Effective 11/7/24: Hillandale Fire Station 24 Services Temporarily Relocated

 

For Immediate Release:

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Temporarily Relocates Hillandale Fire Station 24 Due to Mold Remediation

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) has temporarily relocated personnel from Hillandale Fire Station 24, located at 13216 New Hampshire Avenue, due to the detection of mold in the building.

Following a recommendation from the Department of General Services and Montgomery County Risk Management, the station will remain closed to protect the health and safety of firefighters and staff. The closure will not affect emergency services in the Colesville and Hillandale areas.

The mold remediation process has begun and is expected to take approximately four weeks. During this time, neighboring stations will provide continued service to the affected communities.

MCFRS is working closely with the Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department, the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Rescue Association and the International Association of Firefighters Local 1664 to ensure the safety and well-being of all personnel.

Updates on the progress of the remediation will be provided as the situation develops.

Time to Fall Back...Into Safety

 

It's that time of year again when we "Fall Back" and change clocks (unless your clocks do it automatically)! Here are Fire Chief' Smedley's Top Eight Tips when it comes to smoke alarms and fire safety this weekend!

1. It is indisputable that smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms are the best and least expensive way to provide an early warning system to alert you and your family to a potential fire emergency. Smoke alarms are designed to detect a fire in its early stages and alert people so they have time to safely escape.

2. Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.

3. For the best protection, smoke alarms should be interconnected. What does that mean? When one sounds they all sound alerting you to an emergency early on and giving you critical time to escape. New construction requirements have included hard- wired smoke alarms with battery back-ups since the 1980's. 

4. Nothing lasts forever - including smoke alarms. Smoke alarms become less reliable with time, primarily due to aging of their electronic components making them more susceptible to nuisance false alarms. Replace entire smoke alarm units every 10 years or sooner if they don't respond properly when tested. Why? The sensor wears out and may not activate in an emergency putting your family at risk. Always read the manufacturer’s recommendations as some models recommend replacement every 5-7 years.

5. Never (ever) paint over a smoke alarm. It will affect the operation of the smoke alarm, potentially disabling it.

6. Test your alarms once a month by pressing the test button.

7. Clean your smoke alarm once a month when you test it. Smoke alarms get clogged with dust build-up which may affect performance.

8. If your alarm “chirps” it may be time to change the back-up battery in your hard-wired alarm. Since 2018, Maryland law has required all battery-only smoke alarms (permitted in homes built b/f 1975) to have a sealed,10-year long-life battery in the unit so any "chirping" in these units is likely signaling that you need to replace the smoke alarm with a new one. 

Today's home safety and security technology has evolved beyond smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Many families rely on household devices connected to the internet or smartphones to enhance safety and security. New technology can even notify you when the alarm is activated or if the battery is low. Take time this weekend to ensure your family has a fire safety plan. Practice it with a Home Fire Drill to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. 

Countdown to Halloween

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According to the National Safety Council, Halloween is the day when children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed than on any other day. With Halloween quickly approaching, Fire Chief Corey Smedley and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service offer some essential tips for a safe Halloween.

Plan a safe route.

1. Accompany children and remind them to stop at all street corners, cross only at intersections and crosswalks. Teach them to look left, right, and left before crossing the street and to continue looking both ways as they cross. If you’re a motorist, please slow down and be prepared to give trick or treaters a brake.

2. Stay in familiar neighborhoods and have a parent or responsible adult accompany trick or treaters. Visit only those houses where the lights are on. Accept treats only in the doorway and NEVER go inside a house or apartment.

3. Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.

4. Safety in numbers. If they’re old enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, designate a route before the kids go trick or treating, tell your kids to stay in a group, avoid taking short cuts through backyards and alleys and ask them to check in regularly.

5. Ensure trick-or-treaters stay away from open flames or jack-o-lanterns with candles burning.

6. Children should avoid busy streets, always use sidewalks, and follow all traffic rules and regulations. Motorists should drive slowly and be alert to small children crossing streets. Many accidents occur when motorists are backing vehicles out of driveways, unaware of the presence of small children.

Be Safe – Be Seen.

1. Don’t assume the right-of-way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters in the dark. Just because one car stops doesn’t mean others will.

2. Encourage kids to follow all the rules for pedestrian safety. That includes obeying all traffic laws, looking both ways before crossing, using crosswalks, crossing at intersections and corners and never darting between parked cars.

Be a Good Neighbor.

1. Keep your porch lights on and eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Remove outdoor safety hazards such as toys, bicycles, garden hoses, and lawn ornaments. Make sure the driveway and steps are cleared of leaves, which can be a slipping and falling hazard. Make sure that the driveway and walks are well lit for incoming trick-or-treaters. Replace burned-out or broken light bulbs.

2. Pets get frightened on Halloween. Confine your pets for their safety and for that of trick or treaters.

All Dressed Up.

1. Plan costumes that are bright and have reflective qualities. Consider adding reflective tape or decals to costumes and trick or treat bags. Be sure kids carry a flashlight and use glow sticks for extra visibility.

2. When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.

3. Have an adult inspect treats BEFORE eating anything. Do not eat any unwrapped, partially wrapped, or homemade-looking treats.

4. Shorter IS safer. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.

5. Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup as a safer alternative.

6. If a sword, cane or stick is part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if they trip or fall.

Decorate Safely.

1. Illuminate your jack-o’-lanterns with flashlights or battery-operated candles instead of real ones. You won’t have the worries of an open flame coming in contact with anything . . .or anyone.

2. If you do use candles, keep them well away from where trick or treaters will be walking or standing. Review with your children the principle of “stop, drop and roll” should their clothing catch fire.

Lastly, teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.

 

"Take 10 on 10/10" Campaign: A Call to Action for Fire Prevention

October is Fire Prevention Month and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is launching its annual “Take 10 on 10/10” campaign. This initiative encourages residents to dedicate just 10 minutes on October 10th to enhance fire prevention and emergency preparedness in just three easy steps.  

What is "Take 10 on 10/10"?

The “Take 10 on 10/10” campaign encourages residents to take just 10 minutes on October 10th to review and enhance their fire safety plans. This involves testing smoke alarms to ensure they are working, creating or updating your home fire escape plan, and refreshing your emergency supply kit. The goal is simple: to make fire prevention and preparedness a priority in every household.

The Importance of Fire Prevention 

Fire Chief Smedley emphasizes the critical need for a proactive approach to fire safety. “Fire prevention is a mindset. MCFRS isn’t just about responding to emergencies; it’s about preventing them through education. Taking just 10 minutes to ensure that your home is safe can make a significant difference in preventing fire-related tragedies,” he emphasized.

In a world where distractions are everywhere, dedicating time to fire prevention and fire safety can often be overlooked. The “Take 10 on 10/10” campaign serves as a reminder that even small actions can have a large impact.

What Can You Do in 10 Minutes?

Here are some effective actions you can take during your 10-minute commitment:

1. Check Your Smoke Alarms: Ensure that smoke alarms are functioning properly. Check the date on the back. Before 2014? It's time to replace. 

2. Create or Update Your Escape Plan: If a fire occurs, every second counts. Discuss escape routes and establish a meeting place outside your home. Practice your plan and conduct a quick fire drill with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency and where to meet.

3. Emergency Preparedness: Update your family's emergency kit. You never know when you might need it and it's important to take inventory and replenish critical items. 

Team up with MCFRS

As we approach October 10th, Fire Chief Smedley is encouraging all residents of Montgomery County to join us in this vital campaign. The “Take 10 on 10/10” campaign is more than just a one-day event; it’s a call to create a culture of fire safety and resilience throughout Montgomery County. Let’s make fire prevention a priority not just on October 10th, but every day of the year. 

Do What's Right - Don't Ignite. ALL Fireworks are ILLEGAL

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As July Fourth approaches, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Interim Fire Chief Gary Cooper is reminding residents and visitors that ALL fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County -- YEAR ROUND. Fireworks can cause serious damage, including bodily harm and property damage, and are illegal for a reason. MCFRS wants our residents to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday with family and friends --- not in the Emergency Room.

What you need to 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. Call 311 to be connected with Permitting Services.

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. Non-emergency 911 calls can delay getting assistance to people with actual emergencies.

Where can I go to see the fireworks on July 4th?

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.  

DROWNING: It Can Happen in an Instant

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Five words that save lives --- All Eyes On The Pool! MCFRS officials are urging residents to diligently supervise children when around any water sources. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just learning how to swim, many water-related injuries and tragedies can be avoided by constant supervision by adults. DYK that drowning is the leading killer of children between the ages of 1 -  4 years? The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service kicks off our 2024 Summer of Safety Campaign with one of the most important topics of summer: Water Safety. 

Be attentive.  Research from the National Safe Kid Campaign shows that nearly 9 out of 10 children between the ages of 1 and 14 who drowned were under supervision when they died. How is this possible? Distractions – cell phones, ipads, reading materials, chores and socializing needs to be resisted when YOU are on “lifeguard duty” watching your child. Be engaged and committed to watching them constantly. The study defined supervision as being in someone’s care, not necessarily in direct line of sight.

