July 21st, 2024 by WCBC Radio

The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal's partner in fire prevention, the Ocean City Fire Marshal's Office notified us of an issue they experienced in the Town of Ocean City where fire alarms that are typically monitored by a private company may not notify the fire department as designed due to the global CrowdStrike software-update.  This update is effecting businesses and industries across the entire country.  The issue does not appear to effect fire alarm system detectors or occupant notification features such as lights/strobes and horns/sirens within a structure; some systems that would typically automatically contact the fire department via phone line may temporarily NOT complete that function resulting in a delay in fire department response.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal asks that if you do hear a fire alarm sound, you treat the alarm as an actual emergency and follow your buildings escape plan and call 9-1-1 from a safe location. By not having that additional level of notification made by the system could delay fire department service.

Property owners may contact their management company and/or fire alarm contractor if they are experiencing issues.