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Cold Weather Problems - Freezing Weather Ahead: Protect Your Pipes

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue reminds residents that it’s not too late to prepare for the cold weather ahead. With below-freezing temperatures in the forecast this week, a few simple steps can keep your family safe and your home’s pipes from freezing. Fire officials offer the following tips to prepare your home for winter weather:

1. 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.
2.  Properly winterize automatic landscaping sprinkler systems.
3.  Check and monitor any exposed pipes in unheated areas such as basements, garages, attics and crawlspaces.
4.  As temperatures drop below freezing, protect indoor sink pipes located along exterior walls by opening under-sink cabinet doors to allow heat to circulate.
5. Consider keeping your thermostat at the same temperature during the day and at night. While temporarily suspending any pre-programmed energy-efficient settings could result in a slightly higher utility bill, it might prevent a costly repair bill if pipes freeze and break.
6. If your pipes break, seek the assistance of a professional plumber and never use a hair dryer or other appliance to thaw frozen pipes – you risk electrocution.
7. If you are going to be away during the cold weather, leave the heat on in your home and set the thermostat no lower than 55 degrees.
8. Mobile homes are typically more vulnerable to frozen pipes so take proper precautions.
9. Stay informed. Sign up for Alert Montgomery. For information, visit https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/register.php
 

Please check on your elderly neighbors and friends who may need additional assistance to ensure their safety and always having working smoke alarms in your home. Visit us at www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe for more safety tips.

Driving in Fog - Safety Tips

It is foggy out there folks!!!!  The below is from Weather.com and I thought it appropriate for this mornings commute. Stay Safe - Bill

View from our HQ this morning.

Fog can be thought of as a cloud at ground level. It forms when the temperature drops to the dew point (the temperature at which air is saturated), and invisible water vapor in the air condenses to form suspended water droplets. Fog can reduce visibility to 1/4 mile or less, creating hazardous driving conditions. If you can't postpone your trip until dense fog lifts -- usually by late morning or the afternoon -- follow these tips:

* Drive with lights on low beam. High beams will only be reflected back off the fog and actually impair visibility even more.

* Reduce your speed -- and watch your speedometer. Fog creates a visual illusion of slow motion when you may actually be speeding.

* Listen for traffic you cannot see. Open your window a little, to hear better.

* Use wipers and defrosters as necessary for maximum visibility.

* Use the right edge of the road or painted road markings as a guide.

* Be patient. Do not pass lines of traffic.

* Do not stop on a freeway or heavily traveled road. If your car stalls or becomes disabled, turn your vehicle's lights off, and take your foot off of the brake pedal. People tend to follow tail lights when driving in fog. Move away from the vehicle to avoid injury.

Sources: National Weather Service, Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Summer’s First Heat Wave Coming – Be Ready

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 20, 2012

Fire Officials Urge Residents to be Careful and Check on Elderly Neighbors    

Rockville - - - The first day of summer is going to be sizzling in the metropolitan area with sustained, high temperatures predicted through the week making it especially dangerous for the those at greatest risk including the elderly, the young, those with existing medical conditions and those that work outdoors.

While staying hydrated is essential all year long, it is particularly important when temperatures soar. Fire Chief Richard Bowers is urging residents to to stay cool, stay hydrated and to check on the welfare of elderly or at-risk neighbors. “Summer heat waves can be dangerous and even short periods of high temperatures cause serious health problems.Whether on the sports field or the construction site, folks need to take action to prevent heat-related illness.”

During hot weather and extreme heat this summer, keep informed by listening to local weather and news channels, use common sense and take a minute to review the tips below.

1. Pre-hydrate, hydrate and re-hydrate.
During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Drink plenty of fluids in advance, during and after activities and don’t wait until you're thirsty to hydrate.  Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluids you drink or has prescribed water pills, ask how much you should drink when the weather is hot.

2.  Dress for the heat.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect some of the sun’s energy. Limit your direct exposure to the sun and wear a hat for extra protection.

3.  Monitor those at high risk.
Extreme heat can be hazardous to your health and although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Those most at risk for heat-related illnesses include children, older adults, those that work or exercise outside and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Elderly, low income or individuals with disabilities in Montgomery County in need of a fan can call 240-777-3000 for information on free fans.  

