Clothes Dryer Cleaning Day – Preventing A Potential Fire In My Home!

Recently, I spent an off day doing something that I have advised all of you to do over the past couple of months – cleaning in and around my clothes dryer. I last did this a little over a year ago and it is something that you should do at least once a year.

As you can see by the pictures below, there was a ton of lint build up in, on and around my clothes dryer. These pictures show why it is very important you take time to clean both inside and outside the clothes dryer.

A couple of pictures show what happens to the inside of your pipe that runs in and just outside your dryer (Fig 1) that carries the hot air, and lint, out. The next photo (Fig 2) shows the inside of the flexible duct that connects to your dryer pipe and then connects to another pipe that usually runs to the outside of your house.

In the next photo (Fig 3) you can see the cleaning device I used to run up into the pipe and dryer and the large amount of lint I pulled out of the dryer. These photos clearly show the large amount of lint that builds up and can, when heated up by the hot air of the dryer, actually ignite and catch fire! The more the build up, the better chance for ignition and then – a fire in your home!

A couple of the photos (Fig 4 & 5) clearly show just how dusty and dirty the back of your dryer and the floor behind and underneath it can become. This also can create problems and hazards and you need to make sure you clean these spots as well!

For more tips please go here: Clothes Dryer Fire Safety Tips

Fig 1

Fig 2

Fig 3

Fig 4

Fig 5

Chief Bowers Talks About Safety Tips For Grilling Season

Fire Chief Bowers talks about grilling safety below.  Have a safe weekend and please follow these tips if you will be pulling out the BBQ grill!

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Another scorcher today!  Over the last couple of weeks, we at MCFRS have preached to everyone to stay cool and stay hydrated.  Hopefully, everyone will be able to do that.

Just in case, I thought it would be useful to post the signs and symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.  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                             

If you recognize that you, or someone else, are 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.  Call 911 right away if you suspect Heat Stroke.

Have a Child Who Is Experimenting With Fire? We Have a Free Program For You!

Operation Extinguish (OE) is a FREE program, for Montgomery County residents conducted by The Chrysalis Group and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service to provide intervention and educational services for juvenile fire setters and their families.  The program combines psychological evaluation and intervention and fire safety education in an effort to eliminate this behavior.

REFERRALS TO THE PROGRAM

Referrals to the OE program originate from a number of sources:

• State of Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice             
• Montgomery County Police Youth Division               
• Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS)
• Juvenile Court and attorneys
• Parents
• Schools
• Other agencies such as hospitals, residential treatment centers and mental health clinics

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

FAMILY INTERVIEW

This structured interview is designed to assess the severity of the fire setting problem, determine the motive behind the behavior, gather additional information regarding the child and family’s functioning, and develop appropriate recommendations. To complete the assessment, the evaluator also may contact relevant outside agencies and the child’s school.

GROUP SESSIONS

All program participants are required to attend three group meetings. These sessions focus on fire prevention, home safety, survival strategies, and burn injuries as well as peer and family discussions exploring such issues as peer pressure, stress and anger management, impulse control, and healthy decision-making. Participants are encouraged to apply these insights to their fire-related behaviors.

RECOMMENDATIONS may be made for individual, group, or family counseling.

Contact:

William Delaney, Program Manager, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service

William.Delaney@montgomerycountymd.gov

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Travilah Fire Station #32

Travilah Groundbreaking Invitation

FLASH FLOOD Watch: List of Roads That Flood & Safety Tips

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 11 PM 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

Tips on Surviving the Heat and Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion/Stroke

Today is going to be another sizzling day in the metropolitan area with sustained, high temperatures and heat index 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. 

Fire Chief Richard Bowers Comments on June 29 Storm Response

A recent video below from our Fire Chief re the big storm a few weeks ago that I thought might be of interest.

Stay Safe,
Bill D

Fire Crews Rescue 17 People from Burning Building

More than 74 residents displaced following 3-Alarm Fire in Burtonsville

CLICK HERE to see Flickr page with more.

Rockville - - - Shortly after 7:00 this morning, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units responded to the report of a fire at the Ashford at Woodlake Apartments located at 14005 Castle Boulevard in Burtonsville. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions to the rear of the structure and a report of residents trapped. First arriving firefighters, along with officers from the Montgomery County Police Department and Sheriff’s Office, assisted in the dramatic rescues of seventeen trapped occupants in the initial stages of the fire.

Firefighters quickly made an interior attack and conducted a primary search of the garden-style apartment complex. A second alarm was dispatched as firefighters continued to fight the growing fire. A precautionary third alarm was ultimately dispatched to the scene before the blaze was under control. Over 100 firefighters responded to the scene including personnel from neighboring Howard and Prince George’s County.   

