Fire Alarm Incidents at 900 Marshy Cove

To: all Owners at 900 Marshy Cove,

This has been a stressful week for residents at 900 Marshy Cove.

Despite our best efforts, things happen.

 

Wednesday, November 24, 5:00 AM.

 

A circuit breaker that was connected to the air compressor in the attic popped. The air pressure in the system  dropped and triggered and alarm. The alarm sounded for almost an hour before the fire marshal arrived to silence the alarm. 

Normally, the fire alarm system sends an automated to a fire monitoring service. The monitoring service determines the seriousness of the incident and calls the fire company.

 

So, what happened? Our fire alarm system did telephone a message to the monitoring service. However, the service had a problem at their end and did not see it.  They should have received a low air pressure warning well in advance of the alarm; but, they did not. Of course, they were also unaware of the evacuation alarm.

 

Saturday, November 27, 12:05 PM

 

ARK, our fire system service, was notified of some problems and arrived around 11:00 PM.

After they left, at 12:00 AM, the alarm sounded. This time the monitoring service alerted the fire marshal and the alarm was silenced upon their arrival.

Ark returned around 1:00 AM to assess the situation.

As a precaution, Sentry arranged for a fire watch.

 

So, what caused the alarms? The compressor was short cycling which caused an inrush current higher than normal. That caused the breaker to pop. After that the air pressure dropped. Bingo! Alarm party in the lobby.

Ultimate Cause: The pressure switch on the compressor that controls the cycling of the compressor failed.  We expect the replacement parts on Tuesday or Wednesday.

 

In the meantime, we have a fire watch patrol on the fourth floor.  Note that all unit sprinkler heads are operational. Only, the attic is affected. There are smoke detectors in the attic that are connected to the main fire system which provide a degree of protection.

 

George B

mc900@comcast.net

So, What happened on Wednesday Evening?

 All,

Incident: Wednesday, November 3, 2021; 7:25 PM - 7:30 PM

Three teenagers took a fire extinguisher from the marina, discharged it on several parked vehicles. They also turned on lights on a power boat in the marina.  No other vandalism was observed or reported.  A police report was filed.

Here’s is my short report. 

(This was sent to the DHMA Board of Directors on Thursday, November 4, 2021 12:44 PM)

• I received a call from a 900 resident reporting a siren at the marina. The resident thought that a boat alarm was sounding.
• I went down to the fire safety box at slip 48. The door was open and the fire extinguisher was gone. The siren is local and does not trigger a call to any other system. It goes off when the door is open. The red light flashes and The siren will activate.
• I closed the door and the siren and flasher stopped.
• As I walked around the building toward Seaway, I was looking for some evidence that the extinguisher was discharged. I always assumed that some kids were into mischief as it happened several years ago.
• As I walked around the building, one of our residents was coming out to walk his dogs. I gave him a brief description of events.
• On his own he walked around the marina to discover and notice that the slip 43's motor boat’s lights were on.
• As he walked around the creek side of the building, he noticed white extinguisher dust. He then called me. 
• He and I walked the marina west ward toward the creek. When we approach slip 43. We saw that every power switch was turned on and showing green. He got on the boat and turned off the circuits on the boat. No evidence of any damage was observed. We called the owner. 
• We continued to walk the Riverwalk.  White dust was observed on the front of about six vehicle covering grills and windshields.
• Continuing toward Cedar St, more white powder was evident. Nearer to Cedar St., the spent extinguisher was found in the rain garden.
• Mike S., and Carlos E. joined us. A call was placed to the Cambridge Police. The CPD officer arrived within 10-15 minutes.
• I went to the surveillance recorder to capture video of the incident.
• The recordings revealed that three youths entered the marina running at 7:25 PM from the East side. Two were shorter followed by a taller teenager.  The second one may have been a girl, the other appeared to be boys. All three were wearing hooded sweatshirts. The second one appeared to have a full face covering white Halloween type mask on.
• The tallest of the three stopped by the fire extinguisher box and  opened the door. The siren and flasher went off. He casually walked away. The others were out of camera range and probably on the boat.
• The tallest teenager walked back to the box, and removed the extinguisher.
• He then ran off toward the creek. He then started to discharge the extinguisher. On the cameras that face the 900 parking lot, clouds of powder can be seen. It is hard to see anymore than silhouettes and clouds of dust. The distance (~ 300 Ft) and darkness limit detailed observations.
• Unfortunately, I was unable to capture a recording of their egress or entrance to Deep Harbour. Four entrance camera recordings were reviewed starting at 7:00 PM until 8:00 PM. (They kids may live here in DH.)
• Video clips will be passed on to the Cambridge Police
• The actual incident lasted about 5 minutes. No permanent damage is known at this writing. The fire extinguisher will need to recharged. 

