Community Awareness

What Time Is It?

Time to change your clock and check your smoke alarm this weekend

Simple task can be a potentially life-saving one

Montgomery County, MD - -  Daylight savings time ends November 3rd and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is urging all residents to check the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when they change their clocks this weekend to ensure they are working.  “Home fires injure and kill thousands every year,” said Fire Chief Steven Lohr. “Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. I encourage everyone to test their smoke alarms, replace any alarms that are 10 years or older and conduct a home fire drill this weekend.”

The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping. A working smoke alarm dramatically increases the chance for survival and provides advance warning of a fire resulting in more time to react and put a home escape plan into action.

Help keep your family safe by following these fire safety tips

1. Install smoke alarms on all levels of your home, including the basement.

2. Test smoke alarms each month to ensure they are working. Replace batteries annually, as needed.

3. Plan and practice home fire drills regularly. Decide in advance who will help family members that may need assistance escaping (young children, older adults or people with disabilities).

4. Retire old smoke alarms and replace with new ones every 10 years, as recommended by the manufacturer. Haven’t replaced your alarms since 2003? It’s time! Smoke alarms do not last forever and units that are 10 years old are near the end of their service life and need to be replaced.

5. Make sure children recognize the sound of your smoke alarm and how to respond to its signal.

6. Maryland is one of the most recent states to require homeowners replace battery-only operated smoke alarms with units powered by sealed, long-life batteries by January 1, 2018.  Smoke alarm technology has advanced over the years and the recent legislative update to Maryland’s Smoke Alarm Law is part of a nationwide trend to ensure future smoke alarm replacements possess this new technology. Visit our website for more information.

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service will provide and install smoke alarm batteries at no cost to residents and will provide and install smoke alarms for residents that cannot afford them.

Following Our Own Advice 

MCFRS Firefighters continue to 'dig-out' fire hydrants as they come across them. Yesterday, the crew from Fire Station #25 located 5 fire hydrants just like this and got to work and cleared them. Some hydrants were buried in 5 feet, or greater, of snow and ice.

While the snow is melting at a good pace, there are still many hydrants buried due to plowing operations. If you are physically able to do so, please take a moment to find a fire hydrant nearest to you and clear it out for us. Thanks!

Find the Pedestrian! Where?

Exactly! It's almost rush hour and it's going to especially challenging for pedestrians. Snow piles can make navigating streets and intersections dangerous for both pedestrians and drivers. Many pedestrians may be difficult to see and crosswalks challenging to navigate. Drivers should take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that may limit visibility.  

Be especially careful around bus stops and transit centers where there is increased pedestrian traffic. 

Post blizzard conditions can mean increased risk for pedestrians. Hats, hoods, earmuffs and scarves can interfere with the ability to see and hear traffic. Make sure your peripheral vision is clear and pay attention and don't be distracted by cell phones. 

Pedestrians should wear brightly colored clothing so drivers can see you, especially in times of poor visibility, and use reflective clothing or stickers for maximum visibility.

While many sidewalks are still not cleared, we remind all pedestrians to do their best to stay off plowed roadways.

If you must walk in the street, walk against the flow of traffic and as close to the curb as you can. Before you step off the curb, make sure oncoming cars and trucks have come to a complete stop. Due to poor road conditions, motorists may have difficulty stopping at traffic signals or slowing down for pedestrians who have the right of way. 


Always be on the lookout for vehicles that may have lost traction and are slipping toward you. Be aware that approaching vehicles may not be able to stop at crosswalks or traffic signals. Streets and parking lots may be temporarily blocked for snow removal operations. Drivers and pedestrians need to yield to snow removal equipment and staying off your phone and focused on the roads could just save your life. 

We made it this far --- let's all work together and make sure everyone gets where they are going safely! 

9 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe in the Winter

You’re probably already aware of the risks posed by warm weather and leaving pets in hot cars, but did you know that cold weather also poses serious threats to your pet’s health? As activities resume following the blizzard, below are some tips to keep your pets safe during cold weather:

1. Stay inside. Dogs and cats should be kept inside during extremely cold weather. Many people believe that dogs and cats are resistant to cold weather because of their fur but that’s the case. Like people, dogs and cats are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside. Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; however no pet should be left outside for long periods of time in below-freezing weather.

2. Wear a jacket. If you plan on being outside for longer periods with your dog, be sure that he can handle the cold. Some dog breeds have thick coats that are made for cold weather. If your dog has a thinner coat, consider buying them a sweater or jacket.

