Widespread Power Outages Prompt Important Warnings and Reminders from Fire Officials

Rockville - - - As of 1:00 this afternoon, Fire and Rescue personnel have responded to over 800 emergency calls since last night’s severe storm system moved through the area. During the height of the storm, fire personnel responded to over 300 calls in a three-hour period. Emergency calls have ranged from structure fires, critical medical calls, collisions, elevator rescues, lightening strikes, wires down and a large number of homes damaged by trees and tree limbs. 

Fire officials urge residents to continue to reach out and check on elderly friends and neighbors as well as those with health conditions. Officials provide the following important reminders as the area rebounds from the storm:

• Use extreme caution when cleaning up storm damage on your property. Downed or damaged power lines can send electrical currents through tree branches and metal fences, so survey the area carefully - especially if you'll be using a pruning pole, ax or chainsaw. Do not remove fallen tree limbs or other debris from power lines. Tree limbs and other objects can conduct electricity and carry a current strong enough to cause serious injury or death.
• Keep your distance from any downed power lines and call 911 to report them.
• Don’t drive over downed lines and treat all wires – even those that are hanging or down – as if they are “live” (energized).
• Keep children and pets away from areas where power lines may have fallen.
• Do NOT use candles for lighting. Using candles during a power outage poses an extreme risk of fire. Use flashlights or battery-powered lighting options.  
• Turn off any heat-producing appliances (toaster oven, range, irons, etc.) that were running when the power went out to prevent them from starting unexpectedly when power is restored.  If left on, they can pose a serious fire hazard.  
• If you are using a generator, make sure it is in a well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of breathing harmful fumes. Never place a generator under an open window and follow all manufacturer instructions.
• Make sure the batteries in your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm are fresh. Test alarms to ensure they are working. 
  
  

                                               #   #   # 

After The Storm Tips

1. Listen to the authorities. Remain indoors until an official "all clear" is issued.

2. Use extreme caution when cleaning up storm damage on your property. Downed or damaged power lines can send electrical currents through tree branches and metal fences, so survey the area carefully - especially if you'll be using a pruning pole, ax or chainsaw.

3. For downed trees on public property, Montgomery County residents should call -311 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays (or             240-777-0311       from outside the county or from a cell phone), or file a report at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311. If live wires are involved, the tree is blocking a roadway, the tree is on a structure or if anyone is trapped under a fallen tree, call 911.

4. Know your limits. Many storm-related deaths and injuries involve existing health problems exacerbated by the physical demands of cleanup activities.

5. Drive with caution. Avoid areas subject to flooding, including low spots, canals and streams. Do not attempt to drive on a flooded road, which could lead to becoming stranded or trapped because the depth of the water and the condition of the road is not always obvious.

6. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers, downed wires and other hazards.

7. Call 911 for life threatening situations only.

8. Call authorities to report any hazards such as downed power lines, leaking gas mains, broken water mains and overturned gas tanks.

9.  Watch what you eat. If power was off during the storm, check refrigerated and frozen foods for spoilage. When in doubt, throw it out.

10. Avoid areas subject to flooding, including low spots, canals and streams. Never attempt to drive on a flooded road.  

11.  Replenish supplies used from your emergency kit as soon as possible, you might need it again next week. 

12. Check on your neighbors - especially the elderly, those with special needs or the disabled.

Montgomery County Fire Investigators Seek Assistance in Identifying Arson Suspect

Rockville - - - Montgomery County Fire Investigators are asking for assistance in identifying the person responsible for an arson fire at the Ebony Unisex Barber shop at 936 Bonifant Street in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Fire & Rescue units responded to the Ebony Unisex Barber shop at approximately 2:35 a.m. on June 28 and found fire coming from the front of the barber shop.  Fire investigators determined that the fire was intentionally set using an accelerant.  The fire caused approximately $100,000 damage to the structure and its contents.

Earlier in the morning on June 28 around midnight an unidentified male was observed smashing a hole in the front door of the barber shop.  This is the third time in recent weeks that the Ebony Unisex Barber has been the target of vandalism and/or arson.   

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6 feet in height, 200-220 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black shorts and black shoes.  

Anyone with information related to this arson fire is asked to call the Arson tip line at 240-777-2263.

                                                                          # # #

Reminders, Tips for Safe Disposal of Ash from Grills Provided by Division of Solid Waste Services, Fire & Rescue Service

With grilling season in full swing, Montgomery County’s Division of Solid Waste Services (DSWS/Dept. of Environmental Protection) and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service are issuing reminders and tips about the importance of safely disposing of the ash generated when using outdoor grills. 