Learn to swim and never swim alone. One of the best things you can do to stay safe around the water is to learn to swim and to always swim with a buddy. Make sure they know how to tread water, float on their backs and get to the edge of the pool and hang on. Even the most experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps which might make it difficult to get out of the water safely.  

Teaching your child how to swim does not mean that your child is “drown-proof.” If you have a pool or are visiting a pool, protect your children by supervising them at all times and being prepared in case of an emergency. Consider designating a adult “water watcher” when children are participating in water activities.

Seconds count when it comes to water emergencies. Keep a phone (cell or cordless) by the pool or nearby when engaged in recreational water activities so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Learn life-saving skills. Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies. In the time it might take paramedics to arrive, your CPR skills could make a difference in saving someone’s life.

Avoid relying on inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties” and “noodles” to keep your child safe. These toys are not designed to keep your child safe, can deflate or shift quickly and should never be used as a substitute for supervision. Use only Coast Guard approved flotation devices that fits your swimmer properly.

Lifeguards are an important safety feature but are NOT intended to replace the close supervision of parents or caregivers. Remember, lifeguards are not babysitters.

Maintain constant supervision of children around water (bathtubs, pools, ornamental backyard ponds, etc.). Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. Don't be distracted by phone calls, chores or conversations. If you leave the pool area, take the child with you. Remember: swim lessons are no substitute for the supervision of children. Formal swimming lessons can help protect young swimmers around the water however constant adult supervision is critical. 

Diving dangers. Diving injuries can cause permanent spinal damage, injuries and even death. Protect yourself by diving only in designated areas that are known to be safe, such as the deep end, of a supervised pool. 

Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather. 

Know Your Limits. Watch for the “dangerous too’s” . . . too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity. 

Water and alcohol don’t mix. Each year, up to half of all adult drownings are linked to alcohol use. Never swim impaired. 

Potomac River: What You Know Could Save Your Life

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The Fire Chief's annual Potomac River Safety Campaign kicks off this Memorial Day and Interim Fire Chief Gary S. Cooper is asking residents to please observe the warnings, come prepared, and be safe. There is lots to learn from Captain Bell with the MCFRS Water Rescue Team and key insights shared in a recent interview.

"The Potomac is very deceptive, it has some spots that look very calm, very tranquil, look very easy to swim in. But, because the river is a very high-volume flowing river there is a very strong undercurrent with lots of rocks, lots of unseen obstacles and the water is never clear, so you can never see what you’re getting into. These dynamics are especially pronounced in the area of the river called the Potomac Gorge. It is a turbulent zone where water comes into conflict with geology. This stutter-step in the earth’s crust makes Great Falls a beautiful spot, it also makes it dangerous. Important to keep in mind that the falls are only a piece of a complicated section of river spanning about seven miles. Uprooted trees, debris, hidden boulders, and other hazards create a situation so dangerous for swimming that wading and swimming are illegal in many places."

"The river is moving fast and there are a lot of hazards that you can get pinned up against, get your feet trapped in,” says Bell. “And the trees, they create what we call a strainer effect where, if you get swept into them, you can very easily get caught and trapped by your body.” Even wading into the river can lead to a dangerous situation. Mud and silt and pollutants make it impossible to see more than a few inches below the water’s surface. The river’s bottom is too often underestimated.

“I feel like I’m safe because I have my footing and I step into an eddy or something and I’m relatively safe there, but then as soon as I take one step to the rear of where I’m at it’ll drop from a four to five foot to a 20 to 30-foot drop. And as soon as you lose that, you run that panic sensation and you can very easily drown.”

Bell and his team are well-trained, with plenty of experience. Even so, he says it’s tough to rescue someone once they are already in the river’s grasp.

“Usually we’re out of the firehouse within a matter of a minute, and then we have to go down there and it’s going to be five to ten minutes to get to the river’s edge to put the boat in. And then it’s going to depend on where in the river from where we launch as to how long it takes us.” Too often by the time swimmers realize they are in trouble, it’s too late. Captain Bell notes that it can take up to 20 minutes just to reach the scene. “A swimmer could very much be in a fight for their life prior to us arriving, and have lost that fight.” MCFRS is asking anyone who is visiting the Potomac River to be aware of the dangers and respect the river. (From an awesome interview w/ Bureau Chief Kris Ankarlo (WNEW)

Why People Drown at Great Falls

National Park Service - Plan Your Visit

What Activities are Allowed?

