Wishing You a Safe, Healthy, and Happy 2014!

As you celebrate the end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014, we encourage you to keep your health and safety as well as those around you in mind.

Many will be travelling to and from the various sponsored celebrations throughout the area. The Maryland State Police as well as all county and local police departments will be in full force. Before you go, have a plan! Are you taking mass transit (metro, bus, etc.)? Do you have a designated driver? Here are several options as well:
- Sober Ride: 1 800-200-TAXI Offers free a taxi ride to a max $30 fare from Montgomery or PG Counties as well as Washington, DC
- Be My DD: 1 877-823-6933 Offers professional drivers to drive your vehicle-- $25 + mileage
- Multiple taxi companies

All fireworks are banned in Baltimore City, Prince George's County, and Montgomery County. The town of Ocean City, Howard County, and Harford County have also specifically prohibited ground-based sparkling devices. The only fireworks allowed for personal use in Maryland are snap n' pops, party poppers, black snakes, and gold labeled sparklers. If allowing children to participate, they should be under close adult supervision. Make sure to keep sparklers away from the body and loose fitting clothing. Read and follow the instructions on the sparkler package! Sparklers burn at approximately 1,200°F.

Over the past two years, two innocent children in Maryland have been killed by falling bullets from guns fired into the air. All Howard County gun laws will be enforced. Do not fire guns in populated areas, into the air, or into open space.

Per Howard County burn laws, all open air burns require a burn permit from the County Fire Marshall's Office.

From the Lisbon VFC membership to your family, we thank you for your support over the past year, and wish you a safe, healthy, and happy new year!!