Happy 9th Birthday to Frankie!

Happy 9th Birthday to Frankie, one of our Urban Search and Rescue Team dogs. The photos below are of Frankie, including one with Mommy/Handler Lt. Laura Murdock of MCFRS, when they deployed to NYC for superstorm Sandy. 

                                                                      

                            

After the Storm: Important Safety Tips

• Be careful of standing and running water. Residents are urged to continue to be alert and prepared for possible flash flooding, storm surges and areas of standing water over the next 24-48 hours as the after effects of Hurricane Sandy continue to impact the area. Never drive through moving water or flooded areas. As little as six inches of water on a road can cause most drivers to lose control of their vehicle

• Clear storm drains of leaves and debris so water can drain properly. All those leaves in the street following the storm have the potential to clog storm drains resulting in standing water on roadways.

• Keep generators outside. As gasoline burns to fuel the generator, carbon monoxide (CO) gas is released into the air and poses a threat of carbon monoxide poisoning if the generator is not placed outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Generators should never be placed in a garage, a porch or near a ventilating system or open windows. Most generators are also not weatherproof and can pose a risk of shock when used if it is raining. Be sure that your home is equipped with carbon monoxide detectors on all levels of the home.

• Use extreme caution when cleaning up storm damage on your property. Downed or damaged power lines can send electrical currents through tree branches and metal fences, so survey the area carefully - especially if you'll be using a pruning pole or chainsaw. Do not remove fallen tree limbs or other debris from power lines. Tree limbs and other objects can conduct electricity and carry a current strong enough to cause serious injury or death.

• Don’t drive over downed lines and treat all wires – even those that are hanging or down – as if they are “live” (energized).
• Keep children and pets away from areas where power lines may have fallen.

• Check your wiring. If you have experienced significant damage or flooding, you will need a professional technician to check all wiring in the home for shock and fire hazards. Never touch electrical wires or outlets that are still wet. If appliances are water damaged, have them inspected by a qualified technician and then either refurbish or replace.

• There’s safety in numbers. Install at least one smoke alarm on each floor of your house or residence and outside all sleeping areas. MCFRS recommends installing smoke alarms inside each sleeping area if sleeping with the door closed.

• Candle caution. Never use candles for lighting if you have lost your power. This poses an extreme risk of fire and residents are urged to use flashlights whenever possible.

• Restock and replenish your Home Emergency Kit now before the cold weather arrives. Remember, you can never be too prepared and Hurricane Season does not officially end until November 30^th.

Montgomery County Road Closures

The following roads are closed or have a portion closed due to water, trees down, or wires down.  
 
** As a reminder, Montgomery County urges residents to stay in a safe place and avoid traveling today. Hazards including winds and flooding may still occur and create unsafe road conditions. **
 
Flooded Roads -
• Howard Chapel Rd.
• Edwards Ferry Rd.
• Emory La.
• Gold Mine Rd.
• W. Old Baltimore Rd.
• Newcut Rd.
• Zion Rd.
• Brookeville Rd.
• Kensington Pkwy.
• Quince Orchard Rd.
• Log House Rd.
• Brighton Dam Rd.
• Gue Rd.
• Elton Farm Rd.
• Fleming Ave.
• Brink Rd.
• Stockton Rd.
• Riffle Ford Rd.
• 25815 Woodfield Rd.
• Strathmore Ave. @ MD355
• Colesville Rd. (a mile north of University Blvd, just south of Lockwood Dr)
 
Tree Down w/Wires -
• Chesterfield Rd.
• Peach Tree Rd.
• Watkins Rd.
• Brink Rd.
• Astoria La.
• Davis Mill Rd.
• Arrowood Rd. @ Kittery La.
• 5950 Grosvenor La.
• S. Glen Rd. @ Glen Mill Rd.
• MacArthur Blvd. @ Whiterim Dr.
• 13108 Brandown Wayr
• 5310 Oakland Rd.
 
 
Tree Down –
• White Ground Rd. @ Schaffer Rd.
• 12700 Middlebrook Rd.
• Montgomery Village Ave. @ Walkers Choice Rd.
• Shiloh Church Rd. @ Conrad Springs
• Scenery Dr. @ Germantown Rd.
• Peachtree Rd. @ Comus Rd.
• Doubleland Rd. @ Frontwell Cir.
• W. Old Baltimore Rd. @ Peachtree Rd.
• Twinbrook Pkwy @ MD355
• Hipsley Mill Rd. @ Damascus Rd.
 
Park Roads –
• Little Falls Pkwy.
• Beach Dr.
 
Re-Opened Roads –
• Arcola Ave.
• Georgia Ave.
• Killdeer Dr.
• Westlake Dr.

Sent to All users (E-mail accounts) through Alert Montgomery

Residents Need to be Especially Careful When Using Generators During Power Outages

Fire officials are reminding residents of the following important safety tips when using a generator:   

- Never operate a generator in your home, garage, basement or any other enclosed area. The exhaust from a generator contains high levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO) which can build up quickly and lead to serious injury or death. 