George B. – DHMA Safety and Security Committee

900 Marshy Cove 

Cambridge, MD 21613

deepharbour@comcast.net

http://deepharbourmd.blogspot.com

Marina Fire Extinguisher box with extinguisher

 

Attic Sprinkler System Rebuilding

ARK Fire Systems will begin work on our Attic Sprinkler system on Monday, May 3.

You should have noticed the galvanized pipe stored on the West side lawn.

Work will continue for four to five weeks.

This is difficult work. All of the pipe in the attic will be removed and hauled off.

The workman will need to carry all the pipe by hand up and down the stairway.

During the workday, the fourth-floor residents will hear footsteps as the workman walk the rafters. 

The end result will be a properly pitched piping system that will properly drain water after testing. Galvanized pipe should extend the life of the piping for many more years than we have experienced to date.

Hopefully, this will eliminate false alarms caused by pin-hole air leaks in the system.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reminder: Annual Meeting of Owners, May 8, 2021, 10:00 AM.

A Microsoft Teams link will be sent to all owners.

Garage Lights Upgrade.

Residents:

Many thanks for your cooperation with LED lighting improvements in the garage.  You will notice a significant improvement in the brightness. 

 

New Security cameras have been installed in the garage. As you leave the lobby look-up. These supplement the entrance and exit cameras previously installed.

 

Pipes for the Attic sprinkler project have arrived. They are stored outside as they would not fit inside the garage. Work will begin shortly.

Galvanized Pipe should last longer

38 20 foot pipes

Stored near garage exit

Upcoming:

·      Attic sprinkler system pipe replacement

·      Power washing of garage floor

·      Addition of external cameras and upgrading surveillance hardware

·      Expansion tank inspection program. Goal: 100% verification, ZERO FAILURES in 2021.  (two failures this year- $ 5,000 in damages paid by owners.)

Face Coverings are mandatory in our common spaces!

We have had seven Covid-19 cases to date. All have recovered.

Stay Healthy, Your Board of Directors,    mc900@comcast.net http://900marshycove.blogspot.com

Fire Alarm Testing: Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Fire Alarm Testing: Tuesday, February 4, 2020

 

Beginning at 7:00 AM to approximately 12:00 PM on Tuesday, February 4, Fireline, our service provider will be testing the Fire Alarm System.

Annual Fire Alarm testing is required by law.

Strobe Sounder

·                  Expect to hear the fire alarm sounding.

·                  You may ignore the alarms during this period

·                  As a part of the testing, Sentry may be accessing unoccupied units with a master key for 5 seconds to observe that unit strobes and sounders are working.

·                  Elevators could be out of service for 10 minutes 

Questions?   Call Sentry at 410-221-0398

For information on Fire Safety at 900 Marshy Cove go to

Click here for more about Fire Safety at 900 Marshy Cove

Do you have a fire extinguisher within reach of your kitchen stove?

Questions? 

Contact Sentry (410) 221-0398 

cambridge@sentrymgt.com

or mc900@comcast.net

"Living at 900 Marshy Cove"

"Living at 900 Marshy Cove" 

Click here for printable copy

All residents at 900 Marshy Cove

 have received a copy of this booklet.

A copy has been hung on all doorknobs in the building.  

The booklet addresses our more important 

house rules, policies, and practices.  

It also provides answers to many 

of the typical questions that 

new residents, and potential buyers ask.

Landlords that would like a copy may obtain 

one from a member of the board of directors.

