Fire and Life Safety
The Fire Department's Office of Safety Education provides information to the public about fire prevention and the general operations of the Baltimore County Fire Service.
Fire Director Lynn Mullahey, lmullahey@baltimorecountymd.gov, oversees the Office of Safety Education.
Requesting A Speaker For Schools, Businesses, Community Groups
Fire personnel welcome the opportunity to speak to schools and community groups about fire, emergency management and general fire service operations.
Please contact us at least a month in advance of your meeting or event to schedule a speaker. You may call the Safety Education office at 410-887-4876, or email fireinfo@baltimorecountymd.gov.
Requesting an Engine For Your School or Community Event
Children and adults alike find fire equipment exciting and interesting. Contact us at least a month in advance of your event to request a fire engine by calling 410-887-4876, or e-mail fireinfo@baltimorecountymd.gov.
You may also want to request a literature table, with brochures and other information about fire safety, and emergency preparedness. The engine crew will be able to answer questions about these issues.
Be aware that the engine will remain in service during your event; that means it may leave at any time to respond to a fire or other emergency.
"SAFE Neighborhoods" Program
"SAFE Neighborhoods" (the acronym stands for "Safety Education for Everyone) is a Fire Department program designed to help communities address and mitigate home emergencies.
The heart of the SAFE Neighborhoods program is a neighborhood walk by public safety personnel. Fire and EMS personnel – and, as the occasion warrants, police and emergency management representatives and members of other relevant agencies – will walk door-to-door through communities, answering questions and providing information.
Firefighters and EMS personnel will provide information about three universal concerns -- carbon monoxide, smoke alarms and home emergency planning -- on every walk. (Please note that Fire Department crews will not perform home safety inspections.)
Community association leaders may request a SAFE Neighborhoods walk by calling the Fire Department's Safety Education division, 410-887-4876, or by e-mail, fireinfo@baltimorecountymd.gov.
Car Seat Checks
The Baltimore County Police Department, with support from the Fire Department, provides monthly car seat checks. Our online car seat resource provides a schedule of these checks, as well as tips for proper installation and information about laws and regulations regarding child safety seats.
Fireworks
Each year, the Fire Department publishes a complete list of legal public fireworks displays for the Fourth of July holiday, updating it as the Fire Marshal approves permits for these events.
Note that fireworks are illegal in Maryland (some ground-based sparklers are legal). Learn more about fireworks laws and safety concerns.
Fact Sheets About Safety Issues
This section provides a variety of fact sheets about fire and life safety issues, including smoke alarms, carbon monoxide, fireworks and charcoal and gas grills.
You also will find fact sheets on seasonal safety issues including the laws prohibiting swimming in reservoirs and why you should stay off icy ponds in winter.
Brochures and Flyers
Download and print these educational brochures and flyers for use in your school, community or workplace.
Emergency Escape Planning
Every business and apartment building should have an emergency evacuation plan. The Baltimore County Fire Marshal's Office, 410-887-4880, will furnish guidelines to assist you with the development of your plan. For additional information, visit the U.S. Fire Administration.
Additional Resources
For additional information about fire safety and injury prevention, visit these agencies:
- National Fire Protection Association
- U.S. Fire Administration
- Burn Prevention Foundation
- National Safety Council
Revised January 4, 2012