- Proper ventilation is critical. A generator needs to be at least 15 to 20 feet from an enclosed area and away from any doors, windows and fresh air intakes where exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide can enter the home.

- Never plug your generator into an outlet, and don’t connect a generator directly into your home’s main fuse box or circuit panel.

- Make sure carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms have battery back-ups, are installed and are working properly. 

- Never fuel a generator while it is running. Turn off the generator and let it cool before refueling. 

- Keep generators away from all open windows – including your neighbors’ – so deadly exhaust does not enter.

- Always thoroughly read all manufacturer instructions. This can avoid dangerous shortcuts and assist in ensuring the safe operation of your generator. 
 
How to recognize a Carbon Monoxide Emergency:  Exposure to CO can cause loss of consciousness and death. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms. If a CO poisoning is suspected, get to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention.

Media update (video) from duty PIO

Chief Goldstein Provides An Update On MCFRS Operations

This video update was done at 2055 hours on 10/29/2012

Mobile And Other Resources To Keep In Touch

Just wanted to make everyone aware of some resources for smart phones or tablets that you might find useful.  Hurricane safety tips are right on your phone by downloading these useful apps: 

·         FEMA – Android, Apple, Blackberry

·         American Red Cross “Hurricane” app – Android, Apple

Latest Sandy forecast from the National Hurricane Center

·         On your computer: www.hurricanes.gov

·         On your phone: http://hurricanes.gov/mobile

·         On Twitter: www.twitter.com/NHC_Atlantic

o        On Facebook: www.facebook.com/US.NOAA.NationalHurricaneCenter.gov

Be safe!

Bill D.

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

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

Please exercise caution and DO NOT hit the roadways unless you absolutely have too.  While there may still be a brief window this morning, flooding is a possibility.

  

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

MCFRS Social Media and Hashtag For The Storm

Montgomery County Fire & Rescue social media platforms will be functioning at various points throughout the storm.  The primary platforms to be used will be: 

• Fire & Rescue Blog
• Follow Fire & Rescue on Twitter
• Like Fire & Rescue on Facebook

Please understand that due to various circumstances and resource needs, this will not be a total 24 hour source of timely EMERGENCY information.  For that we highly recommend that you Sign up for Alert Montgomery emails and texts.

For this event on Twitter, we will be using the hashtag #mcfrsandy I will try and answer questions as I can but, again, understand it may take a bit to get back with you.  

I will try and do a TweetChat at various points during the event as well.  Please note that this is not the way to contact us for any emergencies!!!  You are to call 911 if you need emergency assistance!

As Hurricane Sandy approaches, some information you might find useful

As Hurricane Sandy approaches, some information you might find useful:

What's In Your Emergency Preparedness Kit? 

Severe Storm Potentially On The Way…..Are You Ready? 

Hurricane Sandy May Impact Region in Coming Days; Residents Can Take Steps Now to Prepare for Hurricanes and Other Emergencies

Hurricane Sandy Latest Track 

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

What's In Your Emergency Preparedness Kit?

Some items you may want to have as part of your emergency preparedness kit.

You can also go to our MCFRS YouTube site and watch HERE

Find a listing of items on our web site as well: Make a Kit

Hurricane Sandy May Impact Region in Coming Days; Residents Can Take Steps Now to Prepare for Hurricanes and Other Emergencies

There is a possibility that Hurricane Sandy may impact the Washington D.C. region in the days ahead. Should predictions show that the hurricane will hit our area, officials remind residents that they should prepare for the possibility of high winds, power outages and flooding. The hurricane season traditionally runs through November.

Anyone who has not already signed up for the County’s Alert Montgomery notification system is encouraged to do so by going to https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov and selecting the types of emergency alerts they are interested in receiving regarding weather, severe traffic, schools, park and government facilities, athletic fields and public events; along with the devices they would like the messages sent to (cell phones, text pagers, wireless PDAs, home and work emails).

During severe weather and all other times, residents are reminded to call 911 only in emergencies that threaten life or property, which include any type of fire or serious medical condition, when there is fear for personal safety or the safety of others, or during a crime in progress. Calling 911 for the wrong reason or calling the number inadvertently may keep someone else from getting the help they need. Residents SHOULD NOT call 911 to ask for directions; check on power, phone, or cable outages; inquire about road or weather conditions; check on the status of school closings; ask for information about public services; or to report situations that are not emergencies. If 911 is called by mistake, the caller should stay on the line until the call taker can confirm that the caller does not require emergency assistance.

Whenever a hurricane threatens a region, a hurricane watch will be issued within 24-36 hours. A hurricane warning will be issued if hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours or less. Hurricane conditions include winds of 74 miles per hour (64 knots) or greater, and/or dangerously high tides and waves. Actions to protect life and property should begin whenever a warning is issued.

