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.