Updates to Maryland’s Smoke Alarm Law

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New Year. New Alarm? What You Need to Know 

Smoke alarm technology has advanced over the years and the updates to Maryland's Smoke Alarm Law are part of a nationwide trend to ensure that new and replacement smoke alarms have the most effective technology available. In Maryland, legislation updating smoke alarm requirements was signed in 2013 with a phased-in implementation period to provide time for residents impacted to make any required upgrades and be in compliance by the January 1, 2018 deadline. There are essentially two key things you need to know about the new law to determine if you need to take action: 

• All smoke alarms, regardless of whether they are battery-only or hard-wired, MUST be replaced EVERY ten years from the date of manufacturer printed on the back of the alarm.  
• All battery-ONLY smoke alarms must be replaced with ten-year, sealed, long-life battery-powered smoke alarms with a silence/hush feature. These battery-only smoke alarms are the primary target of Maryland's new law and are the type of alarms typically found in older (pre-1975) homes.

The intent of Maryland’s new Smoke Alarm Law was to achieve as much reliable smoke alarm coverage as possible in older dwellings without requiring the homeowner to run new wiring. As a department, we have been talking about changes to Maryland’s Smoke Alarm Law since the legislation was signed in 2013 and as we approach 2018, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions below. Questions like: Is it really necessary?  Why every ten years?  Why a sealed battery?  How much will it cost me? What if I have hard-wired alarms? Why the changes? Let’s learn the reasons for these legislative changes.

Six years ago the Maryland Smoke Alarm Technology Task Force examined residential fire deaths around the State to learn why people were not able to escape their homes in time.  The Task Force was asked to look at new and emerging technologies to determine if better smoke detection was available and ensure it was affordable for Marylanders. The goal of the Task Force was simple:  Reduce residential fire deaths in Maryland. The legislation was written to do exactly that.  

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS:

How do I know if I am affected by the changes to Maryland’s Smoke Alarm Law?

Two things you need to know. Maryland’s new Smoke Alarm Law requires the replacement of all smoke alarms (hard-wired and battery-only) when they are ten years old (ten years from the date of manufacture printed on the back of the smoke alarm) and requires the replacement of any/all battery-only powered smoke alarms with 10-year long-life, sealed smoke alarms. It is never acceptable to replace required hard-wired smoke alarms and replace with ANY type of battery-only smoke alarm. 

How do I know what type of smoke alarms I need?

Smoke alarm requirements are based on the Code requirements when the house was built. As a result, requirements can be somewhat confusing and it is critical to determine when your home was actually built to determine the locations and type of smoke alarms required. Residential code requirements can be found at  www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe.

Are hard-wired smoke alarms affected by the changes to Maryland’s Smoke Alarm law?

The only impact to hard-wired smoke alarms: if they are over 10 years, they need to be replaced with new hard-wired smoke alarms. The manufacture date can be found on the alarm to determine if it needs to be replaced. Hard-wired smoke alarms always have a battery-backup in the event of a power outage to ensure continuous smoke alarm protection.

Why do I have to change my smoke alarms every ten years?
How old is your cell phone? It is likely less than ten years old. Then why should your smoke alarm, an electronic device designed to protect your family not be periodically replaced? Most people know they should have working smoke alarms. The one thing many people don’t realize is that smoke alarms need to be replaced every ten years. Studies concluded that the proper operational sensitivity of a smoke alarm deteriorates dramatically ten years from its date of manufacture. You can find the manufacturer date on the underside of your smoke alarm. No date? No question --- your smoke alarms are overdue for replacement.

Can I replace my required hard-wired smoke alarms with these new 10-year, sealed battery-only smoke alarms?

NO! (no, no and no)! The new law heavily emphasizes the use of sealed, 10-year battery-powered smoke alarms with long-life batteries and silence/hush features. However, it is critical to understand that these devices are appropriate only where battery-operated smoke alarms presently exist or in locations where no smoke alarms are present. It is never (ever) acceptable to remove required hard-wired smoke alarms and replace them with any type of battery-only smoke alarm.  

 

Why a “sealed battery” in battery-only alarms?

