Firefighters Rescue Woman Trapped in House Fire

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 31, 2013

Montgomery County, MD - - - An activated smoke alarm alerted a Bethesda family of a house fire early this morning. Shortly after 5:30 a.m. units from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched to the 7700 block of Glenmore Springs Way after receiving multiple calls from neighbors reporting a house on fire. The first arriving engine company reported heavy fire showing from the garage of a single family ranch style home. Additional information was relayed to units that one of the occupants was possibly still in the house. Firefighters searched the home and rescued a 90-year-old female resident in a back bedroom. The resident was treated on the scene and transported to a local hospital.

The fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished with little extension to the remainder of the house. An investigation was conducted and determined that the fire began in the attached garage that was being used for storage. There were no vehicles in the garage at the time of the fire and investigators have determined that the fire originated in or around an oil filled space heater that was plugged into an extension cord in the garage.

The fire is listed as undetermined with a possible cause as a failure of the electrical extension cord or the heater. The fire caused $200, 000 in damages to the structure and contents. Three adult residents were displaced and the 90-year-old female remains hospitalized with injuries considered to be non-life threatening. A working smoke alarm, along with alert neighbors, were a life-saving combination.

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Map of Water Incidents (Incld'g A Couple of Photos)

Below is a map, with information when you click on the icon, of our water rescue incidents last night and early this morning.

In addition, please see a couple of related photos from the incidents. Remember: Turn Around – Do Not Drown!


View Water Rescues in a larger map

This is Riffle Ford Rd btw Rt. 118 and Darnestown Rd! Turn Around Don't Drown! 

Photo from Chandlee Mill and Gold Mine Rd. water rescue. Photo courtesy of Lt. Gary Cummings

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 from 3 PM until 6 AM tomorrow (Jan. 31st)!  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 a storm system will 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

THE ONLY "SAFE" ICE IS AT A SKATING ARENA!

The next few days will be a lot warmer and well above the freezing temps we have had over the last week.  Some local ponds and lakes have had ice form which lead some folks to, incorrectly, assume it is totally frozen through thus safe to walk or skate on. You should never go on a lake or pond when it appears it may be frozen over!

Today and tomorrow will be particularly dangerous as many lakes or ponds may appear to still have a sheet of ice on them.  It will more than likely be very thin as the ice will be melting.  But with the warmer days, many children will be outside (after school) to take advantage of the warm weather.  Unfortunately, some may decide to venture onto the local lake or pond. 

Below are some tips on what to, and NOT to, do if someone falls through the ice as well as some cold water facts.

Be safe,
Bill

WHAT DO YOU DO IF SOMEONE FALLS THROUGH THE ICE?

• Act quickly and call 9-1-1 for help immediately. Make sure properly trained and equipped rescue personnel are alerted to respond.
• DO NOT go out onto the ice. Many times would-be rescuers become victims themselves.
• Reach, Throw, or Row. Extend a branch, pole or ladder to the victim. Throw them a buoyant object such as a life ring or float tied to a rope. If a boat is nearby row out to the victim or push it toward them.

HOW COLD IS COLD WATER?

• Any water that is cooler than normal body temperature (98.6 degrees F) is by definition "cold water"
• Cold water drains away body heat 25 to 30 times faster than air!
• The lower the temperature of the water, the faster the onset of hypothermia.

WHAT IS HYPOTHERMIA?

• Hypothermia is the excessive lowering of body temperature. A drop n core temperature below 95 degrees F., causes shivering, confusion, loss of muscle strength, and if not treated and reversed leads to unconsciousness and death.
• Safety experts estimate that half of all drowning victims die from the fatal effects of hypothermia and cold water, not the fatal effects from water filled lungs.

SNOW - Stay off the Roads, Not Out in the Weather

Overall, most winter storm deaths result from vehicle or other transportation accidents caused by ice and snow. Residents should avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow, or dense fog. These are serious conditions that are often underestimated, and they make driving – and even walking outside – very hazardous.

It is safer for everyone if you stay put – and not travel during inclement weather – whether you are at home, work or school.

By staying off the roads during the worst of the weather, local departments of transportation are more easily able to access roads that need treatment, snow plows can more freely clear roads and get to areas needing plowing and public safety officials can respond more quickly to residents in need of emergency services.

It may require employees to take a couple of hours of personal leave during the winter, but leaving early enough to avoid bad weather and traffic gridlock caused by slippery road conditions is worth the investment. Thinking strategically about your travel and where you really need to be will require some planning and thought.

“Get Where You Need to be Before the Weather Gets Bad”

Do NOT Travel During Winter Storms

• Curtail “elective” travel; avoid unnecessary travel. If it is not a life safety issue, stay off the roads.
• If you don’t have to travel… don’t! The safest place during a winter storm is indoors. About 70 percent of deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles.
• Stay at the office an extra hour, or leave early, to avoid travel during a winter storm.
• If residents stay off the roads during a storm, transportation workers and public safety officials are better able to clear roadways and respond to emergency needs quicker.

Weather Changes Quickly

• Be prepared for the worst. Be ready to spend an extra hour at the office, or leave an hour or two early, to avoid a more time consuming commute home during the height of a storm.
• Have an emergency supply kit in your office and car.

Listen to Local Officials

• If local officials advise residents to stay off the roads – then stay off the roads.
• Public safety and emergency management officials, along with National Weather Service meteorologists, base travel advisories and guidance on weather forecasts. Heed their advice!
• Businesses that follow closing/delay policies from local jurisdictions or the federal Office of Personnel Management need to monitor those sources and release employees when advised.

Monitor the Weather

• Listen to local Radio/TV weather forecasts; monitor social media.
• Sign up for text alerts from your local government.
• Sign up for weather alerts from NOAA/National Weather Service, including RSS feeds of your forecast and weather watches/warnings.
• Purchase a NOAA weather radio for your home and office. NOAA Weather Radio is the prime alerting and critical information delivery system of the National Weather Service (NWS). NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts warnings, watches, forecasts, and other hazard information 24 hours a day.

Know the Emergency Plans for your Children’s School

• If your child is safe at school, why risk a traffic accident during the worst weather to reach him/her, and then put all of you in danger? Let the school system implement their emergency plan, stay off the road and let transportation crews clear the roadways.

About the National Capital Region (NCR)

The National Capital Region (NCR) is not an operational entity because emergency response is a local function. Because the NCR is a collection of sovereign jurisdictions, including cities, counties, states and the District of Columbia, this website and the efforts of the region's communicators and public information officers will focus on regional collaboration between the region’s homeland security partners to achieve a “safe and secure National Capital Region.”

Recruit Class 37 Getting Fit!

By: Lieutenant Pedro Meneses

Cardio is an integral part in fighting fires. In the video below, Recruit Class 37 is finishing up a 30 minute slow run. To their surprise, when it was all done, they had completed 2.5 miles.

Some had never run that far but when you run as a group and feed off each other anything is possible!

Winter Fires: Safety Tips for the Home

The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities have caused many Americans to search for alternate sources of home heating. The use of woodburning stoves is growing and space heaters are selling rapidly, or coming out of storage. Fireplaces are burning wood and manmade logs.

All these methods of heating may be acceptable. They are, however, a major contributing factor in residential fires. Many of these fires can be prevented. The following fire safety tips can help you maintain a fire safe home this winter.

Kerosene Heaters

• Be sure your heater is in good working condition. Inspect exhaust parts for carbon buildup. Be sure the heater has an emergency shut off in the event the heater is tipped over.
• Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room venting. Burning fuel (coal, kerosene, or propane, for example) can produce deadly fumes.
• Use ONLY the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer. NEVER introduce a fuel into a unit not designed for that type fuel.
• Keep kerosene, or other flammable liquids stored in approved metal containers, in well ventilated storage areas, outside of the house.
• NEVER fill the heater while it is operating or hot. When refueling an oil or kerosene unit, avoid overfilling. DO NOT use cold fuel for it may expand in the tank as it warms up.
• Refueling should be done outside of the home (or outdoors). Keep children, pets and clothing away from heaters.
• When using a fuel burning appliance in the bedroom, be sure there is proper ventilation to prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide.

Wood Stove and Fireplaces

Wood stoves and fireplaces are becoming a very common heat source in homes. Careful attention to safety can minimize fire hazards.

To use them safely:

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

Furnace Heating

It is important that you have your furnace inspected annually to ensure that it is in good working condition.

• Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition.
• Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists. Do not attempt repairs yourself unless you are qualified.
• Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation or clearance may be required.
• Check the flue pipe and pipe seams. Are they well supported and free of holes and cracks? Soot along or around seams may be an indicator of a leak.
• All unused flue openings should be sealed with solid masonry.
• Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.

