May 27-June 2 is Hurricane Preparedness Week.

According to the National Hurricane Center, every year an average of 11 tropical storms develop over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Many of these remain over the ocean and never impact the U.S. coastline. Six of these storms become hurricanes each year. In an average 3-year period, roughly five hurricanes strike the U.S. coastline, killing approximately 50 to 100 people anywhere from Texas to Maine. Of these, two are typically "major" or "intense" hurricanes (a category 3 or higher storm on theSaffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale). By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. Learn more...

From Nat'l Capital Region News & Information

News Advisory - Officials Urge Extra Vigilance in Response to Two Near-Drownings over the Holiday Weekend

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 29, 2012

               
 

       Officials Urge Extra Vigilance in Response to

Two Near-Drownings over the Holiday Weekend

Rockville - - - Montgomery County Fire and Rescue officials are urging residents to take proper precautions around the water and to keep a close eye on children when they are near any water sources in response to two near-drownings over the Memorial Day weekend.  Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just learning how to swim, many water-related injuries can be avoided by knowing what to do and how to stay safe. The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and the Department of Recreation are joining forces to promote the importance of water safety throughout the summer. Residents are urged to review these water safety tips to increase safety around the water: 

• Learn to swim and never swim alone. One of the best things you can do to stay safe around the water is to learn to swim and to always swim with a buddy. Even experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps which might make it difficult to get out of the water safely.    
  
  
• Teaching your child how to swim does not mean that your child is safe in the water. If you have a pool or are visiting a pool, protect your children by supervising them at all times and being prepared in case of an emergency. Consider designating a “water watcher” when children are participating in water activities.    

• Seconds count when it comes to water emergencies. Keep a phone (cell or cordless) by the pool or nearby when engaged in recreational water activities so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
  
  
• Learn life-saving skills. Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies. In the time it might take paramedics to arrive, your CPR skills could make a difference in saving someone’s life. 

• Avoid relying on inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties” and “noodles” to keep your child safe. These toys are not designed to keep your child safe and are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security. 

• Lifeguards are an important safety feature but are NOT intended to replace the close supervision of parents or caregivers. Remember, lifeguards are not babysitters.
  
  
• Maintain constant supervision of children around water (bathtubs, pools, ornamental backyard ponds, etc.). Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. Don't be distracted by phone calls, chores or conversations. If you leave the pool area, take the child with you. Remember: swim lessons are no substitute for the supervision of children. Formal swimming lessons can help protect young swimmers around the water however constant adult supervision is critical.  

• Diving dangers. Diving injuries can cause permanent spinal damage, injuries and even death. Protect yourself by diving only in designated areas that are known to be safe, such as the deep end of a supervised pool. 

• Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather. 

• Know Your Limits. Watch for the “dangerous too’s” . . . too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity. 

• Water and alcohol don’t mix. Each year, up to half of all adult drownings are linked to alcohol use.

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Department Promotions

MCFRS is pleased to recognize the below individuals who have been recently promoted. Best of luck, and be safe, in your new assignments!

The following personnel have been promoted to the rank of Captain:

• Brady A. Miller 
• Mackall D. Heflin 

The following person has been promoted to the rank of Master Firefighter:

• Mathew M. Houck 

Firing up the Grill? Keep these Safety Tips in Mind

It's Memorial Day and people will be firing up their grills for the first time this year and the last thing on many minds is probably safety, right? Well, it shouldn’t be according to Fire Chief Richie Bowers. Every year, thousands of homes catch fire because of inproper use of grills and the Fire Chief wants to remind residents that preparation is the key to staying safe when using grills this season. 

Before you plan your next outdoor cookout, please review these safety tips:

 If you haven’t used your grill in a while, give it a good spring cleaning. Scour the grate with a wire brush. Save future cleaning time by using a nonstick cooking spray to prevent food from sticking to the grill.

 Before using your grill for the first time this season, go online to check whether your grill has been recalled due to any dangerous defects.

 Position the grill in a well-ventilated, flat and level surface away from your house, overhangs, deck railings, tree branches, shrubbery and anything that can burn. Never use a grill indoors or in a garage.

 Never leave a grill unattended – even for a minute – and supervise children and pets around the grill: declare three-foot “kid-free zone” around the grilling area. 

 Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled-up sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle over the grill and catch fire. 

 Use long-handled tongs and brushes while grilling. 

 Never move a lit barbeque.

 Make sure the barbeque is turned off, and completey cooled, before covering.

For Gas Grills: 

Before grilling, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for checking the connection to the cylinder. An easy way to do this is to tighten the connection, turn on the cylinder and then apply a soapy water solution around the connection. If bubbles appear, the connection is leaking. Turn the cylinder off, reconnect the cylinder and check again. 

 Check grill hoses for cracking, corrosion, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing. 

 If repairs are needed, do not attempt to do them yourself. Enlist a professional. 

 Always keep propane gas containers upright. 

 Always open the lid of a grill before igniting it.

 Regularly remove grease and fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill. 

 If you smell gas, turn the grill off immediately and do not use it until it is repaired.

 Do not store tanks or other flammable materials near a grill, indoors or in a heated area such as a vehicle trunk. Propane tanks need to be stored in well-ventilated areas. 

For Charcoal Grills:

 Use the proper starter fluid and store the can out of reach of children and away from heat sources. 

 Never use any type of grill inside. Don't barbeque in the garage, even with the door open. Barbecues produce carbon monoxide, which can build up in an enclosed area. Carbon monoxide is invisible, colorless and tasteless -- but extremely dangerous. Instead, set up your grill in a corner of your deck or patio. Avoid grilling on a covered or enclosed porch or on top of anything that can catch on fire.

 Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals. 

In Montgomery County, unless you live in a house, it is illegal to:

• Kindle or maintain charcoal burners and/or gas-fired grills on balconies or within 20 feet of any structure. 

• Store liquid propane (LP) gas cylinders, within 20 feet of a multi-family residential building. 

Remember, when cooking outside - ALWAYS open the hood before lighting the grill. ALWAYS keep the grill in a safe area away from children, pets and heavy people traffic where someone could bump into it. NEVER try to grill inside and remember, it is best to grill 20 feet away from anything that can burn. Have a safe summer! 

Sources: NFPA, CPSC and the USFA

Going to the Pool or Beach This Weekend? Keep These Water Safety Tips in Mind.

Keep these Water Safety Tips in Mind

As the weather heats up, chances are you will be headed to the beach or pool to cool off this summer. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just learning how to swim, many water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing what to do and how to stay safe. Drowning is the second leading killer of children ages 14 and under and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service urges residents to review these important tips to increase safety around the water:  

• Learn to swim and never swim alone. One of the best things you can do to stay safe around the water is to learn to swim and to always swim with a buddy. Even experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps which might make it difficult to get out of the water safely.  
• Learn life-saving skills. Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies. Valuable lifesaving seconds are lost by having to wait for Emergency Medical Services to respond and administer CPR. Learning CPR and other life-saving skills and rescue techniques can save lives.   
• Seconds count when it comes to water emergencies. Keep a phone (cell or cordless) by the pool or nearby when engaged in recreational water activities so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
• Don’t rely on swimming lessons, life preservers or other equipment to make a child “water safe.” Remember - swimming lessons are no substitute for supervision of children. Formal swimming lessons can help protect young swimmers around the water however constant adult supervision is critical. 
• Never leave children unsupervised around water (bathtubs, pools, ornamental backyard ponds, etc.). Small children don't think of water as a danger and, by nature, are very curious.   
• Diving dangers. Diving injuries can cause permanent spinal damage, injuries and even death. Protect yourself by diving only in areas that are known to be safe, such as the deep end of a supervised pool. Always check the water’s depth and remember that jumping in feet first can be very risky if you haven’t checked the water for rocks or other hidden hazards.
• Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.
• Know Your Limits. Watch for the “dangerous too’s” . . . too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
• Maintain constant supervision of children. Know where your children are at all times. Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. Don't be distracted by phone calls, chores or conversations. If you leave the pool area, take the child with you.
• Don’t rely on substitutes. The use of floatation devices, water wings and inflatable toys can not replace parental supervision. Such flotation devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.
• Water and alcohol don’t mix. Each year, up to half of all adult drownings are linked to alcohol use.

National EMS Week May 20 – 26, 2012

Rockville - - -  Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week will be celebrated throughout the nation May 20-26, 2012.  Montgomery County fire fighters, all of who are paramedics or emergency medical technicians are called to assist on over 100,000 incidents each year.

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is a full spectrum life safety agency protecting nearly 1 million people who live and work in Maryland’s most populous jurisdiction.  The theme for this year, “EMS: More than a Job. A Calling,” underscores the commitment and dedication of the nation’s emergency medical service (EMS) providers who serve their communities all across the United States.

"The dedicated men and women who serve as EMS providers in Montgomery County are often first on the scene of local medical emergencies, motor vehicle crashes, disasters of all shapes and sizes or other event that may place them in a hazardous environment,” said Fire Chief Richard Bowers,  Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.


“As this year’s theme implies, our emergency first responders serve on the front lines and are an integral part of emergency health care in our communities while performing an extraordinary service.”
EMS Assistant Chief Diane Zuspan added, "Our EMS team provides an essential service to the communities we serve and we proudly recognize these inspiring and dedicated emergency medical responders who, on a daily basis, go above and beyond the call of duty to save lives, often while putting themselves in harm’s way."


Montgomery County has demonstrated an improved quality of out-of-hospital resuscitation through bystander CPR, AED deployment via public access, pre-arrival advanced care and other continuous quality resuscitation improvements. During EMS Week, Montgomery County Fire Chief Richard Bowers wants to especially acknowledge all the men and women of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, bystanders and medical professionals who have been involved in life-saving efforts in the County. 

Practice Makes Perfect!

By: Lieutenant Pete Hageman
       Fire Station #3 D-Shift


During the week of May 22-24 Station 3A,B,C and D Eng3ine, Res3cue, Lad3der trained on the City of Rockville climbing wall at 860 Avery Rd. With 2 Rock climbing walls in the first due, personnel increased their operational awareness on Rescues from difficult climbing techniques, personal rope skills, top belay, grigri belay, ATC belay and pick offs. All enjoyed the alternative rope training. Thank you to the City of Rockville for allowing us to utilize their recreational facility.

Passing of Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Life Active Member Robert W. (“Bobby”) Gollan

The Officers and Members of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (B-CCRS) regretfully announce the death of Robert W. (“Bobby”) Gollan. He passed away early this morning in Mt. Airy, Maryland while in hospice care.

At the time of his passing, Bobby was a Life Active Member. His fifty-three years of service with B-CCRS includes time as Deputy Chief and many line officer positions. He served with compassion and extreme dedication to the ideals of the Rescue Squad, the greater fire and rescue service, and the community. To that end, he also served with distinction as a volunteer leader and member in the Cabin John Volunteer Fire Department and Kensington Volunteer Fire Department.

Bobby leaves his son, Bobby Jr., his mother, Evelyn Gollan, and 2 sisters, Barbara and Sandy.

A viewing will be held at Pumphrey’s Funeral Home in Bethesda. A fire department memorial funeral service will be held at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad in the Rose-Anastasi Room. An internment will follow at Parklawn Cemetery in Rockville. We anticipate the family will authorize the release of confirmed dates and times for the scheduled events to be made public late Sunday, May 19, 2012.