Regards, George Breig

900 Marshy Cove Condominium Association

September 2019 

Printable electronic version available 

on https://900marshycove.blogspot.com

Table of Contents

1. Contact Information 

2. Marshy Cove Emergency Policy 

3. Trash Best Practices 

4. Security Codes and Access 

5. Parking 

6. House Rules 

7. Deep Harbour Pool 

8. Quick Guide to Proper Maintenance 

9. Moving Instruction & Policy 

10. Pet Policy 

11. Frequently asked questions 

Events at 900 Marshy Cove - Fire alarm Incident.

To All residents at 900 Marshy Cove

First, thank you for co-operating and enduring the two fire alarms this week. The alarm was a system trouble alarm. No fire was detected.  Everyone heeded the alarm and followed proper evacuation protocol. Any alarm can be the real thing.

Yes, Thursday was a bad day here at 900 Marshy Cove. Despite our efforts to avoid a “Trouble Alarm”, we had our fourth since June.

Our system is inspected once per year for proper operation; however, device failures are often surprises.

What happened?

This week the dry sprinkler system in the attic lost air pressure. Several residents noticed over the weekend that the compressor which maintains the air pressure in the pipelines in the attic was cycling more frequently; but, still keeping the pipeline pressurized. Sentry contacted Fireline, our service provider, to check things on Monday.  On Monday morning before their arrival, pressure was lost and an evacuation alarm sounded.  The diagnosis was a broken compressor.

To bridge the time, a temporary compressor was installed and we were back to a safe state.  Andy and I monitored the air pressure on a regular schedule.  Last night, the pressure started dropping faster than the previous day. Ultimately, pressure was lost at the alarm sounded again at a really bad time. 

Plan

Fireline has ordered a new compressor to replace the current one.

The new compressor will be installed as soon as possible and the pipeline inspected for leaks.

Thanks for your patience on this matter.   Nothing’s easy.

Regards, George B

President 900 MCCA

Smoke Alarms: Seven units to go to 100% compliance

To: Owners at 900 Marshy Cove,

Re: Smoke Detectors in Units

Effective January 1, 2018, Maryland Law requires all residential smoke detectors to be replaced every ten years and with “ten-year battery” units. Our building type and construction date require that they are to be replaced with hardwired, interconnected smoke alarms, Regular battery types do not comply with the Maryland State Law.

Compliance

In the condo association’s effort to achieve 100% compliance, we are asking all owners to upgrade your unit’s smoke alarms to the 2018 standard.  If you particip[ated in our upgrade program, no action is necessary. If you have upgraded your system independently, please contact Sentry or the board by email at mc900@comcast.net.

If no record of the upgrade is received by August 31, the board will take action to install the smoke alarms and assess the unit owner’s account for the materials and labor. This action is supported by the association’s bylaws.

Life Cycle of Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms do not last forever and units that are 10 years old are near the end of their service life and must be replaced. Both hard-wired and battery-operated alarms are equally affected by age. Just like any electrical appliance, the circuitry and components of smoke alarms wear out over time. When a smoke alarm reaches 10 years of use, the potential of failing to detect a fire increases substantially and replacing units after 10 years

Replacement Program

The replacement of smoke detectors in units is the responsibility of each owner. Our smoke detectors are hard-wired and should be replaced by a certified electrician.  They cannot be replaced with non-hardwired smoke alarms. 

To expedite the replacement of unit smoke detectors, the 900 Marshy Cove Condo Association has organized a program with a professional electrician.  You can take advantage of the program by submitting the attached form (Smoke Alarm Form- click here) and returning it to the 900MC Condo Association in care of Sentry Management or depositing it the suggestion box in the lobby. You may, of course, hire your own service provider or contact Max Myers directly.  Let us know when the work is complete.

The estimated cost will be $265 for 4 ten-year hard-wired smoke detectors which include installation. All but, seven units are compliant,

Continued non-compliance puts us all at risk as well as affecting insurance coverage. Compliance is mandated by law.

Note: The smoke alarms inside our units are not connected to the fire evacuation alarm.

Questions:   mc900@comcast.net

Next Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors: 

Saturday,  September 8, 2018 , 10:00 AM

Smoke Alarm Compliance: Mandated by State Law

17 units remain out-of-compliance.  

Safety and Insurance coverage at risk.