4. Children and cars - use common sense.

Never leave infants, children, pets or the elderly in a parked car where temperatures can become life-threatening in minutes, even with the windows rolled down. Additionally, hot interior surfaces of a car can burn a child’s skin. Before you put your child in a car that has been parked in a warm/sunny spot, check the temperature of the carseat or upholstery first.

5. Avoid strenuous activity.
When possible, strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest part of the day. Take regular breaks when exercising or engaged in physical activity on warm days. If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing signs of a heat-related illness, stop the activity immediately, find a cool place to rest, hydrate and seek medical attention if necessary.

Remember, heat stroke is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY that can be fatal if not treated promptly. The American Red Cross advises that warning signs can vary among individuals but common signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke may include:  

Heat Exhaustion:

      -  Heavy sweating
      -  Muscle cramps
      -  Pulse rate: fast and weak
      -  Breathing: fast and shallow
      -  Nausea or vomiting
      -  Fatigue
      -  Weakness
      -  Headache and/or dizziness

Heat Stroke:

-  An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees)
-  The absence of sweating
-  Rapid pulse
-  Difficulty breathing
-  Throbbing headache
-  Strange behavior and/or hallucinations
-  Confusion, agitation and disorientation
-  Unconscious                             

6. Be a good neighbor.
Isolated, elderly adults are at a much higher risk of health-related issues. Be a good neighbor and take a minute to check in with your neighbors.

7. Remember your pets.
Hot weather can affect the well-being of pets making them susceptible to overheating which can lead to very dangerous heat stroke. Always provide a source of water and a cool, ventilated  place for your pet. Leaving your pet inside a parked car, even for a few minutes, can be fatal. The inside of a car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.

8. Stay indoors, if possible.  
Stay indoors and, if possible, in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider going to the shopping mall, community center or public library. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you return to the heat. 

Driving in Fog - Safety Tips

The below is from Weather.com and I thought it appropriate for this mornings commute.

Stay Safe - Bill

Fog can be thought of as a cloud at ground level. It forms when the temperature drops to the dew point (the temperature at which air is saturated), and invisible water vapor in the air condenses to form suspended water droplets. Fog can reduce visibility to 1/4 mile or less, creating hazardous driving conditions. If you can't postpone your trip until dense fog lifts -- usually by late morning or the afternoon -- follow these tips: * Drive with lights on low beam. High beams will only be reflected back off the fog and actually impair visibility even more. * Reduce your speed -- and watch your speedometer. Fog creates a visual illusion of slow motion when you may actually be speeding. * Listen for traffic you cannot see. Open your window a little, to hear better. * Use wipers and defrosters as necessary for maximum visibility. * Use the right edge of the road or painted road markings as a guide. * Be patient. Do not pass lines of traffic. * Do not stop on a freeway or heavily traveled road. If your car stalls or becomes disabled, turn your vehicle's lights off, and take your foot off of the brake pedal. People tend to follow tail lights when driving in fog. Move away from the vehicle to avoid injury. Sources: National Weather Service, Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Winter Weather Advisory and a Winter Storm Watch are now in effect for Montgomery County

A Winter Weather Advisory and a Winter Storm Watch are now in effect for Montgomery County. Two phase storm system expected to effect Montgomery County over the next 48 hrs. The first part of the storm will move through overnight tonight with light sleet and freezing rain. Up to .1" of ice and sleet possible from the first part of this storm and this part of the storm is covered by a Winter Weather Advisory from Midnight tonight through noon tomorrow.

After a short break in precipitation tomorrow, the second more significant part of the storm will move through Tuesday Evening-Wednesday and is covered by a SEPARATE Winter Storm Watch. Some guidance does indicate that up to .50" of glaze ice is possible during the second phase of the storm for areas of North Montgomery County. If this amount does appear likely, a warning will be issued reflecting these amounts.

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is issued when frozen precipitation is expected which may impact travel. Travel during the Tuesday morning rush hours may become hazardous. Caution should be used during any travel.

SKYWARN spotters are asked to relay all freezing rain, and snowfall reports to the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and the NWS Office in Sterling, VA.

A.L.

Sent on: 01/31 15:21

Sent to Montgomery County Severe Traffic 6am-10am/3pm-8pm, Montgomery County Severe Weather (E-mail accounts, Pagers, Cell phones) through Alert Montgomery