No Twitter? No Problem! You Can Still Get MCFRS Updates!

Do not have a Twitter account but want to receive Montgomery County Fire and Rescue’s tweets via text? No problem.

A Twitter feature called Fast Follow make it possible for those with a cell phone and a text messaging plan to receive tweet’s on their phone.  Understand that Text messaging rates apply.

Here is how you do it:

Text “follow @mcfrs” to 40404.  You will get a text message back indicating you are now following @MCFRS.  The text will also provide guidance on how to stop the text messages if you no longer wish to receive them.

If you follow, you can expect to receive all of the latest news, updates, and safety tips from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue.

Working Smoke Alarms Alert Sleeping Family To Fire Last Night

There was a house fire in the Chevy Chase area at 11 PM last night.  A family of 4, plus 2 dogs, were asleep but were able to escape unharmed.   They were displaced from their home as a result of the fire.

 

So, you might ask, how did this family manage to be asleep yet ultimately escape the fire in their home?  Simple!

Smoke alarms alerted the sleeping family to the fire!

Working smoke alarms save lives!

Please make sure your alarms are working in your home!  Test them today as, you never know, you may need them tonight! 

Stay Safe,

Bill D

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!  Make sure it is a safe one!  

Photo Courtesy of Firefighter Howard Sperling

Do Not Let Your Thanksgiving Go Up In Flames!

More cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year. With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, Montgomery County Fire Chief Richard Bowers is urging residents to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday and to keep safety at the top of everyone’s “to do” list this holiday season. “Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a rookie cooking your first holiday feast, the strategies for serving up a safe meal are the same,” said Chief Bowers. “Unattending cooking is the leading cause of residential fires and we’re asking residents to follow these simple safety tips and to have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.”  

Cooking Safety Tips:

• Be alert! Stay in the kitchen when using the stovetop and use a timer. If you must leave the kitchen, even for a minute, turn off the stove.
• Keep anything that can catch fire at least 3 feet from the stove, toaster oven or other heat source. This includes pot holders, food packaging, dish towels, paper and plastic bags, etc.
• Do not pour water on a grease fire. Pouring water on a grease fire can cause the fire to spread. In the event of a range-top fire, turn off the burner, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding a lid or cookie sheet onto the pan. Leave the lid in place until the pot or pan has cooled.
• Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup which can ignite.
• Always wear short, tight-fitting sleeves when cooking to prevent clothing from coming in contact with a burner and catching fire.
• Do not hold children while cooking or carrying hot foods or drinks. Keep children at a safe distance from hot surfaces, liquids and other kitchen hazards.
• Plug microwaves and other kitchen appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance as it can overload the circuit and cause a fire.
• Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house. Make sure all other appliances are turned off and that any candles or smoking materials are safely extinguished.
• Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home, test  batteries monthly and check batteries annually. 

Out and About in the Community

By: Lieutenant Jeff Stahley

While out this past Saturday conducting our Safety In Our Neighborhood door to door smoke alarm check program, we came across two families enjoying the day. The personnel of Clarksburg Fire Station 35 C Shift were very happy to show off Truck 735 and its equipment to the kids and their parents.

Be sure to look out for us just about every Saturday in communities across Montgomery County reminding everyone to make sure you have working smoke alarms in your home!

Photo Courtesy of Lt Jeff Stahley