Residents are reminded to never put out ashes from outdoor barbecues (and fireplaces) for collection with their regular household trash unless they have been thoroughly soaked with water or held for at least a week to ensure there are no residual embers.

Cooled ashes may be brought to the Solid Waste Transfer Station, for disposal in specifically-designated ash containers. The Transfer Station is located at 16101 Frederick Rd., Derwood (off Rt. 355 at Shady Grove Rd.). 

If delivering ash by car, residents are asked to use the Frederick Rd. (Rt. 355) entrance just south of Shady Grove Rd. The Transfer Station's Public Unloading Facility (PUF) -- also called the "Car Ramp" -- has several steel drums marked specifically for ash disposal. The drums are located between trash drop-off bays. DSWS staff verifies that the ash has cooled off before taking it to the rubble drop-off area for disposal. 

If delivering ash by truck, residents should use the Shady Grove Rd. entrance and speak to the scale house staff for further instructions. 

“Many residents are enjoying the summer weather, spending more time outdoors, and having barbecues. It’s extremely important that they allow the ashes from their grills – as well as any fireplaces or fire pits – to cool down completely before they properly dispose of them,” said Dan Locke, chief of the Division of Solid Waste Services. 

“Hot ashes that are not properly cooled and disposed are significant fire hazards, capable of starting fires while mixed in loads of waste in refuse collection trucks, on rail cars on their way to waste disposal facilities, or while waste is actually being processed at the County’s Transfer Station or Resource Recovery Facility,” Locke said. 

“The risk of fire becomes even greater due to the hot, dry weather conditions during the summertime.” 

Fire Chief Richard Bowers added, “Improper disposal of ashes or hot coals from fireplaces, grills or mobile fireplaces designed for decks or patios has become a common cause of many recent fires. 

“Embers often concealed in what appears to be cold ashes, can remain hot enough to rekindle a fire for several days,” he explained. “We want residents to enjoy their fireplaces and grills but to always dispose of the ashes wisely.” 

Fire Department officials remind residents to:

• Allow ashes and coals to cool in place for several days, if possible.

• When it’s time to dispose of the ashes, transfer them to a metal container and wet them down. Only use an approved metal ash bucket that has a tight fitting metal lid.

• Store the container outside, away from structures, decks, fences, wood piles or other combustible materials.

• Never use a vacuum cleaner to pick up ashes.

• Never dump ashes into a plastic container, cardboard box, bag, or anything or in any place where combustible fluids of fumes are present.

• Don't dump ashes outside on a windy day. The wind can whip up what may have seemed like cool embers, making them fiery hot and sending them traveling to ignite nearby combustibles.

• And lastly, always have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them monthly.

What You Need to Know About Fireworks

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 26, 2012

               What You Need to Know About Fireworks

                Fireworks are not only dangerous, but ILLEGAL                                                                 

Rockville - - - The Fourth of July is right around the corner and Montgomery County Fire Chief Richard Bowers is reminding residents that ALL fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County and that the County will be continuing its ‘zero tolerance’ policy regarding illegal fireworks.

In an effort to stress the seriousness posed by the use of dangerous and illegal fireworks, Fire Officials across the region launched a comprehensive effort several years ago to inform and educate the public about illegal fireworks. “The law in Montgomery County is clear and the safest, and smartest, way to enjoy fireworks is to enjoy one of the many public displays in the area,” said Fire Chief Bowers.

Here’s what you should know:

The Law:
It is illegal for any person to manufacture, possess, store, offer for sale, sell, discharge, use, burn or explode any fireworks in Montgomery County, Maryland, except that an authorized display may be conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic professional with a permit. Penalties for violations of the law include a fine up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail. All fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and the City of Baltimore. Montgomery County Fire Safety Code: Section 22-70: Fireworks.

What fireworks are legal?
In Montgomery County, ALL fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge including gold label sparklers. Snap-and-pop noise makers, snakes and party poppers are the only exception to this law.

Can I receive fireworks at my home through the mail?
No. Use of the mail for the transportation of fireworks for use in the State of Maryland is illegal.

Can I have a private fireworks display at my residence with proper permits?
No. You can not have a private display; however, you can apply to have a public display with proper permits and insurance.