Authority: President Kenneth Yazge
Fire/Rescue Chief Edward G. Sherburne
Past President George Giebel (Family Liaison)
Alumni President Kenneth Holden

The Elders

Note: the below is from a blog written by Pam Boe who is a volunteer Paramedic and is married to one of our career Fire Captains.  This provides you a glimpse into other aspects of public safety life - continuing education and re certification training.  The learning and training never stop!  Our folks are always working hard to be prepared and ready to respond to all sorts of emergencies here in the county.

And some of our folks work hard to become, and maintain, certifications as instructors going that extra mile!  They not only teach a curriculum but they also pass along invaluable real world experiences that may help save a life one day!

Thanks to Pam and her blog, Mama Boe, for allowing us to "reprint" this here.

-Bill D


It takes an innate ability to read an audience to be a decent classroom instructor. Especially when your students are:
1) Adults,
2) Very Bright,
3) In your class mandatorily to maintain their certification, and,
4) Medics.



I don’t know that I would have the courage to lecture such a roughened, seasoned, bunch of extreme, living-on-the-edge-for-a-career kind of people.




(Heck I’m amazed I have the courage to show up at all, even just to sit in the back.)
But these guys do:



Joe, Adam, and Ty….Decades of experience between them. Hundreds of lives saved or healed for the better because of them, personally. Thousands of lives affected positively because of the medics they teach and train.

To be able to teach a subject is to have mastered it. To be able to teach it in a way that keeps the student not only interested, but also entertained, is a talent.

In this particular case, everybody wins. The teachers, for the mastery… the students, to grow their skills and knowledge… and the citizens they serve, for they will get better care for it.

Most people don’t realize how much work goes into and behind each and every 911 call that goes out. It’s not as simple as getting into an ambulance and picking the patient or victim up. Hours and hours of training go into it.

Why?

Because the medics want to do a good job?
Because the medics don’t want to be caught with their pants down?
Because the medics are afraid of litigation?
Because the medics have some kind of ‘Hero’ or ‘God’ complex?

No.

It’s simply because they care.

In The Community

Last night Engine 712 (Hillandale) participated in the Broad Acres Elementary School Community Picnic.  Also dropping by the event was County Executive Leggett who took a moment to stop by and say hello to the Engine Crew.  In the photo with Mr. Leggett is Captain Eric Couse, FF Desmond White and FF Carl Feaster. 

Photo Courtesy of Captain Eric Couse

10 Bike-Related Recalls to Check Out Before You Hit the Road

Bike to Work Day is this Friday.  In advance of that I would encourage all of you to take a peek at the chart below from our friends at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to check to see if your bikes,  components or accessories have been recalled before taking them out on the road this Friday (or any day).

As always when riding your bikes: Use Your Head and Wear a Helmet!

Happy biking this Friday!

Note: by clicking on any of the images below, you can view a larger version.

Product	Recall Press Release	Hazard	Photos
Bridgeway Bicycles (91,000 units)	11-331	The bicycle chain can break, causing a rider to lose control and fall.
Trek 2012 FX and District bicycles (27,000 units)	12-024	The bolt that secures the seat saddle clamp to the seat post can break posing a fall hazard.
Fuji Saratoga Women's Bicycles (10,500 units)	12-112	The bicycle's frame can break in the center of the downtube during use, causing the rider to lose control and fall.
Public Bikes 2010 through 2012 Model Year Bicycles (4,100 units)	12-145	The pedals can crack and break, posing a fall hazard to the rider.
Specialized 2012 bicycles with Advanced Group carbon forks (460 units)	12-096	The brake component housed within the bicycle’s carbon fork can disengage from the fork and allow the brake assembly to contact the wheel spokes while rotating, posing a fall hazard.
Chariot bicycle trailers (44,000 units) and bicycle trailer conversion kits (70,000 units)	12-085	The bicycle trailer’s hitch mechanisms can crack and break, causing the trailer to detach from the bicycle. This poses an injury hazard to children in the bicycle trailer.
Topeak Babyseat® II Bicycle Carrier Seats (40,000 units)	12-143	A child can place his or her fingers in the opening at the grab bar’s hinge mechanism. When the consumer lifts the grab bar to remove the child from the seat, the child’s fingertips can be caught in the hinge mechanism, posing a laceration and fingertip amputation hazard to the child.
Little Tricky Bicycle Helmets (30,400 units)	12-082	Product testing demonstrated that these helmets do not comply with CPSC safety standards for impact resistance. Consumers could suffer impact head injuries in a fall.
GT, Giant and Trek Bicycles with SR Suntour Suspension Forks (17,000 units)	12-149	The suspension fork's internal support tubes can break and cause the rider to lose control, fall and crash.
Gore Bicycle Brake Cables for Road Bikes (9,700 units)	12-125	When the brake cables are installed on Campagnolo® style brake levers, they can detach, causing the brakes to fail and posing a fall hazard.