Below are some more preparedness tips for hurricanes and other storms:

Before a Storm

• Put copies of important documents in a safe place, preferably a waterproof container. Important documents can include passports, birth certificates, insurance policies or anything else that might be needed immediately or cannot be easily replaced.

• Have enough cash for a few days – ATM’s may not work during power outages and stores might not be able to take debit and credit cards.

• Make sure vehicle gas tanks are full.

• Secure or bring inside exterior items that might become windborne, such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools.

• Fill prescriptions that might be needed and stock up on any necessary medical supplies.

• Keep flashlights and battery-powered radios with extra batteries on hand, along with a basic first aid kit, emergency food and water, and a non-electric can opener. Have enough non-perishable food and water for at least 72 hours.

• Listen to the radio or television for hurricane progress reports.

• Clean out gutters.

• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting in anticipation of a power outage. Open the doors only when necessary and close quickly.

• Refrain from putting out trash cans the night before the regular pickup.

During a Storm

• Avoid using candles for lighting. Use a battery-powered flashlight.

• Never use a candle when fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern, since the candle flame can ignite fumes from the fuel.

• Try to stay in an interior room or away from windows.

• Stay calm and do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.

• If flooding occurs, turn off electricity at the main breaker.

• During a power outage, turn off major appliances. This will minimize losing power again through a power surge and protect the equipment when power returns.

• Do not go outside. Flying debris from high winds is a danger. As the eye of the storm passes, there will be a short period of calm followed by rapid wind speed increases to hurricane force that will come from the opposite direction.

After a Storm

• Do not touch fallen or low-hanging wires of any kind under any circumstances. Stay away from puddles with wires in or near them. Do not touch trees or other objects in contact with power lines.

• USE PHONES ONLY FOR EMERGENCIES. Call 911 only for life-threatening situations.

• Call police or utility companies immediately to report hazards such as downed power lines, broken gas or water mains or overturned gas tanks.

• Avoid areas subject to flooding, including low spots, canals and streams. Do not attempt to drive on a flooded road –motorists can be stranded or trapped. The depth of the water and the condition of the road is not always obvious.

• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers, downed wires and other hazards.

• For downed trees on public property, call 311 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays (or 240-777-0311 from outside the County or from a cell phone) or go to www.mc311.com at any time to report the problem. If live wires are involved, the tree is blocking a roadway, the tree is on a structure, or if persons are trapped under the fallen tree, call 911.

• Trees that have fallen on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. The County’s Office of Consumer Protection advises homeowners to deal with established businesses only, and to call Consumer Protection first to check a business’ complaint record. Consumer Protection can be reached at 240-777-3636 or www.montgomerycountymd.gov/consumer.

• For non-emergency police assistance, call the police non-emergency number, 301-279-8000.

• If case of a power outage, residents are urged to take steps to ensure that food left in the refrigerator and freezer is safe. According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be refrigerated at 40° F and frozen food at or below 0° F, which may be difficult with a prolonged power outage. Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. A refrigerator will only keep food safely cold for about four hours if it is unopened. Food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, soft cheeses, butter and leftover cooked meats, casseroles and pizza should be thrown out if they have been held above 40° F for over two hours. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed. To be sure a particular food is cold enough; take its temperature with a food thermometer. Never taste food to determine its safety.

• Do not operate charcoal grills, propane camping stoves or generators indoors.

Important Utility Numbers:

• Pepco: 1-877-737-2662

• Baltimore Gas and Electric (BG&E): 1-877-778-2222 or 1-800-685-0123

• Potomac Edison (Allegheny Power): 1-800-255-3443

• Washington Gas: 800-752-7520

• WSSC: 1-800-828-4002

**From Press Release on www.montgomerycountymd.gov

Hurricane Sandy Latest Track

An interesting tracking tool.

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.

Severe Storm Potentially On The Way…..Are You Ready?

Hopefully most of you have been paying attention the last day or so to Hurricane Sandy and her potential track over the next several days.  As of this moment, indications are Sandy will have a potentially historic impact from our area up to New England starting sometime late Sunday through as late as Tuesday.

I encourage everyone to keep a close eye on this as it is an ever changing event.  A good source of info, beside your local news coverage, is the National Hurricane Center web site.  Take a moment to look around and keep track of this storm.

Also highly encouraged is to make sure your Emergency Preparedness plans are ready and up to date.  Now is a good time to check and make sure you have all the tools needed to take care of you and loved ones – especially if your electric power service is knocked out for a few days.

Below, please find some links that I hope you might find useful.  I believe it will be well worth your time to go through each to learn more and possibly look at ways you can better prepare for this, or other like, events.

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

National Preparedness Month – Sign Up For Alert Montgomery

Prepare, Plan and Stay Informed – Ready.Gov

After The Storm Tips

Are you prepared for a disaster?  From Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Again, stay informed and be ready!  We will have more information on this site as appropriate.

Stay Safe,

Bill