Fire Department personnel evaluated a number of residents on the scene. No residents required transport and there were no reported firefighter injuries. The American Red Cross is currently working with apartment management representatives from the Donaldson Group to assist displaced residents. Montgomery County Fire and Explosive investigators are on the scene conducting an origin and cause investigation. Investigators will be ruling the fire as accidental in nature and believe to have been sparked by an electrical malfunction in a first floor unit. Damage estimates are $1.5 million.

Chief Promotion Announcement

I am proud to announce the promotion of Diane Zuspan to the rank of Fire and Rescue Division Chief effective July 15, 2012. Division Chief Diane Zuspan will replace D/C Randy Wheeler who retired on June 30, 2012. She will be assigned to lead the Division of Administrative and Technical Support Services as the Division Chief.

Assistant Chief Zuspan entered the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service in 1988 as a firefighter paramedic. She has promoted up through each of the ranks in the department to now Division Chief.

Her tireless work as the Assistant Chief of EMS has proven invaluable and her contributions have been tremendous.

Please join me in congratulating Diane and working with her to ensure her success for the future!

Respectfully,

Fire Chief Richie Bowers

Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad

Wheaton Volunteer Groundbreaking Invitation

Several Product Recalls Due to Fire 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.

PajamaGram Recalls Children's Pajamas Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

Children's Pajamas Recalled by Ishtex Textile Products Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

Children's Lounge Pants and Boxers Recalled by Rigo International Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

IKEA Recalls Track Lighting System Due to Electric Shock Hazard

Watkins Manufacturing and Therm Products Recall Spas Due to Fire Hazard

Exhaust Fans Sold at Lowe's Stores Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Made by Delta Electronics Dongguan

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Another scorcher today!  Over the last couple of weeks, we at MCFRS have preached to everyone to stay cool and stay hydrated.  Hopefully, everyone will be able to do that.


Just in case, I thought it would be useful to post the signs and symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.  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                             

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.  Call 911 right away if you suspect Heat Stroke.

Photos of House Fire 13200 Block Lutes Dr

13200 Block Lutes Dr, a set on Flickr.

A few photos from yesterday's house fire in the 13200 block of Lutes Dr.

First arriving units found heavy smoke coming from the home. Damage estimated at $125K for the structure and $50K for contents.

The occupant was not home at the time of the fire. One Firefighter was transported to a local hospital for evaluation of a heat related illness.

Photos courtesy of FF Michael Ryman

Firing up the Grill Today? Keep these Safety Tips in Mind

It's Independence Day and people will be firing up their grills to celebrate our great country with family and friends 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

Poolesville Fireworks Will Sparkle on July 4th

Rockville - - - The Poolesville traditional fireworks show and festivities will take place as scheduled on Wednesday, July 4^th beginning at 6:00 p.m.  The event location will be the soccer fields at the corner of Hughes Road & Sugarland Road, near Poolesville, Maryland.

Plenty of delicious hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ, funnel cakes, kettle corn, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, Kona Ice, Popsicles, plus Asian House of Poolesville specialties and more will be available. Entertainment will be provided by the talented Jim Bowie Band.

Make this a fun and safe event for everyone. Pets are prohibited - please be kind to your pets and leave them at home for their safety. Also prohibited: coolers and alcohol. MCPD will be strictly enforcing the no alcohol policy. 

Parking is $5 per car. Handicap parking is available. Come early for the best parking. Parking is prohibited on Hughes Road – cars will be ticketed by MCPD.

Reminder:  It is illegal for private citizens to possess, sell or discharge fireworks in Montgomery County.  

Poolesville Traditional Fireworks event is sponsored by the Commissioners of Poolesville, Poolesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Jamison's Real Estate and the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department.

Directions from Rockville/Gaithersburg/Potomac areas: North on Rt. 28 ( Darnestown Rd.), across from Harris Teeter turn West on Rt. 112 (Seneca Rd), continue West onto River Rd, Turn North on Hughes Rd to the event at the corner of Hughes Rd & Sugarland Rd.