Other Fire Saftey Tips

• Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Place them in a metal container outside and well away from the house.
• Never use a range or an oven as a supplemental heating device. Not only is it a safety hazard, it can be a source of potentially toxic fumes.
• If you use an electric heater, be sure not to overload the circuit. Only use extension cords which have the necessary rating to carry an amp load.
  TIP: Choose an extension cord the same size or larger than the appliance electrical cord.
• Place heaters at least three feet away from objects such as bedding, furniture and drapes. Never use heaters to dry clothes or shoes. Do not place heaters where towels or other objects could fall on the heater and start a fire.
• Be certain that your heater is placed on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, not on rugs or carpets.
• Use heaters on the floor. Never place heaters on furniture, since they may fall, dislodging or breaking parts in the heater, which could result in a fire or shock hazard.
• Keep all heaters in safe working conditions. Never operate a defective heater.
• Avoid using electrical space heaters in bathrooms or other areas where they may come in contact with water.
• Frozen water pipes? Never try to thaw them with a blow torch or other open flame, otherwise the pipe could conduct the heat and ignite the wall structure inside the wall space. Use hot water or a UL-labeled device such as a hand held dryer for thawing and it is recommended that you consult with a qualified professional.
• If windows are used as emergency exits in your home, practice using them in the event fire should strike. Be sure that all the windows open easily. Home escape ladders are recommended.
• If there is a fire hydrant near your home you can assist the fire department by keeping the hydrant clear of snow so in the event it is needed, it can be located.
• Do not run cords under rugs or carpets. Placing anything on top of the cord could cause the cord to overheat and result in a fire.

Finally...

• Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke alarm, and check and clean it on a monthly basis. In addition, have a carbon monoxide alarm outside each sleeping area.
• Plan and practice a home escape plan with your family.
• Contact your local fire department for advice if you have a question on home fire safety or to schedule for a free home safety inspection.

MCFRS Significant Incident Map For the week of January 13 – 19, 2013

In an effort to expand our Open Gov-like offerings, MCFRS has put together the below Google Map: MCFRS Significant Incident Map - Week of January 13 - 19, 2013.

This will allow the user to go in and click on various fire department incident icons to see what is going on and where. Understand these are only incidents we think have some significance and will not include, for example, a response to false or well intentioned fire alarms. Likewise, not every single medical call is on there either.

The flame icon represents fire related incidents, while the cross indicates vehicle crashes and the circle with heart beat rhythm indicates significant medial related incidents. Hope all of you find this useful. Please comment below or send an email letting us know what you think.

View MCFRS Significant Incident Map in a larger map

Two Firefighters Injured in Dickerson House Fire Saturday Morning

Photo is courtesy of FF S. Kisner, MCFRS

Gaithersburg - - At 3:30 a.m. Saturday morning January 19, Montgomery County firefighters responded to a reported house fire in the 19700 block of Mouth of Monocacy Road in Dickerson. Firefighters arrived on the scene and encountered a well established fire on the first and second floor. 2 Adult occupants of the home escaped prior to the arrival of fire rescue. The occupants stated that they were awakened by smoke and saw fire in the wall around the stovepipe. Fire was also involving ordinary combustibles nearby. The occupants attempted to extinguish the fire to no avail. There was a disabled smoke alarm found in the home.

The fire is believed to have started in or near the wood stove. The fire is ruled accidental.

One firefighter suffered second degree burns on his hand. Another firefighter was mildly shocked when the structure's electric service line came in contact with the aluminum siding.

No civilians were injured. Both firefighters were transported to a local trauma center with non life threatening injuries. One of the firefighters has been released and the second is being held for observation.

Blood Drive In Honor of Two Fallen Firefighters From Webster, New York

BETHESDA-CHEVYCHASE RESCUE SQUAD will be hosting this event.  Please consider donating and help save lives!

Blood Drive In Honor of Our 2 Fallen Brothers from Webster New York by

AT&T The Last Text Documentary

A powerful video that AT&T has produced regarding texting and driving. Please take some time to watch this and share as you feel appropriate.
 
And please remember NOT to text while driving!

Recruit Class 37's First Physical Training Session

Our latest Recruit Class (RC) started this week on Monday, January 14.  RC 37 members started their Physical Training program on Wednesday.  The work out consisted of an interval track run with calisthenics and a flexibility session to wrap it up in the field house at the Public Safety Training Academy.

Physical fitness is a very important part of being a Firefighter!  The below photos show the Recruits hard at work.  Photos courtesy of Lieutenant Pedro Meneses.  

Residents of the National Capital Region Encouraged To Take Common Sense Steps to Prepare If Attending the Presidential Inauguration

Local government officials from across the National Capital Region are asking residents to take common-sense steps to prepare for the upcoming 57th Presidential Inauguration. Inaugural activities will take place beginning on Sunday, Jan. 20, through Monday, Jan. 21, with the public inaugural ceremonies scheduled for Monday, Jan. 21.

