Quiz Results

Yesterday, we decided to give a little Twitter quiz to see how much our loyal followers knew about the cause of home structure fires and injuries.

Well over one hundred of you took the challenge and we are happy to report that 52% of you got the answer correct. Cooking related fires are the leading cause of home structure fires and home fire injuries!

Heating equipment comes in at number two. Smoking is the leading cause of civilian home fire deaths.

Please see below for the question and the answers. Thanks to all of you who participated!

#mcfrsSOS Quiz-Which fire cause below is the leading cause of home structure fires & home fire injuries? #MoCoSafety

— MontgomeryCo(MD)Fire (@mcfrs) July 19, 2016

It Only Takes ONE To Save Your Life!

Tonight all of you should be checking your smoke, and carbon monoxide, alarms as you are moving your clocks forward an hour. This one simple task can be a potentially life saving one!

Safety Recalls

Below are several safety recalls via our partners in safety - Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

NVIDIA Recalls Tablet Computers Due to Fire Hazard

Cooper Lighting Recalls Fluorescent Lighting Fixtures Due to Fire Hazard

Whirlpool Recalls Jenn-Air Wall Ovens Due to Risk of Burns

Avon Recalls Nut Chopper Due to Risk of Injury

Instant Pot Pressure Cookers Recalled by Double Insight Due to Shock Hazard (Recall Alert)

Bexco Recalls DaVinci Brand Cribs Due to Entrapment, Fall and Laceration Hazards

Olympus Recalls Digital Point-And-Shoot Camera Due to Shock Hazard; Sold Exclusively at HHGregg Appliance

Proclamation Recognizing Building Safety Month

It is Building Safety Month and we are partnering with our friends at the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services and the County's Department of Housing and Community Affairs to help celebrate and promote this important safety initiative.

The theme this year is, “Resilient Communities Start with Building Codes,” which will hopefully raise awareness of the importance of safe and resilient construction, fire prevention, disaster mitigation, backyard safety, energy efficiency and new technologies in the construction industry.

To learn more you can go here: Montgomery County Proclaims May as Building Safety Month

You can also view the video below.

 

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! 

Cooking -- The Leading Cause Of Home Fires

Did you know that one out of three home fires begin in the kitchen? This is more than any other location in the home.

Over the next several days there are a few significant religious celebrations that can involve family, friends, and food. Obviously, cooking can and will play a major role at various points.

Please make sure your family or friends do not have to meet our Firefighters, over the next several days, by “accident!” The vast majority of cooking fires are preventable and NOT an accident.

Take a quick moment to review a few safety tips, as well as a short video, below.

How to prevent cooking fires and related injuries (ppt)

Cooking safety checklist

Smoke Alarm Facts

How effective are smoke alarms?
Residential fire deaths have decreased steadily as the number of homes with smoke alarms increased. Reports from the National Fire Protection Association indicate that working smoke alarms double the chance of surviving a fire in homes equipped with the recommended number of smoke alarms.
 

When do I need to replace my smoke alarm?
Smoke alarms do not last forever and units that are 10 years old are near the end of their service life and should be replaced.  Just like any electrical appliance, the circuitry and components of smoke alarms wear out over time. When a smoke alarm reaches 10 years of use, the potential of failing to detect a fire increases substantially and replacing units after 10 years reduces the likelihood of failure.

My smoke alarm units are wired into my electrical system. Do I need to replace them as often as battery-operated alarms?
Yes. Both hard-wired and battery-operated alarms are equally affected by age.
Note: the legislation signed into law on July 1, 2013 applies to battery-only powered alarms.   

How many smoke alarms should I have?
Under the provisions of the law for all new residential units constructed after July 1, 2013, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in each sleeping room, in the hallway or common area outside of sleeping rooms, and in the hallway or common area on each level within a residential dwelling unit, including basements and excluding specified unoccupied spaces such as attics.  Various requirements for smoke alarm type and placement exist for different time periods in Montgomery County. For specific requirements, please see Residential Smoke Alarm Requirements.

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.

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.

I want to know more!

Please visit our website at www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe or montgomerycountymd.gov/mcfrs-info/

Home Smoke Alarm Basics

As part of Fire Prevention Week, please take a moment to watch this two minute video on Home Smoke Alarm Basics from our partners in safety at the National Fire Protection Association. 

