We Prepare Everyday

September is National Preparedness Month! MCFRS encourages all residents to plan and prepare for a variety of emergencies that can potentially occur.

Please take two minutes to watch the below video, from the Ready Campaign and Ad Council, that shows how people with disabilities can take charge to prepare themselves and their families for emergencies.

Window Safety – Kids Can’t Fly

Windows play a vital role in home safety, serving as a secondary escape route in the event of a fire or other emergency, but they also pose a risk for a fall if safety measures are not followed. Safety tips to help prevent window-related injuries in the home:

• Never rely on window screens to keep children from falling out of windows. A screen is not a safety device - - it is designed to keep insects out, not to keep children in.


• Keep furniture such as sofas, beds and dressers away from windows. This will discourage children from climbing near any windows.


• Keep windows closed and locked when they are not being used.


• When windows are open for ventilation, take advantage of all safety features. If possible, open windows from the top and not the bottom if you have double-hung windows – the kind that can open down from the top as well as up from the bottom.


• Install safety devices such as window guards or window stops to help prevent falls.

Window falls can happen quickly and, in some cases, can be deadly. When keeping your kids safe, MCFRS reminds parents that no device can replace active supervision. For more safety tips, visit our website at www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe.

Deck and Balcony Safety

Decks and balconies pose several hazards — the most serious being that your child could slip through the railings and fall, or become wedged in the railings and suffocate. Fortunately, with supervision and a few simple steps, you should be able to prevent these accidents.

Example of safe spacing on deck railing

If the railings on your deck or balcony create any gaps that are wider than 4 inches, you'll need to make some modifications to stop your child from squeezing through and to “child proof” the area. There are a number of options on the market to do this --cover the railings with plastic garden fencing, shade cloth, a sheet of clear plastic, or rigid sheets of Plexiglas.

Get in the habit of keeping patio furniture away from the railings -- this should include potted plants or other climbable objects.

Be aware of furniture light enough for a child to drag to the balcony's edge. You don't want to give your child a chance to climb up and go over the edge. 

Consider adding latches to any doors or windows that lead out to your balcony or deck. These latches should be installed well out of your child's reach.

Ensure children are always SUPERVISED.

Don't Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.

Just a reminder that September is National Preparedness Month.  This years theme is: Don't Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.

Please take a minute to watch the powerful video below from FEMA.  Then make time to sit down with your loved ones to talk about (and develop a plan) how to prepare for a variety of emergencies that could occur right here in Montgomery County.

'Cat Stuck In A Tree' Call

By: Lieutenant Rob Furst

On September 16th, 2015, a concerned resident called Fire Station 12. They spoke with the officer in charge stating that they knew that this was an "old school" request, but they would like help getting their cat down out of a tree. 

PE712 proceeded to the address to find a distraught resident whose cat had been missing for a day. The distressed feline was located approximately 30 feet off of the ground in the bifurcated trunk of a tree. The crew of PE712 and the resident were able to persuade the cat to come down to an area that was accessible with a roof ladder. Upon returning to the ground, the cat was reunited with its grateful owner.

Although these service calls are not common, we strive to be a customer service driven organization.

Related Story: Puppy stuck in pipe for hours freed by MoCo responders

Mark Your Calendars - Upcoming Fire Department Open Houses

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.

Germantown VFD - Saturday, September 19; from 11-3 at Station 29
20001 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown, MD

Bethesda FD - Saturday, September 26; from Noon - 3:30pm at Station 6
6600 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD

Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad - Saturday, October 3; 11 am - 4 pm
5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814

UPDATED Burtonsville VFD - Saturday, October 17; from 12 – 3 pm at Station 15
13900 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD

CANCELED Sandy Spring VFD – Sunday, October 4 at Station 40
16911 Georgia Ave., Olney, MD

Takoma Park VFD - Sunday, October 4; from 10 am - 5 pm at Station 2
7201 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912

Upper Montgomery County VFD - Sunday, October 4; from 1 to 4 pm at Station 14
19801 Beallsville Road, Beallsville, MD

Chevy Chase FD - Saturday October 10; from 10am to 3pm at Station 7
8001 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD

Cabin John VFD – Sunday, October 11; from 10-4 at Station 10
8001 River Rd. Bethesda, MD 20817

Gaithersburg - Washington Grove VFD - Sunday October 11; from 1000 to 1600 at Station 8
801 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD

Kensington VFD - Sunday, October 11; from 12-4 at Station 5
10620 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD

Glen Echo FD - Sunday, October 18; 11 am to 2 pm at Station 11
 5920 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD

Hillandale VFD - Sunday October 18; from 12pm-4pm at Station 12  Station 24 
13216 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD

Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad - Sunday October 18 from 1100-1600
2400 Arcola Ave., Wheaton, MD 20902

Hose Testing Time

By: Lieutenant Robert Furst

One of the more mundane activities that we must participate in during the year is hose testing. Although it is not glamorous, hose testing is an important undertaking that we must perform yearly. During the test, all of the hose on the fire engine is removed, inspected, and filled with water. The hose is then pressurized to the correct test psi. During the test period the hose is monitored for leaks and excessive stretching. If the hose fails the test, it is removed from service. The hose that passes is repacked on the fire engine.

Unit Citations

Today, Fire Chief Goldstein had the privilege to preside over two Unit Citation presentations at Fire Station #31.

The presentations were for two separate challenging vehicular crash incidents that occurred on the same day: June 25, 2015.  Both plaques are in the photo book below describing the events and highlighting personnel who responded.

Please also find a video of the live feed we shot during the first presentation.

Leisure World Apartment Fire

On September 15, 2015 at approximately 3:15 pm, MCFRS units were dispatched for a reported apartment fire in the 3600 block of Gleneagles Dr. within the Leisure World community.  Truck 725 arrived on the scene and reported fire showing from the 1st floor along with heavy smoke conditions.  Additional units were requested immediately.

Prior to fire department arrival a few nearby workers upstairs felt the heat, smelled the smoke and, after calling 911, assisted a 90 year old occupant safely from the apartment where the fire started.  Additionally, residents alerted neighbors of the fire on the first floor ensuring everybody got out unscathed prior to the arrival of MCFRS units. 

Firefighters worked quickly in containing and extinguishing the bulk of the fire while at the same time evacuating several residents from the adjoining buildings.  In addition, one dog was located inside the structure unconscious, rescued, and subsequently revived.  A cat in the fire apartment was located but had succumbed to its injuries.

During operations two (2) firefighters sustained, and were treated for, minor injuries.  There were no injuries to residents.  Approximately seventy-five (75) firefighters responded to the fire.

Approximately eleven (11) residents were displaced from ten (10) apartments. Damage was estimated at $700k to the structure and $300k to the contents. The fire is believed to be accidental and likely electrical in nature.

Firefighters will be returning to the Leisure World community today at 1 pm to conduct “After the Fire” outreach activities that include speaking with residents as well as checking their smoke alarms.

It's Child Passenger Safety Week

September 13 - 19 is Child Passenger Safety Week. As part of the week we would like to highlight our own awesome, and year round, Child Passenger Safety Program and remind everyone that you can have your child's car seat checked/inspected/installed at one of our Car Seat Inspection and
Installation locations. See below for further information as well as some helpful safety tips!

Infant & Child Car Seat Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

Carseat and Parent Info ( NHTSA)

Car Seat Fact Sheets

•  Selecting the Right Car Seat (PDF, 435 KB)
•  Installing Your Child's Car Seat Tightly (PDF, 657 KB)
•  Check Your Child's Car Seat! (PDF, 407 KB)

Car Seat Inspection Station Locations

To schedule an appointment call 240-777-2223. There can be a 2-3 week wait so plan ahead. Please contact Emilie Crown, Program Manager, at 240-777-2467 for any other issues. Need to have a car seat installed/checked/inspected? Montgomery County residents may click here to schedule an appointment.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 am - Noon

1st Saturday of the month 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

By appointment only at SAFE KIDS Montgomery County MD, Child Safety Seat Inspection Station
14111 Georgia Avenue (behind 7-11), Aspen Hill, MD 20906

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Thursday Evenings 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

3rd Saturday of the month 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

By appointment only at Criswell Chevrolet
503 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