Billie Goat Trail Information - Preview Conditions & Check out the Safety Video

The Billy Goat Trail, especially section A, is challenging and dangerous. A sign in early parts of the trail says: “Difficult Trail Ahead. Many hikers are injured every year on this section of the Billy Goat A trail. The terrain includes sharp drops, requires jumps across open areas, walking along the edges of rocks, and a climb up a 50-foot-traverse. Beyond this point, the next available exit is at the midpoint, up to an hour's hike over difficult terrain. If you are tired, low on water, or unprepared for a very strenuous hike, please turn back.” The bottom line, it's not a place for rookies. Be safe and please mind the warnings, friends!

~ Honoring a Hero ~

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of
Master Firefighter Yu-Lun (Will) Wu
on Friday, May 11, 2024 following a valiant battle with cancer. 
He passed away peacefully at Suburban Hospital surrounded by loved ones.

Will was a Montgomery County resident and lived in Aspen Hill, Maryland.
He was hired on March 17, 2008 and dedicated sixteen years of service to
the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and the residents of
Montgomery County. His commitment to duty was evident every day
and in his most recent assignment at Fire Station 7, C-Shift.

Montgomery County Interim Fire Chief Gary S. Cooper shared the solemn news 
of Will's active-duty death with the MCFRS community. In this time of grief,
we humbly request that you keep the Wu family and the
entire MCFRS family in your thoughts and prayers.

       ___________________________________________________________ 

Details Regarding Viewing and Funeral Services

Viewing

• Wednesday, May 22, 2024 – 1100-1400 and 1500-1800 hours
• Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home - 11800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904

 Funeral

• Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 11:00 am 
• Lutheran Church of St. Andrew, 15300 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20905
• Simulcast available at http://tiny.cc/Wu7strong 

 Interment

• Immediately following funeral services and post-funeral processional
• Park Lawn Cemetery – 12800 Veirs Mill Rd, Rockville, MD 20853

 Repast

• Thursday, May 23, 2024, immediately following the internment. Additional information to follow.
                       __________________________________________________________ 

                  IMPORTANT MCFRS Information

Planning to Attend? Please Respond by 0700 on Saturday, May 18th

If you plan to attend the Viewing, Funeral, or Repast please complete the Survey below:

• Link to the MCFRS Internal Attendance Form  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters Charitable Foundation (https://mcfirefoundation.org/donate/)

Safety First: The Dangers of Windows

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Fact: Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries in children less than 14 years of age. More than 80% of fall-related injuries among children ages 4 and under occur in the home.

You've child-proofed your home room-by-room. You've check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. You've covered all electrical outlets and you've even mastered how to install your car seat. But there is one potential hazard you may have missed or underestimated. As cooler weather arrives and people are opening their windows again, be aware of young children who may have access to windows -- and not just in high rise buildings. Many falls occur from modest heights. 

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. While most windows have screens, they are not designed to provide protection to keep a child safe.  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.
• Remind grandparents and other caregivers about window safety.
• Always supervise children and keep their play area (or "home school" area) away from windows.

Toddlers are top-heavy. Their heads are bigger in proportion to the rest of their body than adults.This means they are more likely to fall head first, injuring their skull and brain upon impact. Window falls can happen quickly and, in some cases, be deadly. 

• If you see that a child has fallen out of a window and is lying on the ground not moving, do not move them. Call 911 and wait for emergency responders.
• Seek medical attention after a window fall, even if your child appears to have no injuries. 

Spring forward time!

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Don’t forget: TEST smoke and carbon monoxide alarms this weekend!

It's that time of year again when we "Spring Forward" and change clocks (unless your clocks do it automatically!) and check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Here are our "Top Eight" Tips to remember when it comes to smoke alarms and fire safety this weekend:

1. It is indisputable that smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms are the best and least expensive way to provide an early warning system to alert you and your family to a potential fire emergency. Smoke alarms are designed to detect a fire in its early stages and alert people, so they have time to safely escape.

2. Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.

3. For the best protection, smoke alarms should be interconnected. What does that mean? When one sounds they all sound alerting you to an emergency early on and giving you critical time to escape. New construction requirements have included hard- wired smoke alarms with battery back-ups since the mid-70's. 

4. Nothing lasts forever - including smoke alarms. Smoke alarms become less reliable with time, primarily due to aging of their electronic components making them more susceptible to nuisance false alarms. Replace entire smoke alarm units every 10 years or sooner if they don't respond properly when tested. Why? The sensor wears out and may not activate in an emergency putting your family at risk. Always read the manufacturer’s recommendations as some models recommend replacement every 5-7 years.

5. DIY projects? Never (ever) paint over a smoke alarm. It will affect the operation of the smoke alarm, potentially disabling it.

6. Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarms once a month by pressing the test button.

7. Lightly clean your smoke alarms monthly when you test them. Smoke alarms get clogged with dust build-up which may affect performance. Vacuum lightly and follow manufacturer recommendations. 