Can I receive fireworks at my residence delivered by a public carrier?
No. It doesn’t matter where the fireworks are purchased or how they are brought into Maryland. Fireworks are still illegal in Montgomery County.


Where do I report violations involving fireworks?
Residents should call 301-279-8000. Do NOT call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help. Unnecessary 911 calls can prevent people with real emergencies from reaching 911 and getting help.

Where can I go in Montgomery County to see the fireworks?
The Fire Chief and safety experts agree that the best way to celebrate is to enjoy one of the many free, public fireworks displays in the area on July 4^th. Public fireworks displays, conducted by trained professionals, are the smartest and safest way to view fireworks because they are established under controlled settings and safety regulations and monitored by public safety organizations. Area July 4^th displays include:

 • Gaithersburg, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg, Maryland. (301) 258-6350. Gates open at 5 p.m. Walk-in at Chestnut or Dalamar Streets; the Perry Parkway entrance will be closed. Entertainment at 7 p.m. Fireworks at dusk.

• Rockville, Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, Maryland. Additional parking will be available at Rockville Town Center. Live entertainment begins at 7 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

• Boyds/Germantown, Germantown Soccerplex, 18041 Central Park Circle, Boyds, Maryland. (240) 777-6820. Family concert at 7 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

• Poolesville, Poolesville Polo Grounds, 14660 Hughes Rd., Poolesville, Maryland. Live music begins at 6 p.m., Fireworks at 9 p.m. Parking is $5 per vehicle. (301) 972-8888.

• Kensington/Wheaton, Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Road, Kensington, Maryland. Entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks show will begin approximately
at 9:15 p.m. Since there will be no on-site parking at the school or at adjacent properties, except for handicapped parking, free shuttle bus service will pick up passengers beginning at 6:15 p.m. at Westfield Wheaton and the Wheaton Metro Station.

• Takoma Park, Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Road, Takoma Park, Maryland. (301) 270-6876. Parade at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Carroll and Ethan Allen Avenues. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Lastly, while fireworks displays can be exciting they can be extremely stressful and frightening for your pets. Leave your pets at home, be sure they are wearing proper identification so they can be reunited with owners should they get lost or run away and never leave pets in a locked car since vehicles can heat up to dangerous levels in just minutes.    

The below video is from a region wide press conference held last week here in Montgomery County.  It shows you what can occur when you are attempting to use illegal fire works.                                                                  

Alert Montgomery

With some of the local storm activity over the past couple of weeks, I thought it was a good time to make all of you out there aware, or remind you, of a great FREE alerting tool that you can sign up for.  It is called Alert Montgomery and the system allows you to receive important emergency alerts, notifications and updates on any and all of your electronic devices.


You can receive notifications via the following platforms:

• e-mail account (work, home, other)
• cell phone
• text pager
• BlackBerry
• wireless PDA
• XM Radio Channel 214
• Twitter: Add "Montgomery County MD" in find people
• Facebook: Add "Montgomery County MD" in friends
• Facebook: Add "Montgomery County MD Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security" in friends
• Text MONTGOMERY to 411911

To learn more and sign up, please go here: ALERT MONTGOMERY

What Every Family Needs to Know

No one wants to think about having a fire at home. But thinking about it and being ready for it can and does save lives. Having working smoke alarms in your home provides early warning if there is a fire. Planning and practicing a home fire drill can prepare you to get out safely. If you think your home is not at risk for a home fire, consider these statistics: every 60 seconds there is a fire in the United States, approximately 4,000 people die in fires annually, and about 80 percent of these deaths occur in the home.

Please take a couple of minutes to talk to your family about fire safety today!

Sincerely,
Chief Bowers and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service

NOTE: While it appears some letters are missing on the side of Page 1, they do show up when you download and then print out.  BD
Forschool

Several Product Recalls Due to Fire, Burn, and Shock Hazard

Usually, we post Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls on our Twitter and Facebook pages.  Every once in a while, they put out a whole lot at once and it is best to put them all here on our blog in one spot.

In this instance, a lot of fire related recalls.  Please take a moment and click on the links below to learn more and see if you possibly have one of these potentially dangerous products in your home.  If you do immediately take the steps recommended.