When looking at the data on residential fire fatalities, more than half of the smoke alarms failed to sound because the 9v battery had been removed. The primary intent of the new Maryland Smoke Alarm Law was to transition away from smoke alarms with nine-volt batteries. Historically, the normal course of action when frying bacon or burning toast activated the smoke alarm was to remove the battery to quiet the alarm. That annoying low battery alarm chip which almost always occurs at 3:00 in the morning also resulted in the removal of the smoke alarm battery. Despite the best intentions, many of these batteries never got replaced resulting in much loss of life fires in homes having non-working smoke alarms due to dead or missing batteries. Both of these problems will be essentially solved as we transition to sealed smoke alarms. The silence button will temporarily turn off the alarm due to cooking activations (we are not saying you're a bad cook ...) and the alarm will reset after a few minutes. A low battery chirp will only occur once every ten years with the new generation of sealed units indicating it’s time to replace the entire smoke alarm unit. Battery technology has come a long way and this “sealed battery” technology is a good thing.

How much will it cost me?

More good news. While the new sealed smoke alarms with long-life batteries and hush features will cost a little more at the time of purchase, money is actually saved over the ten-year life of the alarms since there is no longer a need to purchase new nine-volt batteries ever year. If you have hard-wired smoke alarms you might need an electrician to change them out.  The device itself costs around $30.00. Small price to pay for your family’s safety. 

Can I purchase a hard-wired smoke alarm with a ten-year battery back-up?

Yes.  When the legislation was written they were not available on the market but they are now. Again, they are potentially a less expensive alternative since you won’t have to continue to buy 9 volt batteries each year and while the law doesn’t require ten-year back-up batteries for hard-wired smoke alarms, it could be a good solution to the “low battery replacement chirp” that always seems to occur in the middle of the night.

Why is the “hush” feature important?
Smoke alarms are available with a “hush” button that can be used to temporarily silence the alarm. This is a convenient way to deal with nuisance alarms, such as those caused by burning toast or opening smoky ovens, without disabling the alarm. The hush button will silence the alarm for several minutes and then automatically reset itself. Smoke alarms with this feature discourage the dangerous practice of removing the battery or disconnecting the power source as a method of dealing with frequent nuisance alarms. If smoke continues to build from an actual fire while the alarm is in hush mode, the smoke will override the silence feature and the smoke alarm will reactivate.

How can I test my alarm? 
Every smoke alarm comes with a test button. MCFRS recommends that people test their alarms at least once a month. Think about it. You go out of town for a month and “missed” the end of life chirp of your smoke alarm during that time and have no idea that your alarm is no longer protecting your family. A monthly push of the test button could just save your life. 

What about new homes. Any changes?

For new construction, the Maryland Smoke Alarm Law has simply been updated to correspond with the International Residential Code and NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. An AC powered, battery back-up smoke alarm is required in every bedroom, in the common area outside of bedrooms and on every level of the home (including finished or unfinished basements) with ALL of the required smoke alarms being interconnected. 

What if I rent?
The new law is applicable to homeowners and landlords. Every property management company in Maryland and all landlords need to be fully compliant with the requirements of the new law.

What if I can't afford a smoke alarm?
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service has a small inventory of 10-year, long life, battery-powered smoke alarms reserved for senior citizens and residents that are unable to purchase or safely install smoke alarms due to mobility, vision or hearing impairments or other disabilities. Residents can call 311 to learn more about this program.

Can I just stop by or call my local fire station for help or information about smoke alarms?
The department recommends that you contact 311 or visit our website for assistance. While MCFRS firefighters would like to meet you -- they are frequently out of the station dispatched on calls, transporting patients, engaged in training exercises and education classes. There is a team of fire safety educators who can quickly assist you that can be reached by calling 311 or visiting our website.

Does MCFRS install or replace hard-wired smoke alarms in my home?
No. MCFRS does not install or replace hard-wired smoke alarms. If your smoke alarms are hard-wired into your home's electrical system, an electrician is recommended to complete any installation or replacement of hard-wired smoke alarms. Remember, if the Code requires hard-wired smoke alarms, you must replace with hard-wired smoke alarms which come with a battery back-up to provide continuous coverage in the event of a power outage.  

Is there anything new I need to know if I am selling my house? 
The residential property disclosure form provided to the purchaser of specified single-family residential real property must include whether the smoke alarms (1) are over 10 years old and (2) if battery-operated, are sealed, tamper-resistant units incorporating a silence/hush button and use long-life batteries as required in all Maryland homes by 2018. 

Residential Sprinkler Systems

Nothing in the new law is intended to imply in any way that smoke alarms are an adequate or acceptable substitute for residential sprinkler protection. The combination of properly located and functioning smoke alarms and properly designed residential sprinkler protection systems provide the greatest potential for surviving any residential fire.