3. Check paws. Wipe off paws after coming inside. Whether your dog’s paws have collected salt, sand, or clumps of snow, it’s important to clean them immediately when coming inside. Some salts or de-icing chemicals can burn your dog’s paws.

4. No Frozen Dinners. Fresh water is vital for maintaining your pet's health. Keep an eye on food and water bowls and make sure any outdoor bowls haven’t frozen.

5. Avoid ice. When walking your dog, stay away from frozen ponds, lakes and other water and always keep a leash on your dog. If your dog breaks through the ice it could be deadly. And if this happens and you instinctively try to save your dog, both of your lives could be in jeopardy.

6. Keep an ID tag on your pets. It is easier for pets to become lost during the winter months when snow and ice cover up scent trails that they use to find their way home.

7. Road Hazards. Keep a close eye on your pets when they head outside. Pets are naturally curious and this can be especially dangerous when there are harmful chemicals outside. Antifreeze is one of the most common toxicities that affect dogs and outdoor cats. If ingested, antifreeze can be deadly.

8. Pet-estrian Safety. Many sidewalks are still snow covered. Take extra care when walking your best friend and keep all dogs on leashes to ensure their safety.

9. Emergency Preparedness. Just as you plan for your family’s emergency/disaster supply kit, be sure to include your pet’s needs. This kit should include your pet’s medical records, water, food, medications and a fully stocked pet first aid kit.

Solicitations From Montgomery County Volunteer & Career Fire Fighters: Making Sure Your Money Goes to the Right Cause

For Immediate Release: Monday, November 23, 2015

The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection is warning consumers about giving to phony charities that fraudulently claim to represent our local volunteer Fire & Rescue departments or our Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters union.

The Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service is a combined service – consisting of career and volunteer fire and rescue personnel.

While the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service itself does not solicit contributions from the public, the local volunteer fire and rescue departments and the career fire fighters union do – to support activities above and beyond funds given by County government.

Local Volunteer Fire & Rescue departments solicit door-to-door with identification required, via US Mail and do not use telephone solicitations.

The Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters union does solicit by phone, either asking that donations be mailed in or sending an accredited representative with identification to pick up the donation.

By supporting either cause, residents are helping to support the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service in their work to protect our lives, our families and our property.

Sometimes, however, fraudulent charities may contact residents, soliciting contributions and purporting to represent local volunteers or career fire fighters and paramedics.

The County Office of Consumer Protection offers the following tips if you have any questions:

• Contact the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection at 240-777-3636 or visit OCP’s website at http://montgomerycountymd.gov/OCP to report suspicious or fraudulent solicitation.

• Ask for written information about the charity, including name, address and telephone number. A legitimate charity or fundraiser will give out information about the charity’s mission, how your donation will be used and proof that your contribution is tax-deductible.

• Watch out for similar sounding names. Some phony charities use names that closely resemble those of respected, legitimate organizations.

• Be skeptical if someone thanks you for a pledge you don’t remember making. If you have any doubts about whether you’ve made a pledge or previously contributed, check your records. Be on the alert for invoices claiming you’ve made a pledge. Some unscrupulous solicitors use this approach to get your money.

• Refuse high pressure appeals. Legitimate fundraisers won’t push you to give on the spot.

• Avoid cash gifts. Cash can be lost or stolen. For security and tax record purposes, it is best to pay by check.

Wood Stove & Fireplace Safety

It is that time of year again!  Colder temps have us all looking to our home heating systems which, agood number of times, means wood stoves and fireplaces.  Careful attention to safety can minimize fire hazards.

To use them safely:

• Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly. Wood stoves should have adequate clearance (36 inches) from combustible surfaces and proper floor support and protection.
• Wood stoves should be of good quality, solid construction and design, and should be UL listed.
• Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.
• Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.
• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening, to prevent embers or sparks from escaping, unwanted material from going in, and to help prevent the possibility of burns to occupants.
• The stove should be burned hot twice a day for 15-30 minutes to reduce the amount of creosote buildup.
• Don't use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite creosote in the chimney by overbuilding the fire.
• Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.
• Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel. A spark from the fireplace could easily ignite theses materials.
• Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. NEVER close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house.
• If synthetic logs are used, follow the directions on the package. NEVER break a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire or use more than one log at a time. They often burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide.
• Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Place them in a metal container outside and well away from the house.