Big Lots Recalls Portable Ceramic Space Heaters Due to Fire, Electric Shock Hazard

Ceiling Mounted Light Fixtures Recalled by Thomas Lighting Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

Bel Air Lighting Recalls Outdoor Wall Mount Lanterns Due to Fire, Burn and Shock Hazards

Air Movers Recalled by EDIC Due to Fire Hazard

Summer’s First Heat Wave Coming – Be Ready

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 20, 2012

Fire Officials Urge Residents to be Careful and Check on Elderly Neighbors    

Rockville - - - The first day of summer is going to be sizzling in the metropolitan area with sustained, high temperatures predicted through the week making it especially dangerous for the those at greatest risk including the elderly, the young, those with existing medical conditions and those that work outdoors.

While staying hydrated is essential all year long, it is particularly important when temperatures soar. Fire Chief Richard Bowers is urging residents to to stay cool, stay hydrated and to check on the welfare of elderly or at-risk neighbors. “Summer heat waves can be dangerous and even short periods of high temperatures cause serious health problems.Whether on the sports field or the construction site, folks need to take action to prevent heat-related illness.”

During hot weather and extreme heat this summer, keep informed by listening to local weather and news channels, use common sense and take a minute to review the tips below.

1. Pre-hydrate, hydrate and re-hydrate.
During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Drink plenty of fluids in advance, during and after activities and don’t wait until you're thirsty to hydrate.  Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluids you drink or has prescribed water pills, ask how much you should drink when the weather is hot.

2.  Dress for the heat.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect some of the sun’s energy. Limit your direct exposure to the sun and wear a hat for extra protection.

3.  Monitor those at high risk.
Extreme heat can be hazardous to your health and although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Those most at risk for heat-related illnesses include children, older adults, those that work or exercise outside and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Elderly, low income or individuals with disabilities in Montgomery County in need of a fan can call 240-777-3000 for information on free fans.  

4. Children and cars - use common sense.

Never leave infants, children, pets or the elderly in a parked car where temperatures can become life-threatening in minutes, even with the windows rolled down. Additionally, hot interior surfaces of a car can burn a child’s skin. Before you put your child in a car that has been parked in a warm/sunny spot, check the temperature of the carseat or upholstery first.

5. Avoid strenuous activity.
When possible, strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest part of the day. Take regular breaks when exercising or engaged in physical activity on warm days. If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing signs of a heat-related illness, stop the activity immediately, find a cool place to rest, hydrate and seek medical attention if necessary.

Remember, heat stroke is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY that can be fatal if not treated promptly. The American Red Cross advises that warning signs can vary among individuals but common signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke may include:  

Heat Exhaustion:

      -  Heavy sweating
      -  Muscle cramps
      -  Pulse rate: fast and weak
      -  Breathing: fast and shallow
      -  Nausea or vomiting
      -  Fatigue
      -  Weakness
      -  Headache and/or dizziness

Heat Stroke:

-  An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees)
-  The absence of sweating
-  Rapid pulse
-  Difficulty breathing
-  Throbbing headache
-  Strange behavior and/or hallucinations
-  Confusion, agitation and disorientation
-  Unconscious                             

6. Be a good neighbor.
Isolated, elderly adults are at a much higher risk of health-related issues. Be a good neighbor and take a minute to check in with your neighbors.

7. Remember your pets.
Hot weather can affect the well-being of pets making them susceptible to overheating which can lead to very dangerous heat stroke. Always provide a source of water and a cool, ventilated  place for your pet. Leaving your pet inside a parked car, even for a few minutes, can be fatal. The inside of a car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.

8. Stay indoors, if possible.  
Stay indoors and, if possible, in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider going to the shopping mall, community center or public library. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you return to the heat. 

Hear Us, See Us, Clear for Us!

“Please Abide – Pull Aside”

Do you know what to do when approached by an emergency vehicle? The metropolitan area is often crowded and congested with traffic conditions caused by commuters, collisions, work zones and sometimes just “normal” traffic.

Emergency vehicles are impacted by these conditions, as well. When somebody calls 911 for help – the men and women of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service respond. How can everyday drivers help us to help you? – Normally drivers will HEAR usfirst, next they will SEE us, and then we need drivers to CLEAR for us.

HEAR US - SEE US - CLEAR FOR US 

C – L – E – A – R for emergency vehicles.

C – Calmly pull to and as close to the edge of the roadway as possible and stop.

L – Leave room. Keep intersections clear and never try to follow emergency vehicles.

E – Enter into traffic with caution after the emergency vehicle has passed. Remember to use signals.

A – Aware (be). Be aware of your surroundings. Keep radio volume low and check rear view mirrors frequently.

R – Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle ha passed. Be mindful that there may be additional emergency vehicles approaching.

