A Special Project In Honor Of Memorial Day

By: Firefighter Robert Orner

      Fire Station 34 B-Shift

Last Thursday, Fire Station 34-B took on a special project in honor of Memorial Day. The crew took recycled fire hose and crafted it into an American Flag to hang in the station.

Thanks to everyone who helped out on this project but most of all....

Thanks to ALL who have served in our U.S. Armed Forces and have given the Ultimate Sacrifice!

We Support OUR Troops, Worldwide! 

Hear Us, See Us, Clear for Us!

“Please Abide – Pull Aside”

Do you know what to do when approached by an emergency vehicle? The metropolitan area is often crowded and congested with traffic conditions caused by commuters, collisions, work zones and sometimes just “normal” traffic.

Emergency vehicles are impacted by these conditions, as well. When somebody calls 911 for help – the men and women of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service respond. How can everyday drivers help us to help you? – Normally drivers will HEAR us first, next they will SEE us, and then we need drivers to CLEAR for us.

HEAR US - SEE US - CLEAR FOR US 

C – L – E – A – R for emergency vehicles.

C – Calmly pull to and as close to the edge of the roadway as possible and stop.

L – Leave room. Keep intersections clear and never try to follow emergency vehicles.

E – Enter into traffic with caution after the emergency vehicle has passed. Remember to use signals.

A – Aware (be). Be aware of your surroundings. Keep radio volume low and check rear view mirrors frequently.

R – Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. Be mindful that there may be additional emergency vehicles approaching.

When approached by an emergency vehicle – the law says to pull over to the closest parallel edge of the roadway and yield the right of way to the emergency vehicle. An emergency vehicle is one with an audible siren and/or siren and emergency flashing lights. When driving and approaching an emergency scene – slow down and move over. In other words - “Give us a brake!”

Reduce the risk of an accident near an emergency scene and around emergency equipment.

Stay alert – expect anything to occur when approaching emergency vehicles.

Pay close attention – watch for police or fire direction.

Turn on your headlights – let on scene workers and other motorists see you.

Don’t tailgate – unexpected stops frequently occur near emergency scenes.

Don’t speed – slow down.

Keep up with the traffic flow – dedicate your full attention to the roadway and those traveling around you.

Minimize distractions – avoid changing radio stations and using mobile cell phones while approaching these areas.

Expect the unexpected – keep an eye out for emergency workers and their equipment.

Be patient – remember, firefighters and EMT’s have been called to the scene and are working to help someone.

In Montgomery County pedestrian and traffic safety issues are front and center. If you travel by car or are a pedestrian, please place extra emphasis on safety. Simply looking both ways before crossing a street, crossing in a crosswalk, spending a few extra seconds to cinch the belt on your child's safety seat, or delaying departure to ensure you get enough rest before a long trip can make all the difference. Preventative safety, while measured in seconds or minutes, can save you from months or years of anguish, grief, and "what if". Be smart. Be safe.

Outdoor Grilling Safety

Thinking of starting/firing up the grill during this holiday weekend?  Fire Chief Steve Lohr of the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service wants you and your loved ones to enjoy this weekend SAFELY! Below are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association that he hopes will help:

Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.

• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets far away from grills: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
• With charcoal grills, only use charcoal starter fluids designed for barbecue grills and do not add fluid after coals have been lit. NEVER use gasoline!
• With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
• All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow off propane before capacity is reached. OPDS are easily identified by their triangle-shaped hand wheel.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and have the grill. repaired by a professional, if necessary.
• Remember to keep your grill clean! Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
• Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto grill and catch fire.
• REMEMBER! Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.

Grilling Safety

According to the Barbecue Industry Association, three out of four households in the United States own a barbecue grill. From making a quick dinner to barbequing a feast for family and friends, when lighting a charcoal or gas grill, it's important to remember that a savory barbeque is a safe barbecue.

• According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), gas and charcoal grills cause an annual average of 1,500 structure fires and 4,200 outdoor fires in or on residential properties, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $29.8 million.