The closer you live to or work in the District of Columbia will increase the potential impacts you may experience due to the inaugural activities. Residents and visitors to D.C. and the inauguration are encouraged to consider the following:

Make a Plan

·         Consider teleworking on Jan. 21 if possible. Carpool if you are traveling into the District of Columbia. Cars will be restricted from some parts of the city and it will be difficult to find parking.

·         Although Jan. 21 is a federal holiday and a holiday in many jurisdictions, some localities are enforcing weekday parking regulations. Be sure to plan ahead.

·         Bring your patience because there will be delays getting to your destination. Some roads, bridges and highways may be closed temporarily, and mass transit systems will be extremely crowded. http://inauguration.dc.gov/page/getting-there

·         Be ready to walk long distances in the District of Columbia because some Metro stations and roads will be closed for inaugural events. www.wmata.com/getting_around/metro_events/inauguration.cfm

Stay Informed

·         Visit www.inauguration.dc.gov to get information about road, bridge and highway closures, parking restrictions and mass transit plans.

·         Sign up to D.C. Alerts for real-time information on Jan. 21 about road closures, weather and more. Subscribe at www.inauguration.dc.gov. Receive emergency notifications, alerts and information about the 2013 Inauguration from the United States Park Police. www.capitalregionupdates.gov/clients/4063/517915.pdf

·         Information also will be available prior to and during Inauguration day on social media sites such as Twitter. To see Inauguration related material on Twitter, use #inaug2013. Some of the Twitter sites being used to communicate information from the Inaugural public safety and security partners include:

§  District Department of Transportation - @ddotdc

§  Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies - @jccic2013

§  Joint Task Force-National Capital Region - @JTFNCR

§  National Terrorism Advisory System - @NTASAlerts

§  Office of the D.C. Mayor - @MayorVinceGray

§  Secret Service - @SecretService

§  U.S. Department of Homeland Security - @DHSgov

§  WMATA - @metroinaug

Be Prepared

·         If you plan to attend any inaugural events, consider whether you can stand outside in large crowds for an extended period and whether you are ready for long delays getting home afterwards.

·         Bring with you any medications that you need because there will be very long delays in getting to and from events.

·         There will be a heightened level of security for the inauguration. All parade and event attendees are subject to a thorough security screening before entering any of the Inaugural event sites. Many items are also prohibited. Visit http://inauguration.dc.gov/page/spectator-information for more details.

The National Capital Region – which is comprised of 11 local jurisdictions, two states and the District of Columbia – prepares for disasters collaboratively across jurisdictional boundaries, bringing together elected officials, emergency management, law enforcement, fire and public health personnel, along with the nonprofit and private sectors.

###

About the National Capital Region
The NCR encompasses the District of Columbia and parts of Maryland and Virginia, including the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William in Virginia and Montgomery and Prince George’s in Maryland, which include the municipalities of Bowie, College Park, Gaithersburg, Greenbelt, Rockville and Takoma Park.

SNOW - Stay off the Roads, Not Out in the Weather

While the forecast for tomorrow is still a bit unsure, it appears to be a good time to provide some friendly safety tips as it relates to snow!  Yep, I used that dreaded four letter word!

Anyway, the below is from our partners in safety in the National Capital Region of which we are a part.  A great collaboration of all the jurisdictions in the metro area in an effort to provide consistent across the board (region) safety tips.

So while the storm could turn into a dud, it has the potential to leave us with a significant accumulation so better plan for the worst and be READY and prepared! 

Stay Safe,

Bill D 

Overall, most winter storm deaths result from vehicle or other transportation accidents caused by ice and snow. Residents should avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow, or dense fog. These are serious conditions that are often underestimated, and they make driving – and even walking outside – very hazardous.

It is safer for everyone if you stay put – and not travel during inclement weather – whether you are at home, work or school.

By staying off the roads during the worst of the weather, local departments of transportation are more easily able to access roads that need treatment, snow plows can more freely clear roads and get to areas needing plowing and public safety officials can respond more quickly to residents in need of emergency services.

It may require employees to take a couple of hours of personal leave during the winter, but leaving early enough to avoid bad weather and traffic gridlock caused by slippery road conditions is worth the investment. Thinking strategically about your travel and where you really need to be will require some planning and thought.

“Get Where You Need to be Before the Weather Gets Bad”

Do NOT Travel During Winter Storms

• Curtail “elective” travel; avoid unnecessary travel. If it is not a life safety issue, stay off the roads.
• If you don’t have to travel… don’t! The safest place during a winter storm is indoors. About 70 percent of deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles.
• Stay at the office an extra hour, or leave early, to avoid travel during a winter storm.
• If residents stay off the roads during a storm, transportation workers and public safety officials are better able to clear roadways and respond to emergency needs quicker.