When approached by an emergency vehicle – the law says to pull over to the closest parallel edge of the roadway and yield the right of way to the emergency vehicle. An emergency vehicle is one with an audible siren and/or siren and emergency flashing lights. When driving and approaching an emergency scene – slow down and move over. In other words - “Give us a brake!”

Reduce the risk of an accident near an emergency scene and around emergency equipment.

Stay alert – expect anything to occur when approaching emergency vehicles.

Pay close attention – watch for police or fire direction.

Turn on your headlights – let on scene workers and other motorists see you.

Don’t tailgate – unexpected stops frequently occur near emergency scenes.

Don’t speed – slow down.

Keep up with the traffic flow – dedicate your full attention to the roadway and those traveling around you.

Minimize distractions – avoid changing radio stations and using mobile cell phones while approaching these areas.

Expect the unexpected – keep an eye out for emergency workers and their equipment.

Be patient – remember, firefighters and EMT’s have been called to the scene and are working to help someone.

In Montgomery County pedestrian and traffic safety issues are front and center. If you travel by car or are a pedestrian, please place extra emphasis on safety. Simply looking both ways before crossing a street, crossing in a crosswalk, spending a few extra seconds to cinch the belt on your child's safety seat, or delaying departure to ensure you get enough rest before a long trip can make all the difference. Preventative safety, while measured in seconds or minutes, can save you from months or years of anguish, grief, and "what if". Be smart. Be safe.

MCFRS Recruiting Section Will Be Attending A Job Fair On Friday, June 15 in Silver Spring

The MCFRS Recruiting Section will be attending a job fair on Friday, June 15 at the Silver Spring Civic Building, located at One Veterans Place in downtown Silver Spring.   The job fair will be held from 3 to 5:30 p.m.  The job fair is part of a celebration to recognize Caribbean American Heritage Month. 

Although MCFRS is not currently accepting applications, the recruiting section will be available to answer questions regarding our hiring process, benefits and work environment. Please stop by and see us.  More information can be found at:  Montgomery County Celebrates Caribbean American Heritage Month 

Water Safety

Lieutenant Pete Hageman appeared on County Report This Week to pass along some water safety tips. There have already been three near drownings in the county in the last couple of weeks! Please take a moment to watch the video to learn more. In addition, please feel free to GO HERE for more tips. As always - Be SAFE!!!

Chief Bowers Presents Unit Citation

Last week, Fire Chief Bowers presented personnel from Fire Station 34-A Shift with a unit citation for operations performed at a complicated crash scene.    

Fire Units were dispatched for a report of a car that veered off the road. A car traveling North on 270 went off the road and came to rest on its side in the drainage ditch between the on and off ramps for RTE 118. Upon arrival of units a single car was found on its side with two seriously injured patients trapped in the car.

The car was stabilized and occupants were removed from the vehicle.  Fire and Rescue personnel then had to perform a difficult slope evacuation to get both occupants back up to the hard top where they were loaded into waiting ambulances and transported to a local hospital.

Great job by all!

Fire Chief Bowers presenting a Unit Citation to FS34-A Shift for operations at a complicated crash scene

Photo by Captain Mike Baltrotsky 

Driver Training

By: Firefighter Dan Rothermel


Have you ever wondered what kind of training our apparatus drivers go through? Well, to drive a fire engine in Montgomery County our personnel have to have over 120 hours of training and have driven a MCFRS ambulance for at least one year. All drivers must be over 21 years old as well. Have a safe day and remember to ALWAYS wear your seatbelt even if you are going just a short distance.

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 Lieutenant:

* Gregory R. Ransom  

 * Matthew E. Sutton 

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

        * Donald C. Phelps

No Twitter? No Problem! You Can Still Get MCFRS Updates!

Do not have a Twitter account but want to receive Montgomery County Fire and Rescue’s tweets? No problem.

A Twitter feature called Fast Follow make it possible for those with a cell phone and a text messaging plan to receive tweet’s on their phone.  Understand that Text messaging rates apply.

Here is how you do it:

Text “follow @mcfrs” to 40404.  You will get a text message back indicating you are now following @MCFRS.  The text will also provide guidance on how to stop the text messages if you no longer wish to receive them.

If you follow, you can expect to receive all of the latest news, updates, and safety tips from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue.

CHILDREN IN CARS Heatstroke Prevention Tips for Parents and Caregivers

A good safety tip from our partners at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Heatstroke Safety Tips

TURN AROUND - DON’T DROWN and Try an Alternate Route! List of Roads That Flood.

