes the boat and try the skills on the water. While fire boat 13 crew thought that had it down they were taught yet another skill on man over board training having to retrieve a life ring  from the water while under way not knowing when it was going to be tossed over board. The crew members would like to give a BIG THANK YOU to the members of the Coast Guard Aux., and the active duty personnel for sharing their knowledge with us and we look forward to more training. Anyone with questions about the US Coast Guard Aux please visit their website www.uscoastguardaux.com.

Elizabeth Landing Box 13-04



Engine 131
Engine 104
Engine 112
Quint 30
Paramedic 10
BC 2
Ambulance 139
Utility 13
FM 866
Engine 131 arrived and found a small fire in the dwelling.

photos and story courtesy of: Five Alarm Photograph
 

Box 11-6
Solley Rd and Fort Smallwood
8-2-10, 12:35 PM
Engine 112
Ambulance 139
Medic 30
Paramedic 18
Engine 112, Ambulance 139, and Medic 30 were alerted for an MVC in the area of Solley Rd and Fort Smallwood Rd. Engine 112 arrived and took command and field communications. Engine 112 requested an additional transport unit, a total of 3 transport units. Paramedic 18 added to the call. 4 patients were transported to the hospital.
 

Photos and story courtesy of : Five Alarm Photography

It has been a little over 4 1/2 decades since Riviera Beach has been in a rescue competition, and the members from 46 yrs ago became The World Rescue Champions. This past Sunday four members wanted to try it again at a local competition held by Kent Island Volunteer Fire Dept. The members were as followed Asst. Chief James "Ed" Kiser Firefighters David "Salty" Saulter, Jason " Mongo" Gallo, Allen "Toad" Nicholson. The team didnt place in the top three but "Team Riviera Beach" opened alot of eyes as to what 4 firefighters and amkus rescue tools can do as a team!  Team Riviera Beach was 8th in line to show their skills while going head to head with with St. Leonard Vol. Fire Company!  Congratulations to Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company whose Rescue 351 crew placed first and Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company whose Rescue 751 crew placed second. Pikesville VFC proudly took home 3rd place in their first attempt at this competition,Other companies involved included Grasonville, St. Leonard, St. Michael, Crumpton, Riviera Beach and Smyrna (DE). A special thanks to the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department for hosting this excellent event ! See everyone Next Year!

Box 13-3-MVC with Rollover with Car on its Side
Fort Smallwood Rd on the Stoney Creek Bridge
Quint 13
Paramedic 10
EMS 2
Engine 112
Chief 11
Medic 30
Units were alerted for an MVC with rollover on Stoney Creek Bridge on Fort Smallwood Rd. Quint 13 arrived with 1 vehicle on its side. Chief 11 with command and field communications. CMD requested an additional medic unit. Medic 30 added. Paramedic 10 transported a patient.

On July 3rd, 2010, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary visited Bar Harbor Marina and with the assistance of R.B.V.F.D. Firefighter Allen “Toad” Nicholson gave a Vessel Exam to Fire Boat 13. Flotilla Commander Anthony Ratajczak of the U.S. Coast Guard Yard, Curtis Bay Flotilla 22-03, performed the Exam with his Coastie in training, 5 year old son Andrew. FC Ratajczak, with check list in hand , made sure everything was in safe, working order. He searched for flares, flotation devices, and charts. He made sure lights were operational and audible warning devices were ready. 
 

      After a thorough inspection, Fire Boat 13 was awarded with a shiny new sticker showing that it had passed it’s 2010 Vessel Exam. Congratulations to Riviera Beach Vol. Fire Dept. for having Fire Boat 13 in tip-top condition. 
 

Story by: Brandi Ratajczak, USCGAUX

Defining a Hurricane

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, the general term for all circulating weather systems (counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere) over tropical waters. Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:

• Tropical Depression - an organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.  
• Tropical Storm - an organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34-63 knots).  
• Hurricane - an intense tropical weather system with a well-defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher. In the western Pacific, hurricanes are called "typhoons," and similar storms in the Indian Ocean are called "cyclones."  

Hurricanes are products of the tropical ocean and atmosphere. Powered by heat from the sea, they are steered by the easterly trade winds and the temperate westerlies as well as by their own ferocious energy. Around their core, winds grow with great velocity, generating violent seas. Moving ashore, they sweep the ocean inward while spawning tornadoes and producing torrential rains and floods.

Each year on average, ten tropical storms (of which six become hurricanes) develop over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico. Many of these remain over the ocean. However, about five hurricanes strike the United States coastline every three years. Of these five, two will be major hurricanes (Category 3 or greater on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale).

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, National Weather Service

Hurricane Scale

All hurricanes are dangerous, but some are more so than others.  The way that storm surge, wind and other factors combine determines the destructive power of a hurricane.

To make comparisons easier, and to make the predicted hazards of approaching hurricanes clearer to emergency mangers and responders, hurricane forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration use a disaster-potential scale which assigns storms to five categories.  This can be used to give an estimate of potential property damage and flooding.