Weather Changes Quickly

• Be prepared for the worst. Be ready to spend an extra hour at the office, or leave an hour or two early, to avoid a more time consuming commute home during the height of a storm.
• Have an emergency supply kit in your office and car.

Listen to Local Officials

• If local officials advise residents to stay off the roads – then stay off the roads.
• Public safety and emergency management officials, along with National Weather Service meteorologists, base travel advisories and guidance on weather forecasts. Heed their advice!
• Businesses that follow closing/delay policies from local jurisdictions or the federal Office of Personnel Management need to monitor those sources and release employees when advised.

Monitor the Weather

• Listen to local Radio/TV weather forecasts; monitor social media.
• Sign up for text alerts from your local government.
• Sign up for weather alerts from NOAA/National Weather Service, including RSS feeds of your forecast and weather watches/warnings.
• Purchase a NOAA weather radio for your home and office. NOAA Weather Radio is the prime alerting and critical information delivery system of the National Weather Service (NWS). NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts warnings, watches, forecasts, and other hazard information 24 hours a day.

Know the Emergency Plans for your Children’s School

• If your child is safe at school, why risk a traffic accident during the worst weather to reach him/her, and then put all of you in danger? Let the school system implement their emergency plan, stay off the road and let transportation crews clear the roadways.

About the National Capital Region (NCR)

The National Capital Region (NCR) is not an operational entity because emergency response is a local function. Because the NCR is a collection of sovereign jurisdictions, including cities, counties, states and the District of Columbia, this website and the efforts of the region's communicators and public information officers will focus on regional collaboration between the region’s homeland security partners to achieve a “safe and secure National Capital Region.”

Fire Chief Richard Bowers Interviewed Last Night on NBC Nightly News

Fire Chief Richard Bowers was interviewed last night on NBC Nightly News regarding the flu and impact on fire and EMS response.

Good information throughout the video.



 

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Flu Basics

As many of you are aware, the Flu season is off to a very bad start.  During each Flu season, our Firefighters/EMT's/Paramedics end up responding to 911 calls for help as a result of the Flu.  

I thought it would be helpful to provide all of you with some information related to the Flu to learn more about it as well as, importantly, to help prevent the spread of it.  The below information comes directly from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) web site and has a variety of useful information.  Please take a moment to review and act upon the recommendations.

Be safe and healthy!

Bill

Get Vaccinated

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season. The 2012-2013 flu vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1, and two other influenza viruses (an H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus).

Good Health Habits

Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

• Cover Your Cough
  Stop the Spread of Germs that makes you and others sick.

Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

• Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives
  Tips on hand washing and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers
• Wash Your Hands Often
  Brochures and posters from "An Ounce of Prevention" campaign
• Clean Hands Campaign
  Facts and survey results, educational materials from American Society for Microbiology’s “Clean Hands” campaign
• Consumer Advice: Clean: Handwashing
  Links to lots of educational materials, including those for parents, schoolchildren, and health care workers. From www.foodsafety.gov
• It's a SNAP Toolkit: Handwashing
  Handwashing materials. Part of It's A SNAP program aimed at preventing school absenteeism. From the School Network for Absenteeism Prevention, a collaborative project of the CDC, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Soap and Detergent Association

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.

Stop the Spread of Germs

Healthy habits can protect everyone from getting germs or spreading germs at home, work, or school.

Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects.
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu can help slow the spread of influenza.

At School

• Resources for Schools, Childcare Providers and Parents
  Information on preventing the flu, common questions and answers, and poster materials for schools

Printable Materials

• The Flu: A Guide for Parents  [252 KB, 2 pages]
• Cover Your Cough

MCFRS Significant Incident Map - Week of January 6 - 12, 2013

In an effort to expand our Open Gov-like offerings, MCFRS has put together the below Google Map: MCFRS Significant Incident Map - Week of January 6 - 12, 2013.

This will allow the user to go in and click on various fire department incident icons to see what is going on and where. Understand these are only incidents we think have some significance and will not include, for example, a response to false or well intentioned fire alarms. Likewise, not every single medical call is on there either.

The flame icon represents fire related incidents, while the cross indicates vehicle crashes and the circle with heart beat rhythm indicates significant medial related incidents. Hope all of you find this useful. Please comment below or send an email letting us know what you think.
 
View MCFRS Significant Incident Map in a larger map