Monday, August 31, 2009

Watch the Kids - County Schools Start Today!

Fire Chief Richard Bowers wants to remind everyone that today is the first day of school for Montgomery County Public Schools and about 142,000 students.  Please take a moment to review the below safety tips from the Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education and AAA:
 
Drivers Tips to Keep School Children Safe


* Slow down in or near school and residential areas.

* Drive with your headlights on - even during the day - so children and other drivers can see you.

* Look for clues such as School Safety Patrols, Adult Crossing Guards, bicycles, and playgrounds, which indicate children could be in the area.

* Always stop for school buses that are loading/unloading students.

* Limit distractions such as cell phones, CD players or other devices that cause you to take your eyes off the road.

* Practice extra caution in adverse weather conditions.

* Pay particular attention near schools during the morning and afternoon hours.

* Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs that children could dart into the road.


Safe Walking Tips for Children

* Always obey Adult Crossing Guards and AAA School Safety Patrols.

* Before crossing - look all ways.

* Obey all traffic signals.

* Use crosswalks and corners to cross the road.

* Where there is no sidewalk and it is necessary to walk in the roadway, walk facing traffic and as far from the roadway as possible.

* Avoid crossing between parked cars.

* Watch for cars. Be sure that the way is clear before you cross.

Remember, school's open - drive carefully. You can make a difference just by staying alert and taking the extra care while driving where children are present.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

New Volunteer Basic Orientation Class Starts With 43 People!

Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association held its latest Volunteer Basic Orientation Class which was the largest to this point! Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Richard Bowers stopped by to show his support and give the opening welcome to the group!

Forty-Three students from nine different volunteer departments participated in the training which is Nine weeks long on and was held on Friday nights. The classes included CPR and AED certification, basic Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Operations, basic fire ground operations, self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and
Incident Command modules. SCBA is the air bottle the fire fighters wear on their back to provide fresh air. PPE is all of the other protective equipment you might see a fire fighter wear at a fire.

Classes are designed to provide new members with a basic level of training and understanding as they begin their path toward becoming an emergency responder. All of the students and instructors are volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering any time from a few hours a month to one night a week, we have emergency operations and non-emergency support positions available throughout the entire county. No experience is necessary and all training is provided FREE. To learn more, please call 240-777-2238 or email fire.recruiting@Montgomerycountymd.gov


Friday, August 21, 2009

MCFRS Command Post At the Fair

There is a lot going on behind the scene at our fair site. Here you see Captain Mauney and Assistant Chief Goldstein getting the personnel assignment sheet in order for the day.

At 9 AM we will have a briefing with all of our staff so that we are ready for the day. Remember we are not just handing out safety materials or doing demonstrations. We are still responsible for fire and EMS protection here. A lot of pre planning goes into this!

Last couple of days before it is over. Hope you have had a chance to stop by and say hi! Several great demos after 5 PM!
Stay Safe,

Bill Delaney
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Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Early Morning Damascus Arson Fires

Investigators Seek Information

Montgomery County Fire and Explosive Investigators are looking for information regarding multiple intentional set fires in the Damascus area during the pre-dawn hours of Tuesday August 18, 2009. Crime Solvers of Montgomery County will pay a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest and/or indictment in this felony crime.
These fires resulted in damage to straw/haybales, multiple mailboxes, a trash can and were potentially very damaging. Arson fires can be hazardous and damaging to both individual(s) intentionally setting the fires and the intended target. Investigators estimate that these fires caused a total of approximately $25,000 in damage. Below is a timeline of the events and a map is also attached:

3:04 a.m. – Straw / hay bales on fire in the 23600 block of Kings Valley Road
3:34 a.m. – Straw / hay bales on fire at Kings Valley Road and Mountain View Road
4:41 a.m. – Straw / hay bales on fire in the 24500 block of Woodfield School Road
5:00 a.m. – Brush and mailbox fire at 9310 Watkins Road
5:00 a.m. – Mailbox fire at 24215 Primula Court
5:06 a.m. – Multiple mailboxes on fire at 7501, 7505, 7513, 7517 Hawkins Creamery Road
5:34 a.m. – Trash can on fire at 24150 Doreen Drive
7:58 a.m. – Landscaping around mailbox was extinguished by the homeowner at 8908 Primula Drive.

Montgomery County Fire and Explosive Investigators are being assisted by the Montgomery County Police in the on-going investigation. Fire Investigators are also asking the community for assistance in identifying the owner of a gas can which was found in the area of one of the fires. The gas can has unique writing and Fire Investigators believe that the owner can identify the gas can.

The maximum penalty for these fires is 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Montgomery County Fire and Explosive investigators are looking for information from the community to help close this case. Anyone with possible information or knowledge about these fires is asked to contact the Montgomery County Crime Solvers toll-free number at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Citizens can leave tips anonymously through Crime Solvers and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest and/or indictment in this felony crime. The reward will be offered for 90 days from the date of this release. The Montgomery County Arson Tipline will also take tips at 240-777-2263. Anyone with possible information or knowledge about these fires is being asked to contact the Montgomery County Crime Solvers toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).









Thursday At The Fair

No postings yesterday as I was actually off!

Things are already in full swing today. One of our groups at the tent is our dedicated Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members. Here they are above ready to provide you Emergency Preparedness information. You can also learn how to join and become a member!

Stay Safe,

Bill Delaney
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Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Car Safety Seat Info

One of our many talented and certified car seat techs explaining the proper use of a booster seat to Mom and son. Do you know our car seat techs go through 40 hours of training to become certified?

