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Chief Jim Jarboe Receives National Award

Congratulations to Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department’s Chief Jim Jarboe as he was recognized by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) with the NVFC Fire Prevention and Education Award. 

Chief Jarboe was recognized for his over 50 years of providing fire prevention and education training to the Takoma Park community.  To view the write up please click here.

Congratulations on this well deserved Award Chief! 

Have a Child Who Is Experimenting With Fire? We Have a Free Program For You!

Operation Extinguish (OE) is a FREE program, for Montgomery County residents conducted by The Chrysalis Group and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service to provide intervention and educational services for juvenile fire setters and their families.  The program combines psychological evaluation and intervention and fire safety education in an effort to eliminate this behavior.

REFERRALS TO THE PROGRAM

Referrals to the OE program originate from a number of sources:

• State of Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice             
• Montgomery County Police Youth Division               
• Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS)
• Juvenile Court and attorneys
• Parents
• Schools
• Other agencies such as hospitals, residential treatment centers and mental health clinics

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

FAMILY INTERVIEW

This structured interview is designed to assess the severity of the fire setting problem, determine the motive behind the behavior, gather additional information regarding the child and family’s functioning, and develop appropriate recommendations. To complete the assessment, the evaluator also may contact relevant outside agencies and the child’s school.

GROUP SESSIONS

All program participants are required to attend three group meetings. These sessions focus on fire prevention, home safety, survival strategies, and burn injuries as well as peer and family discussions exploring such issues as peer pressure, stress and anger management, impulse control, and healthy decision-making. Participants are encouraged to apply these insights to their fire-related behaviors.

RECOMMENDATIONS may be made for individual, group, or family counseling.

Contact:

William Delaney, Program Manager, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service

William.Delaney@montgomerycountymd.gov

All In A Days Work

When not fighting fires or responding to calls for emergency medical care, the women and men of MCFRS stay busy with a variety of non emergency duties.  A very important duty is to help educate people of all ages about the dangers of fire and how to prevent them or, if the worst happens and there is a fire, how to properly react and get out of the home safely.  

A couple of days ago Lieutenant Sam Villani, Fire Station 5-D Shift, and crew stopped by a local day care to teach the kids about fire prevention and to show them how a fire fighter gets dressed to go into a fire.  Assisting Lieutenant Villani is Fire Fighter Andrew Randolph while Master Fire Fighter Wayne Malcolm works the camera.

It’s Fire Prevention Week!

Hopefully all of you out there are aware that it is Fire Prevention Week this week.  This year’s theme is: Protect your Family from Fire!

Our friends at the National Fire Protection Association have a lot of great information on their web site that I highly recommend you check out. 

Please go HERE to learn more.

Speaking of checking out; have you checked your smoke alarm today to make sure it is working?!?!?

Be Safe! 

Outdoor Grilling Safety

The onset of warm weather signals the beginning of Barbecue Season! Fire Chief Richard Bowers of the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service wants you and your loved ones to enjoy this season SAFELY! Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association that he hopes will help: GO HERE

June is Home Safety Month!

Just a reminder that June is Home Safety Month! See what tools our friends at the Home Safety Council have to help you make your home safer!

Safety Guide

The Safety Guide includes tips to help you make your entire home safe. Whether you follow a room-by-room approach to home safety or are looking to make seasonal safety improvements to your home, the Safety Guide offers step-by-step tips and photos to help.

Community and Residential Pool Safety Tips

Chief Richard Bowers wants you to know that drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death to children ages 14 and under, taking nearly 1,000 children s lives each year. For every drowning, it is estimated that there are four near-drownings that result in hospitalization. The Chief would also ask that you please take a few minutes to go over the below safety tips!

Safety Tips

• Take Swimming lessons and learn CPR
• Play it safe around water. Stay out if there is no lifeguard or grown-up around.
• Swim only when rested.
• Always swim with a buddy.
• Young children should always swim with an adult.it a buddy.
• Never eat candy or chew gum when you are swimming You could choke.
• Get out of the water, and seek appropriate shelter, if you hear thunder or see lightning.
• Do not mess around! Running, pushing, or shoving people can cause serious injury to you or your friends.
• Follow posted rules.
• Always raise your hands over your head when diving.
• Consider water wings or other similar flotation devices for young children.
• Regularly check that the gate latches securely and that the spring mechanisms work properly.
• Do not allow children to play in the pool area. Remove all toys or anything a child might want to get from the vicinity.
• Post the 911 emergency number in the pool area.
• Keep lifesaving equipment, such as a pole, life preserver and rope in the pool area. Hang them from a fence or wall so people will not trip on them.
• Have a phone handy in the pool area. DO NOT answer the phone while your children are in the pool; use the phone only in emergencies to call 911.
• NEVER leave children unattended in the pool area. In the time it takes to sign for a package at your front door (4 to 6 minutes), a child submerged in the pool can sustain permanent brain damage.
• Encourage your neighbors with pools to follow pool safety guidelines, including keeping their back gates and doors locked, and their pool gates secure.
• When at a Public/Community pool adults should always supervise their children even with a lifeguard present.