In preparing for the hurricane season, the first step is understanding the watches and warnings that are issued by the National Weather Service:

Hurricane Watch

A hurricane WATCH means that hurricane conditions MAY threaten an area within 48 hours. When a hurricane WATCH is issued, everyone in that area should listen for further advisories and be prepared to act promptly.

When a hurricane WATCH is issued, people in the affected area should:

• Frequently listen to your radio, television or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins on the progress of the storm.
• Fuel and service family vehicles. Service stations may be unable to pump fuel because of flooding or loss of electrical service.
• Moor small craft or move to safe shelter.
• Inspect and secure mobile home tie downs.
• Tape, board or shutter all window and door openings. Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent lifting from their tracks.
• Check for batteries, flashlights and battery-operated radios.
• Check on your supply of canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water and medications.
• Secure or bring inside lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans and garden tools that could become a projectile in high winds.
• Have on hand an extra supply of cash.

Hurricane Warning

A hurricane WARNING is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in a specified coastal area in 36 hours or less.  Hurricane conditions include winds of 74 miles an hour (64 knots) and/or dangerously high tides and waves.

Actions for protection of life and property should begin immediately when the warning is issued, including:

• Frequently listen to your radio, television or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins on the progress of the storm.
• Complete preparation activities such as putting up storm shutters, storing loose objects, etc. Move valuables to upper floors.
• Store drinking water in clean jugs, bottles and cooking utensils. The water system in your town could become contaminated or damaged by the storm.
• Check your battery-powered equipment. Your radio may be your only link with the outside world. Emergency cooking facilities and flashlights will be essential if utility services are interrupted.
• Follow instructions issued by local authorities. Leave IMMEDIATELY if told to do so.
• Leave low-lying areas that may be swept by high tides or storm waves.
• If you plan to leave your home, leave early (if possible, in daylight) to avoid the last-minute rush that could leave you stranded. Stay with friends or relatives, at a low-rise inland hotel/motel, or go to a predesignated public shelter outside a flood zone.
• In any case, leave mobile homes for more substantial shelter.
• Notify neighbors and a family member outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans.
• Put food and water out for a pet if you cannot take it with you. Public health regulations do not allow pets in public shelters, nor do most hotels/motels allow them.

Terms to Know

By international agreement, tropical cyclone is the general term for all cyclone circulations originating over tropical waters, classified by form and intensity as follows:

• Tropical disturbance: A moving area of thunderstorms in the Tropics that maintains its identity for 24 hours or more. A common phenomenon in the tropics.
• Tropical depression: Rotary circulation at surface, highest constant wind speed 38 miles per hour (33 knots).
• Tropical storm: Distinct rotary circulation, constant wind speed ranges 39-73 miles per hour (34-63 knots).
• Hurricane: Pronounced rotary circulation, constant wind speed of 74 miles per hours (64 knots) or more.
• Small craft cautionary statements. When a tropical cyclone threatens a coastal area, small craft operators are advised to remain in port or not to venture into the open sea.
• Gale Warnings may be issued when winds of 39-54 miles an hour (34-47 knots) are expected.
• Storm Warnings may be issued when winds of 55-73 miles an hour (48-63 knots) are expected. If a hurricane is expected to strike a coastal area, gale or storm warnings will not usually precede hurricane warnings.
• A Hurricane Watch is issued for a coastal area when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 48 hours.
• A Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in a specified coastal area in 36 hours or less. Hurricane conditions include winds of 74 miles an hour (64 knots) and/or dangerously high tides and waves. Actions for protection of life and property should begin immediately when the warning is issued.
• Flash Flood Watch means a flash flood is possible in the area; stay alert. Flash Flood Warning means a flash flood is imminent; take immediate action.
• Tornadoes spawned by hurricanes sometimes produce severe damage and casualties. If a tornado is reported in your area, a warning will be issued.

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, National Weather Service

Be Prepared

In preparing for the Hurricane Season, make plans for action:

• Know the hurricane risks in your area. Learn the storm surge history and elevation of your area.
• Learn safe routes inland.
• Learn the location of official shelters.
• Ensure that enough non-perishable food and water supplies are on hand.
• Have at least a one week supply of medications on hand.
• Obtain and store materials, such as plywood, necessary to properly secure your home.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed of dead wood.
• Review your insurance policy.
• Determine where to move your boat in an emergency.
• Make plans now on what to do with your pets should you be required to evacuate your residence. Public health regulations do not allow pets in public shelters, nor do most hotels/motels allow them.

Individuals with special needs or others requiring more information should contact their County Emergency Management Office.

Family Emergency Supplies

Have these items in your residence ready to use in the event of an emergency:

• Flashlights with extra batteries. Keep flashlights with extra, fresh batteries and keep them beside your bed and in several other locations. Do not use matches.
• Portable radio with extra batteries. Most telephones will be out of order or limited to emergency use. The radio, including NOAA Weather Radio, will be the best source of emergency information.
• First aid kit / first aid skills. Keep your first-aid kit well stocked and in a central location. Take basic first-aid and CPR courses. Keep your skills current.
• Fire extinguisher. Your fire extinguisher should be suitable for all types of fires and should...  [  more  ]