If you are at the fair stop by and learn more!

Stay Safe,

Bill Delaney
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Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

Bethesda Antique Fire Truck

It's a little after 9 AM and things are already heating up - literally!

Today is Senior Day at the fair. Chief Larry Gaddis from Bethesda VFD brought along one of his antique fire trucks from 1926. Stop by and take a look (and see above photo).

It is supposed to be a hot one today but we are ready! We have our EMS teams standing by and we have a cooling station in our tent area. If you are coming out today make sure you drink plenty of fluids that are good for you!

Several demos are planned again for tonight. Scroll below and see our list of events,
Stay Safe,

Bill Delaney
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Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

Monday, August 17, 2009

Fire Safety Deal or No Deal

Chief Jarboe from Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department is doing his Fire Safety Deal or No Deal. As you can see, a big crowd is assembled and ready to go!

This is one of our areas where prizes are awarded. But, you better be up on your fire safety and prevention!

The Chief will be here all day so come on by and play!
Stay Safe,

Bill Delaney
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Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

Full day of fun activities planned today

Monday at the Fair at 8 AM. The calm before the storm.

We have a full day of fun activities planned today. Stop by our tent and say "Hi!"

Be safe today!

Bill Delaney
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Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Sunday At The Fair

It is 11 AM and things are already hopping. I am blogging live from the Fair via my Blackberry so we will see if this works.


Long line at our Moon Bounce already!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Our Events At The County Fair

From 10am to 5pm we will have our area open to the public to move through our tent, moon bounce, fire trucks, and the safe trailer. From 5pm-roughly 9pm there will be nightly demonstrations.

FRIDAY AUGUST 14TH
5pm-6pm Public Safety Q and A demo
6pm- Paramedic Fred Maxey will be setting up 5 EMS related scenarios.


SATURDAY AUGUST 15th
5pm-6pm Public Safety Q and A demo
6pm- The Firefighters Combat Challenge Course


SUNDAY AUGUST 16th
5pm-6pm Public Safety Q and A demo
6pm-Station 7 B shift will be doing a dramatization of a HAZMAT incident. They will also be displaying their equipment for the crowd to see.


MONDAY AUGUST 17th
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – “Deal – No Deal Public Fire Safety Education Game – sponsored by Takoma Park VFD
5pm-6pm Public Safety Q and A demo
6 PM – 8:00 PM – “Deal – No Deal Public Fire Safety Education Game – sponsored by Takoma Park VFD+
7PM Fire Safety Puppet Show – sponsored by the Sandy Spring VFD
7:45 PM EMS Demonstration performed by Wheaton Vol Rescue Squad and BCC Rescue Squad


TUESDAY AUGUST 18th
5pm-6pm Public Safety Q and A demo
6 PM – 8:00 PM – “Deal – No Deal Public Fire Safety Education Game – sponsored by Takoma Park VFD
6:30 PM Kitchen Fire Safety hosted by the Sandy Spring VFD


WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19th
5pm-6pm Public Safety Q and A demo
6pm: The dogs of Montgomery County.


THURSDAY AUGUST 20th
5pm-6pm Public Safety Q and A demo
6PM – 9PM Water Supply Static Display – Hyattstown VFD
6pm- Captain Green from Station 3 is demonstrating rope and technical rescue


FRIDAY AUGUST 21st and SATURDAY AUGUST 22nd
5pm-6pm Public Safety Q and A demo
The auto extrication competition will begin at 6:30 PM in the Grandstand area
7:00 PM – Fire Safety Puppet Show – sponsored by the Sandy Spring VFD
8:00 PM – Kitchen Fire Safety – sponsored by the Sandy Spring VFD

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Blog Talk Radio Show on Thursday!

Join host Bill Delaney and special guest, Captain Tom Foster, as they take you behind the scenes of the upcoming Montgomery County Fair. They will also go over what MCFRS will be doing at the Fair and run down the special demonstrations each night. Listener calls and emails will be taken.
Go to: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mcfrs at 10:30 AM on Thursday.
Date / Time: 8/13/2009 10:30 AM Call-in Number: (646) 716-9998

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Cost Effective Life Safety Programs

As the Program Manager for Community Life Safety Education, I am always looking for cost effective ways to promote and enhance our fire and injury prevention efforts. This approach is even more important during these trying economic times!

But tough times can also lead to new, and previously considered unusual, opportunities. Recently I have been able to establish a partnership with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene – a very non traditional partnership for us in the fire service. The funny thing is it should be a very prominent partner for us as they have basically the same fire and injury prevention goals that we have.

This partnership has resulted in a recent donation of 700 ten-year lithium smoke alarms (approximate value of $8,400) that are to be used for our seniors or families that can not otherwise afford an alarm due to financial circumstances. We are also in the beginning stages of becoming a partner agency on a falls prevention grant with the DHMH. This program will again benefit our senior population here in the county by preventing unnecessary falls and, sometimes tragically, the corresponding injury.

As Fire Chief Richard Bowers has stressed repeatedly, one of our primary responsibilities is to prevent the 9-1-1 call! A falls prevention partnership will go a long way to keeping our seniors safe from harm and reducing the number of emergencies our fire and ems units respond too! I am also hopeful that by partnering with many agencies, including our own County Health and Human Services Department, we will be doing so in a very cost effective manor while bringing a very diverse group of health and safety advocates together for the greater good.

Stay safe out there!

Bill Delaney, Program Manager – Community Life Safety Education MCFRS