HP Recalls Notebook Computer Batteries Due to Fire Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, on May 14, 2009. HP announced a worldwide voluntary recall and replacement program for battery packs used in certain HP notebook PCs. HP customers with a battery pack affected by this program will be eligible to receive a replacement battery pack for each verified and recalled battery pack at no cost. MORE

Lumetique Recalls Botanika Candles Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

For More Go HERE.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service- Community Perception Survey

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service takes pride in the service we provide to you and the community. We would like to hear from you about your perception of our services. Please complete the following survey by checking your answer to each question. Some questions may allow multiple answers. Your comments are appreciated.

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB228X6T8RPLK

Arson Awareness Week May 3-9, 2009

This Year's Theme: Arson for Profit

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) announces this year’s Arson Awareness Week (AAW) theme – Arson for Profit. The USFA partnered with the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI).

The goal of this year’s AAW, May 3-9, is to focus public attention on arson for profit. By drawing people’s at­tention to the alarming statistics about arson for profit, we hope to expand the resources and support neces­sary to reduce this crime. There are many motives for arson - the crime of deliberately and maliciously set­ting fire. Arson for profit, or economic arson, is when businesses or individuals set fires to reduce financial loss, recoup initial investments, or dispose of depreci­ated assets usually for a payout from insurance com­panies. For more go here.

Audio Public Service Announcement

Toaster Oven/Broilers Recalled by Haier America Due to Burn or Electrical Shock Hazard

Toaster Oven/Broilers Recalled by Haier America Due to Burn or Electrical Shock Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

For More Go HERE

County Health and Safety Officials Provide Safety Tips to Avoid Window Falls

The summer season is here and County health and safety officials remind parents and those caring for children to take steps to prevent falls from windows. In 2007, one Montgomery County child died and three others were seriously injured after falling from open windows. Nationally, more than 4,000 children fall out of windows annually, with more than twenty-five percent requiring a hospital stay. Each year, more than a dozen children ages 10 and under die from window fall-related injuries. Read More

Maytag Recalls Refrigerators Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.

Name of product: Maytag®, Jenn-Air®, Amana®, Admiral®, Magic Chef®, Performa by Maytag® and Crosley® brand refrigerators
Units: About 1.6 million
Manufacturer: Maytag Corp., of Newton, Iowa

Hazard: An electrical failure in the relay, the component that turns on the refrigerator’s compressor, can cause overheating and pose a serious fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Maytag has received 41 reports of refrigerator relay ignition, including 16 reports of property damage ranging from smoke damage to extensive kitchen damage.

Description: The recall includes certain Maytag®, Jenn-Air®, Amana®, Admiral®, Magic Chef®, Performa by Maytag® and Crosley® brand side by side and top freezer refrigerators. The affected refrigerators were manufactured in black, bisque, white and stainless steel. They have model and serial numbers printed on a label located on the top middle or left upper side of the refrigerator liner and have the following model and serial number combinations:

Serial Numbers ENDING with
AND Model Numbers BEGINNING with
Side by SideRefrigerators
AA, AC, AE, AG, AJ, AL, AN, AP, AR,AT, AV, AX, CA, CC, CE, CG, CJ, CL,ZB, ZD, ZF, ZH, ZK, ZM, ZQ, ZS, ZU,ZW, ZY, ZZ
ARS, CS, JC, JS, MS, MZ, PS
Top FreezerRefrigerators
AA, AC, AE, AG, AJ, AL, AN, AP, AR,AT, AV, AX, ZK, ZM, ZQ, ZS, ZU, ZW,ZY, ZZ
AT, CT, MT, PT

Refrigerators with freezers on the bottom are not included in this recall.

Sold at: Department and appliance stores and by homebuilders nationwide from January 2001 through January 2004 for between about $350 and $1600.
Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact Maytag to determine if their refrigerator is included in the recall and to schedule a free in-home repair. Consumers should not return the refrigerator to the retailer where it was purchased.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Maytag toll-free at (866) 533-9817 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at https://repair.maytag.com/repair/default.jsp

Atico International USA Recalls Coffeemakers Sold Exclusively At Walgreens Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Signature Gourmet™ 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemakers and Kitchen Gourmet® 10-Cup Coffeemakers
Units: About 500,000
Distributor: Atico International USA Inc., of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Hazard: These coffeemakers can ignite due to an electrical failure, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Atico International USA, Inc. has received 23 reports of coffeemakers igniting, resulting in property damage. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves the following coffeemakers:

For more information and photos of the item, please go here: CPSC Press Release

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service awarded Jensen Grant

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced that Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service of Maryland has been selected as the winner of the 2009 Rolf H. Jensen Memorial Public Education Grant. The $5000 award will support the fire and rescue service’s training program to provide outreach on fire safety for adults over the age of 65. Read on

Safety In Our Neighborhoods: Firefighters going door-to-door checking smoke alarms

NEWS ADVISORY
Richard Bowers, Fire Chief Pete Piringer, Public Information Officer
Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, 12th Floor, Rockville, Maryland, 20850
Media Hotline – 240.777.2442

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 5, 2009

Safety In Our Neighborhoods
Firefighters going door-to-door checking smoke alarms

There has been a significant decline of residential fire fatalities in Montgomery County.