Make Fire Safety a Priority

Protection can be relatively simple and inexpensive. To help prevent fire fatalities and injuries at your home this summer:

Only use your barbecue grill outside. Grills are not designed to be used in a trailer, tent, garage, or house. Carbon monoxide can build-up and poison you.

• Set-up a grill in an open area away from buildings, overhead combustible surfaces, dry leaves or brush. Be sure to avoid high traffic areas and always barbecue in a well-ventilated area. Be aware of wind blown sparks.
• Always read the owners manual before using the grill.
• Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 20 feet away from your house or any building. Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire.
• Keep a multipurpose fire extinguisher within easy reach.
• When purchasing a fire extinguisher, choose the largest size that can be handled comfortably.
• Wear clothing that does not have hanging sleeves or apron strings, and use flame retardant mitts when adjusting hot vents.
• Never leave a grill unattended once it is lit.
• Use long-handled utensils to avoid burns and splatters.
• Never attempt to move a hot grill.
• If using a charcoal grill, gasoline should never be used in place of charcoal lighter fluid. And never reapply charcoal lighter fluid after the fire has started; the flames can ignite the vapors, and travel up to the can causing an explosion.

Consumers should use caution when storing LP gas containers. Always keep containers upright. Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors. Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.

To avoid accidents while transporting LP gas containers, consumers should transport the container in a secure, upright position. Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.

Consumers should use extreme caution and always follow manufacturer's instructions when connecting or disconnecting LP gas containers.

Grills manufactured after October 1, 1995, are required to have three additional safety features to eliminate leak hazards: a device to limit the flow of gas in the event of hose rupture; a mechanism to shut-off the grill; and a feature to prevent the flow of gas if the connection between the tank and the grill is not leak proof. Consumers should consider purchasing grills that have these safety features. Sources: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and NFPA

Going to the Pool or Beach This Weekend? Keep These Water Safety Tips in Mind!

Keep these Water Safety Tips in Mind

As the weather heats up, chances are you will be headed to the beach or pool to cool off this summer. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just learning how to swim, many water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing what to do and how to stay safe. Drowning is the second leading killer of children ages 14 and under and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service urges residents to review these important tips to increase safety around the water:  

• 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. Even experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps which might make it difficult to get out of the water safely.  
• Learn life-saving skills. Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies. Valuable lifesaving seconds are lost by having to wait for Emergency Medical Services to respond and administer CPR. Learning CPR and other life-saving skills and rescue techniques can save lives.   
• 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.
• Don’t rely on swimming lessons, life preservers or other equipment to make a child “water safe.” Remember - swimming lessons are no substitute for supervision of children. Formal swimming lessons can help protect young swimmers around the water however constant adult supervision is critical. 
• Never leave children unsupervised around water (bathtubs, pools, ornamental backyard ponds, etc.). Small children don't think of water as a danger and, by nature, are very curious.   
• Diving dangers. Diving injuries can cause permanent spinal damage, injuries and even death. Protect yourself by diving only in areas that are known to be safe, such as the deep end of a supervised pool. Always check the water’s depth and remember that jumping in feet first can be very risky if you haven’t checked the water for rocks or other hidden hazards.
• 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.
• Maintain constant supervision of children. Know where your children are at all times. 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.
• Don’t rely on substitutes. The use of floatation devices, water wings and inflatable toys can not replace parental supervision. Such flotation devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.
• Water and alcohol don’t mix. Each year, up to half of all adult drownings are linked to alcohol use.

Firing up the Grill? Keep these Safety Tips in Mind

It's Memorial Day and people will be firing up their grills for the first time this year 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

Going to the Pool or Beach This Weekend? Keep These Water Safety Tips in Mind.

Keep these Water Safety Tips in Mind

As the weather heats up, chances are you will be headed to the beach or pool to cool off this summer. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just learning how to swim, many water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing what to do and how to stay safe. Drowning is the second leading killer of children ages 14 and under and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service urges residents to review these important tips to increase safety around the water:  

• 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. Even experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps which might make it difficult to get out of the water safely.  
• Learn life-saving skills. Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies. Valuable lifesaving seconds are lost by having to wait for Emergency Medical Services to respond and administer CPR. Learning CPR and other life-saving skills and rescue techniques can save lives.   
• 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.
• Don’t rely on swimming lessons, life preservers or other equipment to make a child “water safe.” Remember - swimming lessons are no substitute for supervision of children. Formal swimming lessons can help protect young swimmers around the water however constant adult supervision is critical. 
• Never leave children unsupervised around water (bathtubs, pools, ornamental backyard ponds, etc.). Small children don't think of water as a danger and, by nature, are very curious.   
• Diving dangers. Diving injuries can cause permanent spinal damage, injuries and even death. Protect yourself by diving only in areas that are known to be safe, such as the deep end of a supervised pool. Always check the water’s depth and remember that jumping in feet first can be very risky if you haven’t checked the water for rocks or other hidden hazards.
• 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.
• Maintain constant supervision of children. Know where your children are at all times. 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.
• Don’t rely on substitutes. The use of floatation devices, water wings and inflatable toys can not replace parental supervision. Such flotation devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.
• Water and alcohol don’t mix. Each year, up to half of all adult drownings are linked to alcohol use.

Splash into Summer Safely! Keep these Water Safety Tips in Mind

As the weather heats up, chances are you will be headed to the beach or pool to cool off this summer. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just learning how to swim, many water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing what to do and how to stay safe. Drowning is the second leading killer of children ages 14 and under and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service urges residents to review these important tips to increase safety around the water:

 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. Even experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps which might make it difficult to get out of the water safely.

 Learn life-saving skills. Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies. Valuable lifesaving seconds are lost by having to wait for Emergency Medical Services to respond and administer CPR. Learning CPR and other life-saving skills and rescue techniques can save lives.

 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.

 Don’t rely on swimming lessons, life preservers or other equipment to make a child “water safe.” Remember - swimming lessons are no substitute for supervision of children. Formal swimming lessons can help protect young swimmers around the water however constant adult supervision is critical.

 Never leave children unsupervised around water (bathtubs, pools, ornamental backyard ponds, etc.). Small children don't think of water as a danger and, by nature, are very curious.

 Diving dangers. Diving injuries can cause permanent spinal damage, injuries and even death. Protect yourself by diving only in areas that are known to be safe, such as the deep end of a supervised pool. Always check the water’s depth and remember that jumping in feet first can be very risky if you haven’t checked the water for rocks or other hidden hazards.

 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.

 Maintain constant supervision of children. Know where your children are at all times. 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.

 Don’t rely on substitutes. The use of floatation devices, water wings and inflatable toys can not replace parental supervision. Such flotation devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.

 Water and alcohol don’t mix. Each year, up to half of all adult drownings are linked to alcohol use.

NEWS ADVISORY: Firing up the Grill? Keep these Safety Tips in Mind

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 25, 2011

Firing up the Grill?

Keep these Safety Tips in Mind

With Memorial Day fast approaching, people will be firing up their grills for the first time this year 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

# # #

Firing up the Grill? Keep these Safety Tips in Mind

It’s that time of year again -- with summer fast approaching, residents will be firing up their grills and the last thing on many minds is probably safety, right? Well, it shouldn’t be according to Fire Chief Richie Bowers. Firefighters responded to a serious grill fire this past weekend (photos above and below) that remains under investigation with the homeowner was transported to a local hospital and currently recovering from 1st and 2nd degree burns sustained in the fire. Every year, thousands of homes catch fire because of inproper use of grills and the 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.

 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.

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, townhouse, row house or other multi-family dwelling where all dwelling units are side by side and none are superimposed above another 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

# # #

UPDATE June, 4 2010:  Montgomery County Code Sec. 22-81. Use of certain cooking equipment adjacent to multi-family dwellings.

The use of charcoal burning, other fuel burning or electric cooking equipment outside of any multi-family dwelling shall be prohibited unless such cooking equipment is at least twenty (20) feet from every part of the building. The provisions of this section shall not apply to townhouses, row houses or other multi-family dwellings where all dwelling units are side by side and none are superimposed above another. (1975 L.M.C., ch. 23, § 1.)