News Advisory: First Responders Getting New Tools to Save Lives

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  October 24, 2011

 

First Responders Getting New Tools to Save Lives

Pet Oxygen Masks Ensure that the Right People have the Right Equipment

Who:     Fire Chief Richard Bowers and MCFRS personnel, representatives 
              from Wag’N Enterprises and Invisible Fence organizations

What:    Pet Oxygen Mask Donation

Where:   MCFRS Fire Station 31                                                                 

                12100 Darnestown Road, North Potomac, Maryland     

When:    October 26th at 3:30 p.m. 

Rockville - - -  The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is getting a new tool for its emergency response arsenal thanks to some local pet companies. MCFRS will accept 60 pet oxygen mask kits on October 26th at 3:30 p.m. The donation is being made through the combined efforts of Wag’N Enterprises’ O2 Fur Life program, and Invisible Fence’s Project Breath as part of their nation-wide campaign to provide kits to fire departments.  

While the U.S. Fire Administration does not officially track fire-related pet deaths, experts estimate that 40,000 to 100,000 animals die each year from smoke inhalation. Firefighters regularly rally to help rescue family pets and often have to improvise ways to save them.
 

“Saving lives is the top priority for firefighters responding to a fire. Humans top the list however pets are beloved family members too,” said Fire Chief Richard Bowers. “We’re honored to partner with both these organizations on this important campaign and to elevate and raise awareness. Having the right tools and equipment to increase survival is critical and now pets will have a better chance for survival.”
                       

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