Having a functional smoke alarm is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce tragic deaths and injuries from fire. In fact, working smoke alarms nearly cut in half the risk of dying in a home fire.

Since November 2008 the men and women of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) have been checking smoke alarms at least every Saturday afternoon in neighborhoods throughout Montgomery County as part of the ‘Safety in Our Neighborhood’ campaign.

Montgomery County firefighters have visited over 17,000 homes, installed nearly 500 smoke alarms and installed or changed over 600 batteries. The primary focus has been in areas populated with older residents and where residential fire fatalities have occurred. There was a significant decline of residential fire fatalities in Montgomery County. Last year in 2008 there were five (5) residential fire fatalities compared with thirteen (13) the previous year in 2007. All residential fire fatalities have occurred in a non-sprinklered dwelling.

2 – Smoke Alarms and Sprinklers
Fire Chief Richard Bowers notes, "This is a busy time of year for firefighters in this region. The simplest thing a family can do to protect themselves from fire is have a working smoke alarm, on every level of their home, and have fire escape plan."

Recent surveys conducted by fire fighters after serious fires in Montgomery County have found that nearly half, 50%, of the smoke alarms checked did not work. That is alarming! Smoke alarms DO save lives !

Montgomery County residents may schedule a home safety evaluation by calling the Home Safety Hotline @ 240.777.2476.

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service recommend that homeowners follow these tips to help prevent fires, deaths, and injuries:
* Install and maintain smoke alarms.
* Develop and practice a fire escape plan.

Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as two minutes to escape safely. Your ability to get out depends on advance warning from smoke alarms and advance planning—a home fire escape plan that everyone in your family is familiar with and has practiced.

Because fire can grow and spread so quickly, having working smoke alarms in your home can mean the difference between life and death. Once the alarm sounds, you may have as few as two minutes to escape. Smoke alarms are the most effective early warning devices available.

Remember, check you smoke alarm and put a finger on it!

The combination of working smoke alarms and residential sprinklers almost guarantees that a family will survive a home fire

MCFRS is on Zannel

In a continuing effort to reach out in diverse and innovative ways to those we serve, MCFRS is pleased to announce that we now have a presence on Zannel. To learn more, and sign on to follow us, please go here: MCFRS on Zannel

NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2009

Montgomery County Fire Fighters “Spring into Action”
to Get Residents Ready And Creating a Culture of Preparedness and Safety

“Sounds of Silence – Could be Tragic”

The message is simple – check smoke alarms and have an escape plan.

A campaign will focus on all Montgomery County residents to be reminded to change the battery in their smoke alarm when they change their clock to reflect changing from daylight savings time to standard time this coming weekend on Sunday, March 8, 2009.

Get into a life saving habit – “Change Your Clock – Change Your Battery”.

Remember – the message is simple:

Develop an Escape Plan – Identify two ways out of each room in your home, identify a meeting place for your family outside, practice your plan at least twice a year when you change your clock. Once Outside – Account for all family members at your designated meeting place, call 911 from a safe location, never go back inside a burning building for any reason. Inform arriving firefighters if everyone got out and where the fire is located.

Spring Into Action – to get ready

Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives – Ensure you have a working smoke alarm on each floor of your home, additional smoke alarms can be placed in sleeping and kitchen areas, test your smoke alarms monthly, change the battery when you change your clock twice a year, if your smoke alarms are powered by your homes electrical system consider installing battery powered smoke alarms as a back up in case of a power outage. “Put a Finger on It” smoke alarms are effective only if they work!

Unfortunately, each year people die in residential fires that were started by preventable causes, such as unattended cooking, improperly discarded smoking materials, candles left burning unattended, space heaters, and child fire play. These are lives that can be saved. Smoke alarms save lives!

Citizens and residents that combine common sense fire and injury prevention habits with a working smoke alarm will increase the probability that even if a fire should ever occur in their home, that everyone will get out alive. Help us to help you, ensure you have at least one working smoke alarm in your home and plan an escape plan with your family. “Put a Finger on It.”
When home fire sprinklers are used with working smoke alarms, your chances of surviving a fire are greatly increased. Sprinklers are affordable - they can increase property value and lower insurance rates. In addition, a one-time property tax break is available for those who “retro-fit” their homes. Montgomery County is the largest jurisdiction in the United States to require residential sprinklers in all newly constructed homes.

Firefighters want all residents to know to always remember - If a fire starts in your home GET OUT and call 911 IMMEDIATELY closing the door to the room on fire as you go! DO NOT DELAY as fire doubles in size every minute.

For more information or if you are a Montgomery County resident and would like a FREE home safety evaluation call the Safety in Our Neighborhood – Home Inspection Hotline at 240.777.2476.