How do I dispose of my old alarms?
The radioactive material in smoke alarms is extremely weak. Smoke alarms can be safely disposed of in the regular trash. Some manufacturers will take their own products back, but will not take products made by other companies. The postage is at the consumer's expense. Additionally, the County's Transfer Station on Shady Grove Road is also a great place to dispose of your alarms.

I still see smoke alarms with removable batteries (9v) on the shelves of retailers. Is this illegal?
An addendum to Maryland's Smoke Alarm law in 2018 required retailers to transition their inventory over to selling only 10-year sealed long-life battery smoke alarms. 

What if I need help or have questions? 
Please visit us at www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe or call 311 for assistance.

Countdown to Halloween - Tips for a Safe and Fun Night

With Halloween quickly approaching, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service offers some important tips for a safe Halloween. "Recent research shows that children are four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other night of the year, said Fire Chief Scott Goldstein. “Fatal collisions between motor vehicles and young pedestrians occur most frequently between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m. It’s a dangerous night because so many kids are on the streets, many without their parents or an adult, and in their excitement often forget important pedestrian safety rules.”

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 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.

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.

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.

It’s National Night Out – make sure we find you in an EMERGENCY!

National Night Out is a premier community-building event in the County. Do you know the police officers who work to keep your neighborhood and your family safe? Come out to the many National Night Out events being celebrated around the County and meet the first responders that serve your community and on your way home --- check your house numbers and make sure they are visible. 

In an emergency, police, fire and rescue workers depend on house numbers to find YOU as quickly as possible. Finding your home - especially at night - can be challenging if address numbers are unreadable, hidden, unlighted or have missing numbers and may delay emergency responders from getting to you as quickly as possible.

Are your house numbers visible from the street? Are they set on a background of contrasting color? If your house is hidden from the street, are your numbers attached to a visible fence, mailbox or gate? Is your mobile home identified with your house number? If you live on a corner, does your house number face the street named in your address?

If you've answered "no" to any of these questions, please follow the guidelines below to make sure your house number is easy to read:

1. Numbers must be visible from the street. Existing residential home numbering can be 3 1/2 inches high, however new residential homes must be at least 5 inches high and if you replace existing numbers they must be at least 5 inches high.

2. Numbers should be placed on a contrasting background, with a reflective coating on the numbers for easy visibility at night.

3. Repair or replace aging address number placards, especially on mailboxes that are a distance from the front of the residence.

4. Prune any bushes, tree limbs or other growth that has covered your house numbers.

5. Numbers should be placed on or beside the front door. If your door is not easily seen from the street, put the numbers on a post, fence or tree at the driveway entrance so they can be clearly seen from the street. In addition to numbers on the front door of your house, if you have a rural-style mailbox, reflective and contrasting numbers should be placed on both sides of the box so they can be seen by an emergency vehicle approaching from either direction.

Montgomery County Code on Addresses

a.The owner of any structure presently existing or constructed in the future must display Arabic numbers designating the address assigned to the structure by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, or by the municipality in which the structure is located. Numbers must be at least five (5) inches high for single-family detached and attached residences and at least six (6) inches high for commercial, industrial or multifamily structures. However, if the numbers designating the address of a single-family residence on April 5, 1988, were at least three (3) inches high, those numbers comply with the size requirement of this section as long as they remain in place. Address displays must be posted on a contrasting background displayed in a conspicuous place that is unobstructed and clearly readable from the street named in the official address of the structure. Where a structure has more than one (1) address or where more than one (1) structure shares a common entry or driveway, numbers must designate the addresses in sequence.

b. An agency of the county must not require a permit for a sign containing only the address of a residence if the sign is smaller than a maximum size set by the county executive by regulation.

Get Ready: High Heat in the Forecast

Be Careful and Check on Elderly Neighbors

The heat is ON. A Heat Advisory remains in effect from noon today until 9 p.m. Temperatures will be in the mid to upper 90s with heat index values around 105 degrees. Excessive heat is especially dangerous to the elderly, the young, those with existing medical conditions and those that work outdoors. Fire Chief Scott Goldstein is urging residents to stay cool, stay hydrated and to check on the welfare of elderly or at-risk neighbors as things "heat up" this week in the metropolitan area.
 
Staying hydrated is essential all year long but is particularly important when temperatures soar. During hot weather and extreme heat, keep informed by listening to local weather and news channels 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.

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 or disabled residents in Montgomery County in need of a free fan can call 311 for information.

4. Children and cars - use common sense.
Never, ever 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 car seat or upholstery first.

5. Avoid strenuous activity.
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.

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.