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What's Invisible, Has No Smell, But Can Kill You?

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is the most common cause of death by poison in the United States, killing more than 500 people every year. It is one of the most dangerous poisons because often people don't know it is present until it is too late. The best way to protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning is to buy a carbon monoxide (sometimes referred to as CO) detector for your home. A properly working carbon monoxide detector can provide an early warning before deadly gases build up to dangerous levels. If you live in a home that is two stories or more, you might want to install two.

For more information, see the "Is it Flu or Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?" page.

If you notice these symptoms and suspect that carbon monoxide is the cause, leave the area immediately and get outside to fresh air. Call 9-1-1 and seek medical help.

Be reminded: Installing a carbon monoxide detector does not eliminate the need to have a smoke alarm in your home. Carbon monoxide detectors do not detect smoke and smoke alarms do not sense carbon monoxide.

CO poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America.
(Source: Centers for Disease Control)

Facts

• CO is a produced anytime a fuel is burned. Potential sources include gas or oil furnaces, water heaters, space heaters, clothes dryers, barbecue grills, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, gas ovens, generators and car exhaust fumes.
• Every year more than 10,000 people die or seek medical attention due to CO poisoning from home-related products. (Source:  Consumer Product Safety Commission)
• More than two-thirds of Americans use gas, wood, kerosene or another fuel as their home's major heat source.
• 65% of CO poisoning deaths from consumer products are due to heating systems.
• Only 27% of homes in America have carbon monoxide alarms, according to recent industry research.
• An idling vehicle in an attached garage, even with the garage door opened, can produce concentrated amounts of CO that can enter your home through the garage door or nearby windows.
• CO poisoning deaths from portable generators have doubled for the past two years, and many of these deaths occurred in the winter months and during power outages.
• A poorly maintained gas stove can give off twice the amount of CO than one in good working order.

Prevention

• Install at least one battery-powered CO alarm or AC-powered unit with battery backup on each level of your home and near sleeping areas.
• Have a licensed professional inspect heating systems and other fuel-burning appliances annually.
• Install fuel-burning appliances properly and operate according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves and residue to ensure proper venting. Have all fireplaces cleaned and inspected annually.
• Do not block or seal shut the exhaust flues or ducts used by water heaters, ranges and clothes dryers.
• Do not leave your car running in an attached garage or carport.
• 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.
• Check all carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Do they use the most accurate sensing technology? Do they need new batteries?

Replace CO alarms every five to seven years in order to benefit from the latest technology upgrades.

Check Your Home for These Recalled Recreational and Home Products Now that Spring is Here

Our partners in safety, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), have just put out a timely reminder that could save the lives of you and your loved ones.  From playground sets to lawn care equipment, these products could be in your back yard or inside the home.

So please take a moment to look at the products below that have been recalled and make sure you take the appropriate steps to protect your loved ones (and you)!