To: Owners at 900 Marshy Cove, Re: Smoke Detectors in Units

Effective January 1, 2018, Maryland Law requires all residential smoke detectors to be replaced every ten years and with “ten-year battery” units. Our building type and construction date require that they are replaced with hardwired, interconnected smoke alarms, Regular battery types do not meet the Maryland State Law.

Life Cycle of Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms do not last forever and units that are 10 years old are near the end of their service life and must be replaced. Both hard-wired and battery-operated alarms are equally affected by age. Just like any electrical appliance, the circuitry and components of smoke alarms wear out over time. When a smoke alarm reaches 10 years of use, the potential of failing to detect a fire increases substantially and replacing units after 10 years

Replacement Program

The replacement of smoke detectors in units is the responsibility of each owner. Our smoke detectors are hard-wired and should be replaced by a certified electrician.  They cannot be replaced with non-hardwired smoke alarms. 

To expedite the replacement of unit smoke detectors, the 900 Marshy Cove Condo Association has organized a program with a professional electrician.  You can take advantage of the program by submitting the attached form and returning it to the 900MC Condo Association in care of Sentry Management or depositing it the suggestion box in the lobby. You may, of course, contract your own service provider. Let us know when the work is complete.

Estimated cost will be $265 for 4 ten-year hard-wired smoke detectors which includes installation. 31 of our owners have taken action. 17 remain out-of-compliance.

Continued non-compliance puts us all at risk as well as insurance coverage. The Board will be considering more direct action to achieve 100% compliance. Your action is voluntary. Compliance is mandated by law.

Note: The smoke alarms inside our units are not connected to the fire evacuation alarm.

Questions:   mc900@comcast.net

Stay Safe,

George Breig, President 900MCCA, Unit 408

mc900@comcast.net

Smoke Alarm Replacement Program.

Max Myers, Master Electrician has offered the following package.

4226 Beulah Road, Hurlock, Md. 21643, Cell 410-924-0380

Replace 4 smoke detectors per unit with new 120 volt hard-wired, interconnected

10 year battery back-up smoke detectors made by Kidde.

Price includes labor and maximum of 4 smoke detectors.   ………….$265.00

Price for units with 3 smoke detectors (103…403; 110…410).  ……….$240.00

Combo Carbon Monoxide Alarms are available …………………….add $50.00 _____________________________________________________

Smoke Alarm Update: 28 done, 20 more to go.

A letter has been sent to all owners regarding the Maryland law,

Many thanks to the 28 owners that have complied with the law.
20 more to go. The Board of Directors will be seeking 100 % compliance.

On the top of this web page, there is a tab labeled
"Smoke Alarm Replacement Program 2018". The tab provides access to a printable copy of the form for your convenience. You may contract any qualified electrician to do the work.

Some facts:

• Smoke alarms save many lives every year
• The unit owner is responsible to replace the interior smoke alarms
• The current smoke alarms are over ten years old and out-of-compliance per Maryland Law
• Our unit smoke alarms are hardwired and interconnected and must be replaced wit the same.
• Unit smoke alarms are not connected to the buildings fire alarm system and will not sound a general evacuation alarm
• Unit smoke alarms will detect a fire well before the building's system.
• Only high temperatures of 135 -165 deg f will trigger a sprinkler head and sound a general alarm.
• The building's system has smoke detectors but only in common areas and will not detect smoke in a unit.
• A qualified electrician is recommended to select and replace the smoke alarm
• Eventually the smoke alarms will start to chirp as they become ineffective
• New smoke alarms have sealed ten-year back-up batteries and hush buttons

Protect yourself, your tenants, and your neighbors. 

Attend to this matter as soon as possible.

Thank you , 

George B- President

900 Marshy Cove Condo Association

Smoke Alarm Update: January 27, 2018

A letter has been sent to all owners regarding the Maryland law,
So far only 15 owners have replied.  The board of directors will continue the campaign for 100% compliance.
On the top of this web page, there is a tab labeled "Smoke Alarm Replacement Program 2018". The tab provides access to a printable copy of the form for your convenience. You may contract any qualified electrician to do the work.

