Champion for Children’s Safety Recognized

One car seat at a time, she’s making a big difference

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service is proud to announce that Emilie Crown, Manager of Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service’s nationally recognized Car Seat Safety Program, was selected to receive the prestigious Barbara A. Foley Quality, Safety and Injury Prevention Award. The award recognizes individuals who exemplify exceptional innovation, dedication and advocacy in the field of emergency services.

Emilie has been leading the way in advancing safety for children for over 36 years. Initially as an Emergency Department nurse before bringing her talents to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service to lead the department’s car seat safety program. She is the State’s only certified instructor for Safe Travel for all Children, a course that includes the travel needs of children with special healthcare needs. Emilie is well-known throughout the region for her contributions, tireless efforts, leadership and deep commitment to the safety and well-being of Montgomery County’s youngest residents and she leads the way in educating parents, caregivers and first responders on the importance of car seat safety. Over 150,000 seats have been inspected and installed in Montgomery County since the beginning of the program in 2000.

“Emilie’s efforts have been outstanding and she works tirelessly for the residents of Montgomery County,” said Fire Chief Scott Goldstein. “National research shows that three out of four car seats are used incorrectly. The goal of the car seat program is to educate on the proper use of car seats, booster seats and seat belts and to ultimately save lives. Emilie has also played a pivotal role in educating legislators on the importance of car seat laws designed to protect children. If you’re looking for a passionate educator and advocate for children’s safety, look no further.”

The award is one of the highest awards presented by the Emergency Nurses Association and was presented to Mrs. Crown on September 17, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. For more information about Montgomery County Fire & Rescue's Car Seat Program visit www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe.

About the Emergency Nurses Association 
The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With more than 42,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines, and guides emergency healthcare public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness, and all aspects of emergency care. Additional information is available at www.ena.org.

Slow Down, Watch Out. KIDS AHEAD!

Back to School Safety Tips - Children across the region are heading back to school and Fire Chief Scott Goldstein is asking all drivers to exercise extra caution and be alert as the school year begins. “Safety is our top priority. With schools back in session, drivers should allow extra time and be on the look-out for children at intersections and in neighborhoods,” said Chief Goldstein. “Additionally, as a matter of safety and compliance with laws, drivers are reminded to put their cell phones down and refrain from talking or texting while behind the wheel. Please be a good ROAD model.”

For Drivers:

• Be alert and slow down. Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone and never text while driving.  Looking away from the roadway for just two seconds doubles the chance of being involved in a crash.
• Passengers should wear a seat belt and/or ride in an age and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. Children of all ages are safest when properly restrained in the backseat of a vehicle.
• Exercise extra caution as you head out to work and be on the lookout for school buses. Many bus routes or schedules change each year and you may encounter a school bus or stop where you may have never seen one before.
• Scan between parked cars. Nearly 40 percent of child pedestrian fatalities occurred between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., mostly at non-intersection locations, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Children can quickly dart out between parked cars or other objects along the roadway. Motorists should pay close attention not only at intersections, but along any residential roadways where children could be present.
• Take extra time when making a right turn on a red light and be on the lookout for pedestrians.
• School Zones: Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and around schools. Be alert to children as you back your vehicle out of your driveway or exit your garage.
• Expect delays near schools, plan ahead and allow extra time to reach your destination.
• Safety on the road is especially important for “new” drivers that may be driving to high school for the first time.

Reminders for Parents and Children:

• Be realistic about your child’s pedestrian skills. Children are not always aware of their surroundings and may dart into traffic assuming drivers will see and stop for them. Carefully consider whether your child is ready to walk to school or wait for the bus without adult supervision and walk the route with your child beforehand.
• Teach children to always cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks and look left, right and left again before crossing. Children may have difficulty gauging the distance and speed of an approaching car, and may not recognize and react to potentially hazardous situations.
• If traveling to school by bike, obey the rules of the road and wear a helmet. Not only is it the smart thing to do, it is also the law in Maryland.
• Be sure that your child knows his or her phone number and address, your work number and when to call 911 for emergencies.
• Only drive or park in authorized areas when picking up or dropping off students at school.
• Be a good neighbor. Respect private property and always be on your best behavior while waiting for the bus. 

School Bus Safety – What Motorists Should Know: 
All motorists are required by law to stop when the red lights on buses are flashing. Passing a school bus when the red lights are flashing is not only illegal it is also one of the biggest threats to student safety. Motorists should be aware that the red flashing lights and the stop sign may be engaged shortly after the amber lights are on. Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus are always required to stop. In Maryland, the law states that vehicles must come to a complete stop on both sides of the roadway if there is no physical divider or barrier.

Home Alone 
Parents need to carefully consider the pros and cons of having a child stay home alone before/after school. Be familiar with laws and child protective policies in your jurisdiction and, because children mature at different rates, your decision should not be based on age alone. Children should master important safety skills before staying home alone. Be sure to make and practice a home fire escape plan that includes a designated “safe” area outside where everyone will meet if the smoke alarm sounds and ensure they know when and how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Unattended cooking continues to be the leading cause of home fires in Montgomery County and firefighters strongly recommend having after school snacks on hand that do not require cooking. Children should only use kitchen appliances while under close adult supervision. Additional safety tips can be found on our website at mcfrs.org/mcsafe.

For the law in Maryland, Section 5-801 provides:(a) A person who is charged with the care of a child under the age of 8 years may not allow the child to be locked or confirmed in a dwelling, building, enclosure or motor vehicle while the person charged is absent and the dwelling, building, enclosure or motor vehicle is out of the sight of the person charged unless the person charged provides a reliable person at least 13 years old to remain with the child to protect the child.

If you need assistance with fire escape planning or obtaining smoke alarms, call 311 to schedule a free check-up by fire and rescue service representatives. To learn more about what you and your family can do to be safe year-round, visit the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service website at www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe.