Montgomery County Firefighters Practice Ice Rescues at Frozen Pond

Stay off the ice! That's the message from our Firefighters this winter!

Reminder: There Is a Flash Flood Watch In Effect

While we are in between storms, I just wanted to remind everyone that there is also a Flash Flood Watch in effect until this evening.  With all of the talk about lightning and wind – and that is important – I want to make sure all of you are aware of ALL the potential issues that could occur today.

Photo from a previous incident

Below, please find links to two recent blog posts that you will find useful.  Unfortunately, we here at MCFRS had several calls for water rescues on roadways earlier in the week.  PLEASE remember to “Turn Around and Do Not Drown!”  Too many seem to be ignoring this very simple preventive step.  You are putting not only yourself at risk but also the lives of our Firefighters who must now try and rescue you!

TURN AROUND - DON’T DROWN and Try an Alternate Route! List of Roads That Flood.

Google Map Showing Locations of Water Rescues During January 2013 Flooding

Make sure you are able to keep informed today of the potentially evolving weather forecast!  Be aware and prepared! 

As always: Stay Safe!

Bill D

MCFRS Significant Incident Map Sunday, May 5 – Saturday, May 25

Almost caught up!  I will be posting the remaining dates shortly to get us back on track.

Thanks again for your understanding!

Stay Safe!  Bill D

View MCFRS Significant Incident Map in a larger map

Potomac River Safety

Last week MCFRS participated in a joint press conference with the National Park Service, Park Police, and Fairfax County Fire & Rescue that highlighted the dangers of the Potomac River.  Video highlights are below.

From County Council Cable:




From MCFRS:

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

FLASH FLOOD Watch: List of Roads That Flood & Safety Tips

Many Roads in Montgomery County Susceptible to Flooding so Consider Alternate Routes Beforehand!

There is a FLASH FLOOD Watch in effect for the County until 11 PM tonight!  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 storm systems continue to 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