Mark Your Calendars - Upcoming Fire Department Open Houses

It’s the perfect time to check your smoke alarms!

October is Fire Prevention Month and fire stations across Montgomery County will be hosting many educational, family-oriented events and activities throughout the month.

This year’s theme focuses on the importance of working smoke alarms and knowing how old your
alarms are. Most of us pay close attention to expiration dates on food and medicine however many residents are unaware that smoke alarms also have expiration dates. All smoke alarms, hard-wired and battery powered expire and should be replaced every ten years.

Fire Chief Steve Lohr is encouraging all residents to check their smoke alarms to ensure the highest level of protection from smoke and fire. “Smoke alarms are one of the most important safety features to have in your home and if you haven’t replaced your smoke alarms since 2004, it’s time. We’re calling this the “ten year rule” to remind folks that after a decade of service, it’s time to retire and replace all expired smoke alarms.”

Open House events are free and will feature many exciting activities including tours of the station, fire safety activities, educational information/handouts, demonstrations of emergency equipment and much more. Please visit the fire station’s website or call for a complete listing of activities planned.

September 27  Germantown Fire Department, Station 29                     11:00 – 3:00 pm
                        20001 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown, MD

                        Bethesda Fire Department, Station 6        12:00 - 3:30 pm
                  6600 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD    

October 4         Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department, Station 15 12:00 – 4:00 pm
               13900 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD
               240-773-8957
                     
October 5        Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department, Station 40        1:00 – 4:00 pm
                        16911 Georgia Ave, Olney, MD
                        240-773-4740

               Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department    12:00 – 4:00 pm
                 19801 Beallsville Road, Beallsville, MD
                       (240) 773-4714

October 11    Rescue Day & Open House @ BCC Rescue Squad            11:00 – 4:00 pm
                      5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814
For more info:  www.bccrs.org

October 12     Gaithersburg –Washington Grove VFD                           12:00 – 4:00 pm
                       801 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD
                       240-773-4708  

                       Kensington Volunteer Fire Department, Station 5           12:00  – 4:00 pm
                       10620 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD
               (240) 773-4705          

October 18     Chevy Chase Fire Department, Station 7 11:00  – 4:00 pm
               8001 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD
                       301-652-0707

October 19     Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department, Station 24         12:00 – 3:00 pm
               13216 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD
               240-773-4724                                            
   
                       Glen Echo Volunteer Fire Department, Station 11         11:00 – 2:00 pm
               5920 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD
               301-229-3200