What You Need to Know About Fireworks

With the Fourth of July quickly approaching, Montgomery County Fire Chief Scott Goldstein is reminding residents that ALL fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County and that the County will be continuing its ‘zero tolerance’ policy regarding illegal fireworks.

  

In an effort to stress the seriousness posed by the use of dangerous and illegal fireworks, Fire Officials across the region launched a comprehensive effort several years ago to inform and educate the public about illegal fireworks. “The law in Montgomery County is clear and the safest, and smartest, way to enjoy fireworks is at one of the many public displays in the area,” said Fire Chief Goldstein. Here’s what you should 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.

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 in Montgomery County to see the fireworks?

The Fire Chief and safety experts agree that the best way to celebrate is to enjoy one of the many free, public fireworks displays in the area 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.

Jason Pierre-Paul and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission teamed up to file a PSA on fireworks safety. Pierre-Paul suffered severe damage when a firework accidentally exploded in his hand in 2015. Think about what Pierre-Paul said: "I saw 12 people in the hospital and my hand was the best one. If there were that may fireworks-related injuries in one hospital last July, how many were there across the country?"

Please - leave the fireworks to the professionals.  

Arson Awareness Week

The theme for the 2017 Arson Awareness Week (May 7-13) is Preventing Arson at Houses of Worship. Each year for Arson Awareness Week, the U.S. Fire Administration gathers and shares information to raise awareness of arson or youth firesetting and provide strategies to combat these issues. The United States Fire Administration (USFA) is pleased to announce first-time partners: the Department of Justice’s Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center for Faith-based & Neighborhood Partnerships, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’(ATF) Fire Investigation & Arson Enforcement Division. USFA will also partner with the International Association of Arson Investigators, National Volunteer Fire Council, National Fire Protection Association, Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, and the Insurance Committee for Arson Control.

The week’s focus is on the importance of collaboration among fire and emergency services, law enforcement, insurance companies, and the justice system to help reduce arson at houses of worship. The new partners will help expand the collaboration and provide opportunities for reaching into communities with information and suggested prevention actions.

In addition, a webinar will be held on Tuesday, May 9th, at 2 pm, hosted by the Insurance Committee for Arson Control. The webinar will provide information on the three factors included in an arson prevention program, the five required steps to establish a Community Arson Watch program, and the most common motives associated with arson. Learn more and register.

“When arson touches our houses of worship,” said Acting USFA Administrator Dr. Denis Onieal, “it attacks the very foundation of our freedoms.”

For more information regarding the 2017 Arson Awareness Week, including materials to implement awareness and prevention activities in your community, visit www.usfa.fema.gov/aaw.

MEDIA ADVISORY

Safe Kids Montgomery County Celebrates Safe Kids Day

Saturday, April 29, 2017
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

New Hampshire Estates Elementary School
8720 Carroll Avenue

Silver Spring, MD 20903


In partnership with YMCA Youth and Family Services and their Healthy Kids Day, Safe Kids Montgomery County, is hosting a fun family event to celebrate kids and help families take action to protect kids on the road, at home and at play.  At the event there will be activities focused on nutrition and health, bike and pedestrian safety, fire safety, water safety and child passenger safety.

The event is made possible with support from Johnson & Johnson, FedEx, Nationwide, Chevrolet, Kidde and Tide. Safe Kids Worldwide’s national events have attracted the support of celebrity heroes including Drew Barrymore, Sharon Stone and many more to help bring awareness to child injury prevention. To learn more about Safe Kids Day, please visit: www.safekids.org/safekidsday

Around the world, a million children die each year from preventable injuries. Millions more are injured in ways that can affect them for a lifetime. In fact, preventable injuries are the number one cause of death for children in the United States. Safe Kids Day is an opportunity to raise awareness and resources to celebrate kids, prevent injuries and save lives.