Montgomery County Storm Update, July 3

HIGHLIGHTS:

• HOV
•  restrictions on I-270 in Montgomery County have been lifted for today and tomorrow for the July 4^th holiday.
• All indoor and outdoor pools in the County are now open.  All regularly scheduled Recreation Department programs and activities are cancelled for Tuesday, July 3.
• Wait time to drop off debris and trash at the County’s Solid Waste Transfer Station is currently 45 minutes to one hour.  Residents are encouraged to delay visits or put use curbside collection, if possible.
• Residents without power are encouraged to use the two cooling centers set up at Richard Montgomery High School and White Oak Community Recreation Center, as well as the County’s recreation centers and libraries (except Silver Spring, Davis and Little Falls, which still do not have power).  Check www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec andwww.montgomerycountymd.gov/libraries for hours of operation.
• July 4th fireworks celebrations, Mid-County Sparkles in Kensington, Germantown Glory, City of Rockville and City of Gaithersburg are cancelled.
• Circuit Court remains closed today.  District Court is open.
• MC311 will be open today from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Callers are asked to be patient if they experience delays when calling 311 because of the high call volume.  MC311 is operating from a temporary location because of power outages at its building, and this has contributed to some delays. The web portal  -- www.mc311.com -- is available 24 hours a day to report downed trees and other non-emergency issues.
• Residents can get real-time information on road closures in their neighborhoods on line athttp://www5.montgomerycountymd.gov/snowmap/.  Enter an address and zoom in to see detailed neighborhood information.  Closed roads, or portions of roads that are closed, will appear in black on the map, as noted in the legend on the left side of the page.
• PEPCO reports 76,500 customers are still without power in Montgomery County.

Important Tips:

• Stay up-to-date with changes, cancellations, etc. by subscribing to Alert Montgomery athttps://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov.  
• To report “hot” or sparkling wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.
• To report power outages, call Pepco at 877-737-2662, Allegheny Power at 800-255-3443, or Baltimore Gas & Electric at 877-778-2222.

Status of County Services:

Traffic signals

There are still 125 traffic signals without power out of a total of 800. County Police are directing traffic at many critical intersections throughout the County, assisted by Maryland State Police and Maryland Transportation Police. Drivers are reminded to treat “dark” intersections as four-way stops and be especially aware of pedestrians.

Eighty-six road segments remain closed, all of them involving utility lines

Cooling Centers

Montgomery County continues to operate two “cooling shelters” at Richard Montgomery High School (250 Richard Montgomery Drive in Rockville) and White Oak Community Recreation Center, (1700 April Lane in White Oak.).  Bring prescription medicines, critical phone numbers, and any comfort items such as personal pillows. 

Residents who have cats or dogs and are planning to use a County shelter can drop off their pets at the Humane Society Shelter at 14645 Rothgeb Dr. in Rockville. If it is possible to call first, call the emergency number at 240-773-5900. After 5 p.m. when the shelter has closed for walk-in service, those arriving at the shelter should use the front door buzzer to gain admittance.

Transit

Ride On buses are operating on a regular schedule, but expect delays due to downed trees, wires and signal outages. Nine Ride On routes are detoured, so check the website atwww.rideonbus.com and click on Delays and Detours for the latest information.

Parking

Five garages and lots remain without power.  Payment is required to park at any lot or garage with individual meters. All parking facilities -- with or without power-- are open to the public. If there is still no power to the facilities after dark, they will remain open. However, the public is advised to use extreme caution if they choose to park in a facility without lights.

Community Use of Public Facilities

All community use activities scheduled for Montgomery County Public Schools have been cancelled for Tuesday, July 3.  The Silver Spring Civic Building still has no power. Programs scheduled at the building for Tuesday have been cancelled.

Parks

Several Montgomery Parks facilities, parks, classes and summer camps are cancelled today. Check the website at www.montgomeryparks.org for updated information. To report downed trees, other problems or maintenance issues in parks, contact the Montgomery ParksService Center at 301-670-8080. Visitors are urged to use caution when traveling to or visiting parks or trails as crews are working to remove dangerous or downed trees.

Trash, recycling collections

Recycling collection and County-provided trash collection for single-family households will be provided as regularly scheduled on Tuesday. Residents are reminded to keep weights of containers and bundles of brush to no more than 45 pounds. The Transfer Station will be open to accept dropped off tree limbs and brush.

However, residents are reminded that there will be no County-provided recycling or trash collections on Wednesday, July 4.  Wednesday, Thursday and Friday collections will shift later by one day. The Transfer Station will be closed July 4.

To sign up for trash holiday reminders as email and/or text messages, or for information on cleanup instructions for fallen tree limbs and for disposing of spoiled/rotten food, visitwww.montgomerycountymd.gov/solidwaste. 

Silver Spring TRiPS Commuter Store Hours

The Silver Spring TRiPS Commuter Store is experiencing mechanical problems which are impacting hours of operation.  Hours are temporarily limited to 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Please call before visiting during other hours to confirm the store is open.  Repairs should be completed and regular hours restored by mid-week.

The Friendship Heights TRiPS Commuter Store is maintaining normal hours: Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed 1 to 2 p.m.)

Permitting Services

The Department of Permitting Services will provide modified full services (no more than two new permit applications submitted or picked up at the same time).  Emergency and storm-related permits and inspections are a priority but all types of applications will be accepted. Online services are not available at this time.