Stay Safe,

Bill

Note: by clicking on any of the images below, you can view a larger version.

Product	Recall Press Release	Hazard	Photo
Adventure Playsets (240,000 units)	11-262	The wood in the posts of the fort sections on the swing sets can weaken due to rotting, posing a fall hazard.
Pacific Cycle Dartmouth Swing Sets (5,500 units)	11-313	The sling-style swing seats can crack or split prematurely, posing a fall hazard to consumers.
Slalom Glider (900 units)	12-109	The Slalom Glider is a playground slide that lacks a transition platform on the top and sides on the chute. Children can fall when moving from the ladder to the slide and when descending the chute.
Uni-O Portable LP Gas Grills (4,530 units)	12-077	The regulator on the grill can leak gas, which can ignite, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.
Westinghouse Ceiling Fans (7,000 units)	12-135	The two 60-watt light bulbs included with the ceiling fans exceed the fan’s maximum wattage, which can cause the ceiling fans to overheat or fail. This poses fire and shock hazards to consumers.
Pourable Gel Fuel (2.5 million bottles)	11-255 11-336 11-337 11-338 11-339 11-340 11-344 11-346 12-002 12-007 12-020	The pourable gel fuel can ignite unexpectedly and splatter onto people and objects nearby when it is poured into a firepot that is still burning. This hazard can occur if the consumer does not see the flame or is not aware that the firepot is still ignited. Gel fuel that splatters and ignites can pose fire and burn risks to consumers that can be fatal.
Kiddieland Toys Fairies Plastic Racing Trikes (12,000 units)	12-029	The plastic fairy figures protrude from the top of the handle bar, posing a laceration hazard if a child falls on them.
Build-A-Bear Swimwear Set With Inflatable Inner Tube (19,720 units)	12-041	The inner tube accessory can be pulled over a small child’s head, posing a strangulation hazard.
American Honda Grass Trimmers (14,000 units)	12-121	The shaft can crack and cause the lower gear case and cutting attachment to detach, posing a laceration hazard to the operator and bystanders.

National Arson Awareness Week - Prevent Youth Firesetting

Did you know that this week is National Arson Awareness Week?  The theme this year is: Prevent Youth Firesetting.


To learn more about this important topic, please go to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) web site.


Stay Safe,


Bill D

A Busy Week

It has been quite a busy week for the women and men of MCFRS.  Below, you will find videos from house fires in Clarksburg and Silver Spring.  I have also included a slide show of photos from the big 3 Alarm apartment fire earlier in the week.

Hoping everyone has a happy and SAFE weekend!

-Bill D

Arrest Made in Chevy Chase 3 Alarm Fire

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 2, 2012

Arrest Made in Chevy Chase 3 Alarm Fire

                                                 

Rockville - - After midnight this morning, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Investigators arrested 24 year old Abraham Ogazgi Kiflu of Chevy Chase. Fire Chief Richard Bowers stated that the man went to the 3^rd District Police Station during the night and asked to speak with the Fire Marshal. During that interview, Kiflu voluntarily confessed to starting the fire. Kiflu was charged with 1^st Degree Arson. Additional charges are pending. Kiflu is a relative of the tenant and was living there at the time of the fire. Exact circumstances and details are not immediately available due to the continuing investigation.

The fire was reported at 2:15 p.m. on May 1, 2012 at 2815 Terrace Drive in Chevy Chase. Montgomery County Fire and Explosive Investigators report that the fire damaged or destroyed 34 units of which 2 were not occupied and displaced more than 100 people. The fire caused in excess $1,000,000.00 damage to the structure and contents. Approximately 125 fire and rescue personnel responded and were on the scene for more than 4 hours.

No civilians were injured. Two firefighters suffered injuries. One firefighter was transported to a local trauma center with serious non life threatening injuries related to heat and the other with minor orthopedic to a local hospital. Both firefighters have since been released. 

  

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