Being ready is the key to surviving a home fire.

1. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home.
2. Test smoke alarms monthly to be sure they are working and replace batteries at least once a year. If your smoke alarm makes a "chirping sound" - replace the battery immediately.
3. Plan and practice home fire drills.

Make a Home Escape Plan!

One of the ways to keep your family safe is by practicing E.D.I.T.H. (Exit Drills In The Home). Many injuries are caused by people of all ages reacting improperly when there is a fire in their home. They may be affected by smoke, disoriented by being awakened abruptly and frightened.

Remember, your primary route should be the quickest, most direct way out. For example, through the front door to your meeting place or through a window to a roof or balcony where you can safely wait for help. The secondary route should be the next safest, most direct path out. For example, through the window of the room next door. Unless your children are infants, don't have them wait for your help. In a fire, parents may be blocked from their children's bedrooms by smoke or flames. As soon as they are able, each child should know how to escape a fire and be taught to do so as soon as he or she smells smoke or hears the sound of the smoke alarm.

Knowing what to do in the event of a fire is particularly important for older adults. Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the population and also one of the groups at highest risk for fire death and injury. Mobility and reaction times may be slowed; the senses of sight, hearing and smell may be diminished and medications may increase drowsiness, confusion or disorientation. At age 65, people are TWICE as likely to be killed or injured by fires. By age 75, people are nearly FOUR times as likely to die in a fire and over the age of 85? The risk of dying in a fire is increased FIVE times.

If a fire started in your home, would you be able to get out in time? Increase your chances of survival by reviewing these safety tips and remember, having working smoke alarms double your chances of surviving a home fire.

Why are Older Adults at Risk?

• Conditions associated with the aging process place older adults at increased risk for fire injury and death. Chronic illness, decreased mobility, health, sight, and hearing may limit a person's ability to take the quick action necessary to escape during a fire emergency.
• Depending on physical limitations, many of the actions an individual can take to protect themselves from the dangers of fire may require help from a caregiver, neighbor or other source.
• Decreased healing mechanisms. As a result, older adults tend to die from smaller burns, have longer hospital stays and require more time to recuperate from burn injuries.
• Many medications prescribed to treat the ailments of the elderly may cause confusion and fatigue.

By practicing a few simple fire safety tips, you can greatly reduce your chances of experiencing a fire:

Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms.

The single most important step you can take to save your life during a fire is to install a smoke alarm that suits your needs. A working smoke alarm can make a vital difference in the event of a fire and may reduce the risk of dying in a fire by as much as 60 percent. Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home and in sleeping areas. A working smoke alarm can alert you to the presence of deadly smoke while there is still time to escape. Test and dust each smoke alarm monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Change the battery immediately if the unit starts making a "chirping" sound alerting you to a low battery.

It is estimated that one-third of those between the ages of 65 and 75, and one-half of those over 75 have some degree of hearing loss. Deaf and hard of hearing persons cannot rely on traditional audible smoke alarms, but can rely on a vibrating or visual alarms equipped with strobe lights. If you are hearing-impaired, install an alarm that alerts using these signals. Ask friends, family members, building managers or call the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service at 240-777-2467 to install and test the batteries in your smoke alarm if it is hard to reach or to get information on smoke alarms for the hearing impaired.

Smoking is the leading cause of fire-related deaths in the United States.

If you smoke, do it with care. Many fires are started when ashes or cigarette butts fall onto couches, chairs, wooden decks or in mulch. Ashes can smolder for hours before re-igniting.

• Never smoke in bed, while drowsy, or while under the influence of medication or alcohol.
• Use large, deep ashtrays for smoking debris and let the contents cool and douse with water before you dispose of them.
• Put ashtrays in the sink, fill with water, and let it sit overnight before you dispose of the contents. Or, dispose of cigarettes and matches in a metal container, such as a coffee can with a lid, and let it cool overnight.
• Check furniture for any smoldering cigarette butts and ashes before going to bed.

Pay Attention to Your Cooking.

The leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries is careless cooking. Most kitchen fires start because cooking food has been left unattended. Prevent fires and burns by being watchful and alert when you cook, keeping pot handles turned inward, not overheating food (especially fats and oils) and keeping children and pets at least three feet away from the stove. The area around the stove should be kept clear of food packaging, dish towels, newspapers, curtains, cabinets and paper or plastic bags that can easily ignite.

