The James N. Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) in Marriottsville, Maryland is the home of the Education and Training sections of the Howard County Police Department's Fire and Rescue Department. The 46-acre facility provides classrooms, simulation buildings, simulation accessories, and training areas designated for use in educational programs for Howard County staff and other public safety personnel. There is also a large conference room available to host a variety of meetings, seminars and conferences.
The Zoning Division is responsible for examining construction projects and proposed signs to make sure they comply with the Metropolitan Zoning Code. Residents who disagree with a decision made by the Zoning Division can appeal to the Zoning Appeals Board (BZA). The Building Code Office reviews construction documents for projects that have been submitted to a local department approved by the State Fire Marshal Division. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) are responsible for collecting and disposing of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) foam from Indiana fire agencies. The Office is also responsible for developing, managing, implementing and documenting all training for the professional and volunteer operational staff of the Department of Fire and Rescue Services. In order to foster and cultivate a strong search and rescue community in Indiana, the IDHS Search and Rescue Program offers training programs in search for K-9s, rescue, search, technical rescue, and search management.
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is committed to providing a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment in which all policies are applied in a fair and consistent manner. Students studying these grades may be suspended for up to five school days only if the school administration determines that there is an imminent threat of serious harm to other students or HCPSS employees that cannot be reduced or eliminated through interventions and supports. The sheriff oversees fire prevention and protection services such as Indiana's 26% Public Fire Safety Academy, regulated device and code application inspections, emergency medical services, fire and hazardous materials investigations, radiation training and support. The Department of Inspection and Appeals requires compliance with the State Fire Code for assisted living facilities. Code officers work with local departments of construction, fire and law enforcement to provide ongoing educational training, interpretation of building and fire codes, and on-site inspection assistance. Any act or omission due to a person's status or perception in a protected class that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment; or that substantially interferes with a person's ability to work, learn; or is otherwise severe enough to limit a person's employment opportunities or to limit the student's ability to participate in or benefit from the educational program requires the presence of an expert simulator technician when used for fire simulation, in addition to other officers and ignition personnel to ensure safety and comply with department policy and NFPA guidelines. The Fire Investigation Section investigates the cause and origin of fires to reduce deaths, injuries and property losses due to accidental fires as well as resolve cases of intentional arson.
Given the importance of safety regulations in public education programs related to fire safety, it is essential that the Howard County Fire Department review its programs regularly. It is recommended that they review their public education programs at least every two years in order to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations as well as standards set by organizations such as NFPA. This review should include an assessment of any changes made since the last review as well as any new technologies or techniques that could be used in public education programs related to fire safety. This assessment should include an evaluation of how these technologies or techniques could be used to improve safety outcomes while minimizing potential risks. It is also important that any changes made as a result of this review are documented.
This documentation should include details about any new technologies or techniques implemented as well as any changes made to existing programs. This documentation should be kept up-to-date so that it can be used as reference material when conducting future reviews. By conducting regular reviews of its public education programs related to fire safety, the Howard County Fire Department can ensure that its programs are compliant with all relevant regulations as well as standards set by organizations such as NFPA. Additionally, it can ensure that its programs are taking advantage of any new technologies or techniques available that could improve safety outcomes while minimizing potential risks.