Some facts:

• Smoke alarms save many lives every year
• The unit owner is responsible to replace the interior smoke alarms
• The current smoke alarms are over ten years old and out-of-compliance per Maryland Law
• Our unit smoke alarms are hardwired and interconnected
• Unit smoke alarms are not connected to the buildings fire alarm system and will not sound a general evacuation alarm
• Unit smoke alarms will detect a fire well before the building's system.
• Only high temperatures of 135 -165 deg f will trigger a sprinkler head and sound a general alarm.
• The building's system has smoke detectors but only in common areas and will not detect smoke in a unit.
• A qualified electrician is required to replace the smoke alarm
• Eventually the smoke alarms will start to chirp as they become ineffective
• New smoke alarms have sealed ten-year back-up batteries and hush buttons

Protect yourself, your tenants, and your neighbors. Attend to this matter as soon as possible.

Thank you , 

George B- President

900 Marshy Cove Condo Association

IMPORTANT NOTICE Smoke Detector Replacement

To: Owners and Tenants,

Re: Smoke Detectors in Units

Effective January 1, 2018, Maryland law requires all residential smoke detectors to be replaced every ten years and with “ten-year battery” units. 

Life Cycle of Smoke Detectors

Smoke alarms do not last forever and units that are 10 years old are near the end of their service life and should be replaced. Both hard-wired and battery-operated alarms are equally affected by age. Just like any electrical appliance, the circuitry and components of smoke alarms wear out over time. When a smoke alarm reaches 10 years of use, the potential of failing to detect a fire increases substantially and replacing units after 10 years

Replacement Program

The replacement of smoke detectors in units is the responsibility of each owner. Our smoke detectors are hard-wired and should be replaced by a certified electrician.  They cannot be replaced with non-hardwired smoke alarms. 

To expedite the replacement of unit smoke detectors, the 900 Marshy Cove Condo Association has organized a program with a professional electrician.  You can take advantage of the program by submitting a form. The form will be mailed to owners.  Once completed, return the form to the 900MC Condo Association in care of Sentry Management or depositing it the suggestion box in the lobby.

Estimated cost will be $265 for 4 ten-year hard-wired smoke detectors which includes installation.

Note: The smoke alarms inside our units are not connected to the fire evacuation alarm.

Smoke Alarm Replacement Program.

Max M, Electrician, has offered the following package.

Replace 4 smoke detectors per unit with new 120 volt hard-wired

10 year battery back-up smoke detectors made by Kidde

Price includes labor and maximum of 4 smoke detectors.   $265.00

(Price dependent on a minimum of 5 participants)

Ten-Year Hard-wired Smoke Detector Alarm with "hush" button

Questions:   mc900@comcast.net

Stay Safe,

George B, President 900MCCA, Unit 408

mc900@comcast.net

900 Marshy Cove regular Meeting of Directors

Regular Meeting of Directors, January 13, 2018

Time: 10:00 AM, Sentry Management,

3rd floor meeting room, 601 Locust St #302, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Phone: 410-221-0398      

Email: cambridge@sentrymgt.com

Agenda

1. Organization & Roll call

2. Reading/Approval of minutes of November 11, 2017 meeting.

3. Management Report

    a. Review of Action Items

4. Officers and Committee Reports

    a. Presidents report

       i. EOY and 2018 Objectives

     b. Treasurer’s Report

       i. YTD Expense to Budget Review

       ii. Proposed 2018 Budget- Approval

       iii. Reserves analysis

    c. DHMA Status

       i. Traffic

       ii.Gate operators replacement

       iii.Pool Contract

    d. Landscaping

       i. 2018 projects

       ii. Cooperation with DHMA

    e. Pet committee- renewal policy

5. Old Business

    a. Deck repairs - 105 & 403

    b. New cleaning contractor 20/20

    c. Smoke alarm battery replacement, expansion tanks

   d. Fascia repairs

    e. Security: Trespassers and loitering

6. New Business

    a. Any other new business

7. Owners Forum

8. Adjournment

           Agenda subject to change

FIre Safety Alert! FIre Safety Alert! FIre Safety Alert!

Kidde Recalls Fire Extinguishers with Plastic Handles Due to Failure to Discharge and Nozzle Detachment: One Death Reported

Kidde plastic handle fire extinguishers

Consumer Contact:

Kidde toll-free at 855-271-0773 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday, or online at www.kidde.com and click on “Product Safety Recall” for more information.