Never lean over a hot burner and wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking to prevent clothing from igniting. Always use pot holders and oven mitts when handling hot pots and pans to prevent burns.

Heat Your Home Safely.

Have a professional service all heating equipment annually. Keep combustibles and anything that can burn or melt away from all heaters, furnaces, fireplaces and water heaters. Use your range or oven for cooking only - never to heat your home.

Hundreds of fires start each year when things that burn, such as curtains, clothing, bedding, gasoline, or paint solvents are placed too close to heaters, furnaces, wood stoves, fireplaces, or water heaters. Store flammable liquids like cleaning solvents and gasoline outside of your home. Have at least three feet of clearance in all directions around portable/space heaters. Use the proper fuel for all heating equipment. Change filters in furnaces monthly. Keep chimneys clean. To prevent scalds, set the temperature of your water heater no higher than 120 degrees. All heating devices should be checked by a professional.

Practice Electrical Safety.

Have a professional electrician inspect your home's electrical wiring system at least every 10 years, and make recommended repairs. Never overload the electrical system. Plug each appliance directly into its own outlet and avoid using extension cords. Have an electrician install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in rooms where water may be present. Install and maintain electrical appliances according to the manufacturers' instructions.

Homes more than 40 years old are three times more likely to catch on fire from electrical causes than homes 11 to 20 years old. That's because older wiring may not have the capacity to safely handle newer appliances and equipment and may not incorporate updated safety features. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are important electrical safety devices that offer superior protection against dangerous electric shock and also may prevent some electrical fires. Have GFCIs installed in bathroom and kitchen circuits and in other locations where water and dampness may be present. Call a professional electrician to make sure you have the proper fuses, find reasons for blown fuses and tripped circuit breakers, replace old or damaged outlets and install more outlets if needed. You are more likely to overload electrical outlets if you use more than one high-wattage appliance on a circuit at a time. Extension cords are meant for temporary use only and should be unplugged when not in use. If you see frayed cords on older appliances, have the cord replaced or; better yet, replace the appliance altogether.

Keep Matches and Lighters Away from Children.

Children and fire - a dangerous, and sometimes deadly, mix. Store matches and lighters in a locked drawer or a high cabinet when you have young visitors in your home. Using lighters that are child-resistant can prevent deaths and injuries.

Use Candles Safely.

As decorative candles have become increasingly popular, candle fires have also increased. If you light candles, keep them away from children and pets, from curtains and furniture, and extinguish them before you leave the room or go to bed. Make sure candles are in sturdy holders that won't tip over and are made of non-flammable material.

Know What to Do in Case of a Fire.

Practicing how you would escape a fire before it strikes will enable you to get out faster. Getting out of your own home sounds easy, but your home can look very different if it's full of smoke. Fire Drills are a good opportunity to make sure that everyone is able to hear and respond to smoke alarms.

• Draw a layout of your house marking all windows and doors. Plan two routes out of each room and practice your plan.
• Designate a meeting place outside and take attendance. Get out and stay out. Never go back into a burning or smoky building.
• Remember to escape first, then call 911. Keep a pair of slippers, eyeglasses and a flashlight by your bed at night. Once you hear the smoke alarm, act quickly and escape.

If you use a wheelchair or walker, or otherwise might have a problem escaping from a fire, discuss your escape plans ahead of time with your family, your building manager and neighbors. Let them know about your special circumstances and ask them to help plan the best escape routes for you. A full fire safety plan covers more than just what to do if the worst happens. It covers prevention and detection too.

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service sponsors a FREE smoke alarm program for qualifying senior citizens, the disabled and low-income home owners of Montgomery County, Maryland. Please contact us at 240-777-2476 for information.

Is it Flu or Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Winter is here and thousands of adults and children will experience "flu-like" symptoms. But not all such cases are caused by the flu virus. Some victims actually have been unknowingly exposed to carbon monoxide (CO), which can result in serious injury or even death. In fact, the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be quite similar to flu symptoms, which can sometimes even mask a CO poisoning. The longer CO symptoms are overlooked, the more difficult it becomes to treat victims effectively.

The symptoms of CO generally progress as exposure increases. If exposure is prolonged, symptoms can become life-threatening, including increased heart rate, loss of consciousness, convulsions and seizures. Coma, brain damage and death can result if exposure is severe.