About Safe Kids Montgomery County

Safe Kids Montgomery County works to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the number one cause of death for children in the United States. Our coalition members include police officers, nurses, firefighters, paramedics, school staff members, product safety specialist, transportation experts and other safety advocates. Safe Kids Montgomery County is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury. Safe Kids Montgomery County was created in 1989 and is led by the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service. For more information, visit safekids.org or www.safekidsmoco.org

Visitation and Memorial Details - Firefighter Charles 'Rick' Gentilcore

To:                               MCFRS Personnel

From:                           Fire Chief Scott E. Goldstein

Subject:                        Death Notification

Member Name:                        Fire Fighter Rescuer III Charles “Rick” Gentilcore (15D)

Relationship to Member:          Self

Rick’s arrangements have nearly been finalized.  Viewing and funeral services are as follow:

Viewing
Tuesday, April 11, 2017 – 1400-1600 hours and 1800-2200 hours
Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home - 11800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904

Funeral
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 – 1300 hours
Covenant Life Church – 7501 Muncaster Mill Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877

Interment
Immediately following the post-funeral processional
Gate of Heaven Cemetery – 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20906

Repast
Immediately following interment – details are being finalized and are forthcoming

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department:  http://www.bvfd.com/support/donate-online/

For the Funeral and Interment departments, honor units, and bands wishing to pay respect to Rick should email the contacts below for specific coordination.

Apparatus      MCFRS.LODD@montgomerycountymd.gov

Honor Units   Fire.HonorGuard@montgomerycountymd.gov

Bands           pipemajor@mcffpipesanddrums.org

Update on Visitation for FF Gentilcore

The visitation has been finalized

Hines Rinaldi Funeral Home

11800 New Hampshire Ave

Silver Spring, MD 20904

Tuesday April 11^th 2017 from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm

Out of county departments are asked to utilize light duty/utility vehicles in lieu of large apparatus to facilitate ease of parking.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday with interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. The memorial service location has not yet been finalized.

More detailed info on the memorial service will be pushed as it is finalized

Departments wishing to attend the viewing and/or memorial are asked to send an email to:  MCFRS.LODD@montgomerycountymd.gov

Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service Mourning the Death of One of Our Own.

On Friday, April 7, 2017 Fire Fighter Rescuer III Charles R. Gentilcore was on duty around 3:30 p.m., at Burtonsville Fire Station 15, and was found unresponsive in the fire station by co-workers. Immediate medical treatment was initiated.

Picture during Recruit School Evolution's

"Rick," age 52, was transported in critical condition to Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland. Despite the best efforts of paramedics and hospital staff, Rick succumbed a short time after arriving at the hospital. Rick lived in Bowie, Maryland - Prince George's County.  He was a twenty-three year member of the MCFRS:  first serving as a volunteer with the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department (eleven years) and, most recently, as a career fire fighter rescuer (twelve years).  His last duty assignment was Burtonsville Fire Station 15.  He leaves behind a wife, son, and extended family.

Montgomery County Fire Chief Scott E. Goldstein informed the MCFRS of the On-Duty Death and asked all to "Please keep the Gentilcore family and the entire MCFRS family in your thoughts and prayers as we work through this difficult time."

Jeffrey Buddle, President of the Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 1664, said "The members of IAFF Local 1664 are deeply saddened by the line of duty death of our fallen brother. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with the Gentilcore family during this extraordinarily difficult time."

Rick's picture during Recruit School

Tami Bulla, President of the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department, said in a written statement, "Rick joined the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department in 1994 because he knew he wanted to serve his community.  That lead him to pursue a career in Montgomery County Fire Rescue and we were pleased when he was assigned back at Burtonsville, because it felt like he was coming home."

As additional details, including funeral arrangements, become available, they will be released and posted.

Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department Bolsters Fire Prevention Efforts with FM Global Grant

BETHESDA, MD - The Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department was awarded a prestigious Fire Prevention Grant from FM Global, one of the world’s largest commercial property insurers.

FM Global representatives presented the award to Deputy Chief Corinne Piccardi at the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department located at 8001 River Road in Bethesda. The award will be used to assist with fire prevention activities in the community to help educate the community and reduce the number of preventable fires. Fire continues to be the leading cause of property damage worldwide. For more than 40 years, FM Global has contributed millions of dollars in fire prevention grants to fire service organizations around the globe to educate and raise awareness about fire safety. Locally, the company has awarded grants to a number of Maryland-based organizations.

“At FM Global, we strongly believe the majority of property damage is preventable, not inevitable,” said Michael Spaziani, Manager of the Fire Prevention Grant Program. “Far too often, inadequate budgets prevent organizations working to prevent fires from being as proactive as they would like to be. With additional financial support, grant recipients are actively helping to improve property risk in the communities they serve.”

Through its Fire Prevention Grant Program, FM Global awards grants to fire departments - as well as national, state, regional, local and community organizations worldwide - that best demonstrate a need for funding where dollars can have the most demonstrable impact on preventing fire, or mitigating the damage it can quickly cause.

To learn more about FM Global’s Fire Prevention Grant Program, or to apply for a grant, please visit www.fmglobal.com/grants.