Many Roads in Montgomery County Susceptible to Flooding so Consider Alternate Routes Beforehand!

There is a FLASH FLOOD Watch in effect for the County until mid-night tonight!  County residents are urged to be alert to changing weather conditions and should be prepared for possible flash flooding over the next several hours as storm systems continue to move into the area and could bring heavy rains. 

  

Flash floods more often occur in mountain streams, hilly areas or low-lying areas.  But they do happen in urban and suburban areas like Montgomery County, as well.  Flash floods can occur even though it's not raining where you are.  It may be raining hard farther upstream and raining so hard that the water can not be absorbed into the ground.

  

Safety Tips: 

If a flash flood warning is issued, act immediately.  Don't wait for high water to dictate your course of action. 

Know your location when you are driving.  If you needed rescue, would you be able to direct emergency crews to your location?  Distracted driving can lead to a situation where you are stranded and unable to direct emergency crews to you.  Be alert! 

  

Never drive through a flooded road or bridge.  Turn Around - Don’t Drown and try an alternate route!  In many cases, it takes far less than a foot of water to incapacitate a vehicle.  It may stall, leaving you stranded, and depending on the level of water, you may not be able to open a vehicle door.  Do not underestimate the power of moving water. 

  

Watch for flooding at bridges and dips in the road.  Never drive where water is over bridges or roads. Turn around - Don’t Drown!  The bridges or the road could suddenly be washed out. If you're driving at night be especially careful.  Often visibility is limited due to wind and rain. 

  

Often what you can't see below the surface of the water is far more dangerous than the high levels of that water.  Remember that rocks, tree limbs and other debris can be caught in moving water and can be dangerous if you are forced to walk, wade or swim through flood waters. 

  

If you have to walk or wade through flood water, use a stick to poke the ground in front of you with each step.  It can help you determine water levels, the bottom surface and the safest possible way to get to higher ground. 

  

Remember that flash floods can come without warning, and sometimes without weather.  Be alert and heed all warnings and recommendations from officials. From FEMA's website, some further information about driving through flooded roadways:

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles.  
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV's) and pick-ups

TURN AROUND - DON’T DROWN and try an alternate route!

ROADS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY SUBJECT TO PERIODIC FLOODING: 

DOWN-COUNTY AREAS

MD 29 (Columbia Pike) at Paint Branch - N. of White Oak 
MD 185 (Conn. Ave) at Rock Creek - S. of Kensington 

MD 190 (River Road) at Cabin John Creek - Potomac 

MD 193 (Univ. Blvd) at Sligo Creek - Wheaton 

MD 586 (Viers Mill Rd) at Rock Creek - S. of Twinbrook Pkwy. 

Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park - Kensington-Chevy Chase 

Sligo Creek Pkwy - Silver Spring-Takoma Park 

UP-COUNTY AREAS 

MD 97 (Georgia Ave) at Reddy Branch - N. of Brookeville 

MD 124 (Woodfield Rd) at Goshen Branch and at Gr. Seneca Creek - N. of Brink Rd. 

MD 117 (Clopper Rd) at Gr. Seneca Creek - W. of Gaithersburg 

MD 117 (Clopper Rd) at Little Seneca Creek - E. of Boyds 

MD 355 (Frederick Rd) at Little Seneca Creek - W. of Brink 

MD 121 (Clarksburg Rd) near Little Seneca Lake - N. of Boyds 

MD 118 (Germantown Rd) at Great Seneca Creek - S. of Germantown 

River Rd and Berryville Rd at Seneca Creek - Seneca 

Blunt Road at Great Seneca Creek - S. of Brink Rd. 

Davis Mill Rd at Great Seneca Creek - N. of Gaithersburg 

Brighton Dam Rd at Hawlings River - NE of Brookeville 

Goldmine Rd at Hawlings River - E of Olney 

Zion Rd at Hawlings River - E. of Laytonsville 

Hoyles Mill Rd at ford of Little Seneca Creek - Germantown, west of soccer complex 

Loghouse Rd at Magruder Branch - S. of Damascus 

Elton Farm Rd at Haights Branch - N. of Sunshine 

Howard Chapel Rd at Haights Branch - N. of Sunshine 

White’s Ferry Road and River Road - White’s Ferry


MORE: http://www.scribd.com/doc/50454109/Street-Flooding-Hazards