8. If your smoke alarm “chirps” it may be time to change the back-up battery in your hard-wired alarm. Since 2018, Maryland law has required all battery-only smoke alarms (typically found in homes built before 1975 that have never pulled a building permit) to have a sealed,10-year long-life battery in the unit. Any "chirping" in these units is likely signaling that you need to replace the entire smoke alarm with a new one. 

Today's home safety and security technology has evolved beyond smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Many families rely on household devices connected to the internet or smartphones to enhance safety and security. New technology can even notify you when the alarm is activated or if the battery is low. Take time this weekend to ensure your family has a fire safety plan and you have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with the newest technology. And practice your plan with a Home Fire Drill to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. 

Best. Gift. Ever.

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Last minute shoppers, still looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift?

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue officials are recommending smoke alarms as the PERFECT Valentine’s gift for loved ones this year. Nothing says you mean everything to me like the 24-hour protection that comes with a smoke alarm. And while you are busy planning the perfect evening, make it memorable for all the right reasons. A few tips to keep in mind:

• Cooking: Planning to put all those new cooking skills learned on Instagram? Be sure to 'Stand by your pan' and 'Keep an eye on what you fry.' Too many meals are ruined when cooks get distracted or forgetful and leave cooking unattended. As much as Fire/Rescue loves your cooking, you really don’t want us to have to extinguish that perfect meal. Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires so keep anything that can catch fire – potholders, paper or plastic bags, dish towels, newspapers, and curtains – away from your stovetop, oven and appliances that generate heat and don't cook distracted.
• Candles: While candles may look festive and set the mood, did you know that unattended candles account for thousands of fires annually? The National Fire Protection Association reports that, on average, a candle fire in the home is reported to a US Fire Department every 30 minutes. Consider battery-operated, flameless candles instead. You really can’t tell the difference!
• Getting lit? If lighting up the fireplace is in your plans, make sure that’s all you light up. Believe it or not, every year people dispose of fireplace ashes before they have sufficiently cooled. Keep your ash out of the trash and only dispose of fireplace ashes in a sealed, metal container located far from anything combustible several days after they have cooled. Never dispose of fireplace ashes in your recycling bin, trash can, paper, or plastic bags or in a garage, carport, or on a deck or porch.
  

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue wants you to have a great (and safe) Valentine’s Day. Remember, smoke alarms save lives and they make great gifts. Did you know you can schedule MCFRS to check your home's smoke alarms? Schedule an in-person or "virtual" visit or a quick phone consult ... we'll even help you pick the perfect alarms for your home. You'll just need to add a bow. Call 311 or visit www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe for all the info on this free program to Montgomery County residents. 

Cold Weather Probs - Prevent Pipes from Freezing

~ Beth Anne Nesselt
Manager, Community Risk Reduction Section

___________________________________________

For Spanish click here

With below-freezing temperatures in the forecast, a few simple steps can keep you and your family safe and your home's pipes from freezing. Please review the tips below to help minimize the possibility of damage.

• Prepare your pipes in advance. Remove, drain and store garden hoses used outside. If practical, use an inside valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing pipes just inside your house.

• Properly winterize automatic landscaping sprinkler systems. 

• Check and monitor any exposed pipes in unheated areas such as basements, garages, attics and crawlspaces.

• Locate the main water shut off for your home so that if a pipe bursts, you can shut off the water and minimize damage.

• Open cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathrooms to let heat in and around the plumbing.  Especially important if some of these pipes run up against outside walls. If you open cabinet doors, be sure to remove anything that may pose a safety hazard to children, such as household cleaners.

• Keep any garage doors closed if there are water pipes or supply lines in the garage.  If attached to home and safe, consider opening the door to the garage to allow some home heat to enter the garage. While your heating bill may take a hit, the cost will not compare to costly repairs from water damage.

• DO NOT use kerosene or other fuel fed heating devices in the garage to heat it.

• Let water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe (even at a dribble) during a cold spell can often help prevent pipes from freezing.

• DO NOT use a blow torch or any other open flame to try and thaw out potentially frozen pipes! (did we really have to say this?!) 
• Mobile homes are typically more vulnerable to frozen pipes so take proper precautions. 

• Keep the thermostat set to no lower than 55° F during the evening hours or if you will be leaving the home for an extended period of time (day or night).

  
Please check on elderly neighbors, family members and friends who may need additional assistance to ensure their safety during these challenging times. And always having working and up-to-date smoke alarms in your home. Visit us at www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe for more safety tips.

Stay informed. Sign up for Alert Montgomery. For information, visit https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/register.php