Carbon monoxide cannot be detected by human senses. The only safe way to detect it is to properly install CO alarms in the right locations in the home. Surprisingly, 75 million American homes do not have CO alarms. In addition to installing CO alarms, watch for these symptoms of CO poisoning:

MINOR SYMPTOMS

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Irritability
• Blurred vision

MODERATE SYMPTOMS (in addition to minor symptoms)

• Drowsiness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Severe headache
• Difficulty thinking

SEVERE SYMPTOMS (in addition to moderate symptoms)

• Increased heart rate
• Loss of consciousness
• Convulsions/seizure

During winter the chance of CO poisoning increases so please make sure to ask the question "Is it flu or CO poisoning?" Don't wait until it's too late to install CO alarms. For more information, visit www.knowaboutCO.com

Fire/Carbon Monoxide Risks During Cold Weather

Cold temperatures may prompt families to turn to drastic measures to heat their homes. Even traditional alternative heating sources, such as a fireplace or space heaters can be dangerous if not used properly. As temperatures drop in your community, some simple tips can help keep families safer.

Winter months in particular are the peak time for house fires and carbon monoxide poisonings, with most incidents due to improperly ventilated or malfunctioning heating sources. Families can better protect themselves by having working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home and in sleeping areas. In addition, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and experts at Kidde recommend the following heating safety tips:

Carbon Monoxide Prevention

• Do not use ovens or stoves to heat your home.
• Do not use charcoal or gas grills inside or operate outdoors near a window where CO fumes could seep in through a window.
• Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves and residue to ensure proper venting. Have all fireplaces cleaned and inspected by a licensed professional annually.
• Have a licensed professional inspect heating systems and other fuel-burning appliances annually.
• Have qualified professionals install fuel-burning appliances and operate according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not use unvented gas or kerosene space heaters in enclosed spaces. Keep doors open to the rest of the house to help promote proper ventilation.
• Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire, and keep it open until the ashes are cool to avert the buildup of carbon monoxide, especially at night while families sleep.
• Do not run a fuel-powered engine, such as a vehicle or generator, inside the home or in an attached garage or carport. CO fumes can seep into the home through air intake valves, baseboards, doors and windows.

Fire Prevention

• Ensure that space heaters meet the latest safety standards, which would include having an automatic cut-off device and protective guarding around the heating coils and burners.
• Place space heaters on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, and keep them at least three feet away from bedding, drapes, furniture and other flammable materials.
• Turn off space heaters when you leave the room or before going to sleep. Keep children and pets away.
• Never use gasoline, charcoal lighter or other fuel to light or relight a fire because the vapors could explode. Keep all flammable materials away.

Smoke Alarms – Don’t Stay Home Without Them!

MCFRS has had several significant fires this year, including some in which people died, where there were no working smoke alarms present.

After many of these fires, MCFRS personnel have gone door to door in the impacted neighborhood offering to check smoke alarms and provide safety information. During the door to door effort Firefighters are finding an “alarming” number of non-working smoke alarms. To ensure the safety of those residents, they immediately installed a new smoke alarm and/or battery.

Please make sure your home has working smoke alarms! Test yours today! Your life may depend on it!

Below please find Ten Tips on smoke alarms, from our friends at the US Fire Administration, you will find useful.

Follow these 10 easy tips on smoke alarms:

1. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to have a working smoke alarm that can sound fast for both a fire that has flames, and a smoky fire that has fumes without flames. It is called a "Dual Sensor Smoke Alarm."


2. Place a smoke alarm on the ceiling of every level of your home and both inside and outside bedrooms. Children and older people can sleep though the loud sound of a smoke alarm. Make sure your escape plan includes someone that can help children and others wake up immediately to escape from the home.


3. If you keep your bedroom doors closed, place a smoke alarm on the ceiling of each bedroom.


4. Check smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button.


5. Never take smoke alarm batteries out to put into other items like games or remote controls.


6. Teach children what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do when they hear the alarm sound.


7. If there is a fire, leave the home right away by crawling low under the smoke and never go back inside.


8. If smoke from cooking makes the alarm sound, press the "hush" button, if your alarm has one. You can also turn on the kitchen fan, open a window or wave a towel near the alarm until it stops making the sound. Never take the battery out of the alarm.


9. Most alarms need a new battery at least once a year. Some smoke alarms have batteries that last for up to 10 years. If your smoke alarm is over 10 years old, replace it with a new alarm and a new battery.


10. If you rent, talk to your landlord about placing a working smoke alarm in your home. You still need to buy a new battery at least once a year for the alarm.