Ocean City, (June 18, 2006)--- The Delmarva area’s leading flooring company, O.C. Floor Gallery, is reminding property owners to be fire safe at home and avoid the dangers of running electrical extension cords under rugs and carpets. The reminder is timed to coincide with the start of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association’s 114th Annual Convention and Conference in Ocean City.

“The best way to avoid a fire in the home is to prevent one,” stated Chris Williams, President, O.C. Floor Gallery. “The use of extension cords under rugs or carpets is one sure way to cause one,” Williams added. The warning is listed on an electrical fire safety checklist developed by the National Fire Protection Association. Extension cords should NEVER be used under rugs or carpets, or across doorways.

The fire safety message is one of many being advanced by the thousands of firefighters and paramedics arriving in Ocean City this week for their annual convention. The convention features a variety of workshops and seminars to advance the latest information and technology for firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. The annual event is hosted by the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company.

“This convention reminds us of the unselfish commitment these men and women make to keep us safe, at home, at work, and on the highway,” Williams added. “They are truly Maryland’s Bravest heroes here in Ocean City and elsewhere.”

The O.C. Floor Gallery is pledging a portion of every residential flooring contract signed between Memorial Day and Labor Day to support local fire and EMS services as part of Floor It…But Not On The Highway, a high profile highway safety public awareness campaign announced last month. Several businesses, including Jiffy Lube, the Stowaway Grand Hotel, and Seacrets, have supported the campaign and the Tips for Safe Travel brochure that offers safety tips for motorists, pedestrians, teen drivers and children. The brochure, developed with the assistance of the State (MD) Highway Administration’s Highway Safety Office, is also available at the Ocean City Police Department headquarters building (Coastal Highway & 65th) and the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, across the street from the O.C. Floor Gallery.

For more information on this news release or to receive copies of the brochure, please contact Chuck Jackson, O.C. Floor Gallery, 410.213.9234 or 800-990-OCFG (toll-free).