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Wednesdays 8:00 am - Noon

2nd Saturday of the month 8:00 am - Noon

By appointment only at Fire Station #34
20633 Boland Farm Road, Germantown MD 20876

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Child Seat Laws & Seat Check Information

•  MD Child Safety Seat Law (PDF)
• Inspection Station Flyer 
• Directions to Seat Checks AND Fitzgerald seat check dates for 2015
•  5-Step Booster Seat Check (PDF)

Our goal is to ensure that the children of Montgomery County are properly secured in car seats and seat belts while traveling. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading killer of children under 15. The inspection stations are sponsored by the Montgomery County Fire Rescue and SAFE KIDS Montgomery County. Montgomery County Car Seat Inspection Stations are for Montgomery County Residents only. Non-county residents are welcome to participate in Fitzgerald Auto Mall's monthly (no appointment needed) seat check in Rockville. Call Montgomery County's Child Passenger Safety Hotline, 240-777-2222 to get the next date and phone numbers for other inspection sites.

Learning To Become A Firefighter

Meaghan Mooney from Great Day Washington spent some time with us learning what it takes to become a firefighter. See below videos from the show that aired last week.

Never Forget!

We Will Never Forget.....Today we remember those lost on 9/11 at the Pentagon, New York City & Shanksville, PA.

Never Leave Your Child Alone In A Car

From our partners in safety SafeKids:

At this time last year, 26 children had died from heatstroke after being left in a hot car. This year, 18 children have died. While we are making progress in spreading awareness about the dangers of heatstroke, even one death is too many.

Help us spread the word by sharing this blog post with photo.

Time Again to 'Fill-the-Boot' for Muscular Dystrophy

Beginning today and continuing until Friday evening MCFRS will support International Association of FireFighters (IAFF) Local 1664 with it's efforts to collect for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

County Executive Leggett makes the first contribution 

The effort was kicked off yesterday at our Fire Station #34 with a contribution from County Executive Leggett as well as a Proclamation presented by Mr. Leggett to Fire Chief Scott Goldstein and IAFF Local 1664 President Jeff Buddle.
 
Thanks to the residents (and commuters) in Montgomery County, MCFRS is the leading Fill the Boot IAFF contributor in the Maryland and consistently has been one of the top contributors in the Country.  In the 30 year history of MCFRS supporting MDA, IAFF Career Fire Fighters Local 1664 has raised about $2.5 million!

So if you see our Firefighters out in the community over the next three days, please consider making a donation to help the cause.

All monies raised through “Fill the Boot” stays locally in the metro area to help support families dealing with neuromuscular diseases by providing research, wheelchairs, clinic treatments and most importantly allowing children to MDA Summer Camp for 1 week.

History of Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters and MDA

• Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters Association, Local 1664, joined the fight against the more
  
  than 40 neuromuscular diseases by holding its first “Fill the Boot” campaign in 1984. 


• Since the first Fill the Boot campaign in 1984 till 2006 Montgomery County Fire Fighters would donate their “off duty” time for 3 days prior to the Labor Day weekend to conduct “Fill the Boot” at various intersections around Montgomery County. During this period Local 1664 raised $783,452.00. 


• In 2007, thanks to the efforts from Past President John Sparks, Past Fire Chief Tom Carr and then Division Chief Ritchie Bowers along with the support of County Executive Ike Leggett career fire fighters were given permission to participate in “Fill the Boot” while on duty. During the period from 2007 to 2014 Local 1664 has raised, $1,540,842.00


• Local 1664 is the largest contributing IAFF Local in the state of Maryland for MDA.  


• In 2007 Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters placed # 5 in the country collecting over $234,000. 


• In 2008 Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters placed # 9 in the country collecting over $206,000.


• In 2009 Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters placed # 4 in the country collecting a record $254,102.


• In 2014 Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters placed # 10 in the country collecting over $194,000.00. 


• In the 30 year history of Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters supporting the MDA, Local 1664 has raised $2,324,294.00


• Local 1664 also supports MDA by attending MDA Summer Camp in Leonardtown, MD. During Summer Camp, Montgomery County Fire Fighters bring a fire engine to camp for kids to tour and the Locals “Beef Brothers” provide dinner to approximately 150 children and counselors.