It's Fire Prevention Week!

It's Fire Prevention Week!  Please help us to spread the safety message and share this page with friends and family!

Click on the photo below for more information.

Mark Your Calendars - Upcoming Fire Department Open Houses

It’s the perfect time to check your smoke alarms!

October is Fire Prevention Month and fire stations across Montgomery County will be hosting many educational, family-oriented events and activities throughout the month.

This year’s theme focuses on the importance of working smoke alarms and knowing how old your
alarms are. Most of us pay close attention to expiration dates on food and medicine however many residents are unaware that smoke alarms also have expiration dates. All smoke alarms, hard-wired and battery powered expire and should be replaced every ten years.

Fire Chief Steve Lohr is encouraging all residents to check their smoke alarms to ensure the highest level of protection from smoke and fire. “Smoke alarms are one of the most important safety features to have in your home and if you haven’t replaced your smoke alarms since 2004, it’s time. We’re calling this the “ten year rule” to remind folks that after a decade of service, it’s time to retire and replace all expired smoke alarms.”

Open House events are free and will feature many exciting activities including tours of the station, fire safety activities, educational information/handouts, demonstrations of emergency equipment and much more. Please visit the fire station’s website or call for a complete listing of activities planned.

September 27  Germantown Fire Department, Station 29                     11:00 – 3:00 pm
                        20001 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown, MD

                        Bethesda Fire Department, Station 6        12:00 - 3:30 pm
                  6600 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD    

October 4         Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department, Station 15 12:00 – 4:00 pm
               13900 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD
               240-773-8957
                     
October 5        Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department, Station 40        1:00 – 4:00 pm
                        16911 Georgia Ave, Olney, MD
                        240-773-4740

               Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department    12:00 – 4:00 pm
                 19801 Beallsville Road, Beallsville, MD
                       (240) 773-4714

October 11    Rescue Day & Open House @ BCC Rescue Squad            11:00 – 4:00 pm
                      5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814
For more info:  www.bccrs.org

October 12     Gaithersburg –Washington Grove VFD                           12:00 – 4:00 pm
                       801 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD
                       240-773-4708  

                       Kensington Volunteer Fire Department, Station 5           12:00  – 4:00 pm
                       10620 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD
               (240) 773-4705          

October 18     Chevy Chase Fire Department, Station 7 11:00  – 4:00 pm
               8001 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD
                       301-652-0707

October 19     Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department, Station 24         12:00 – 3:00 pm
               13216 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD
               240-773-4724                                            
   
                       Glen Echo Volunteer Fire Department, Station 11         11:00 – 2:00 pm
               5920 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD
               301-229-3200

It's Fire Prevention Week! Prevent Kitchen Fires!

It is that time of year again.  NO not pumpkin spiced latte time at your local favorite coffee shop!  Now through this Saturday, October 12 is FIRE PREVENTION WEEK!

This years theme is - Prevent Kitchen Fires!  In Montgomery County, as well as nationally, most fire occur in kitchens than in any other part of the home.

To learn more, please go here:  Prevent Kitchen Fires

Sandy Spring Annual Fire Safety Open House

Photo Courtesy of SSVFD web site

The annual Fire Safety Open House at Sandy Spring Fire Station #40, 16911 Georgia Ave., is this Sunday October 6th, 2013 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. On tap are lots of informational handouts and loads of fun activities for kids of all ages!  In addition there will be live demonstrations, static displays of equipment and apparatus, information on volunteering, and the Auxiliary Farmer's Market and Bake Sale.

A special treat, though it is dependent on weather and availability, is that the new MD State Police Helicopter as well as the Children's Hospital Helicopter are slatted to stop by for a visit (and possible a demonstration).

If you are in the Sandy Spring area Sunday, please drop by.

Residential Sprinklers Save Lives and Property

By: Battalion Chief Mark Davis

       Battalion One, A-Shift

The presence of automatic fire sprinklers in residential occupancies makes a huge impact on life safety and property conservation. While the 1st Battalion has many unsprinklered residential high rise buildings - it also has a number of newer residential structures outfitted with residential sprinklers.

On Monday, July 1^st crews (Co 15, 24, 12, & 16) from the 1st Battalion responded to one of those sprinklered structures for a reported apartment fire. When they arrived on the scene they found a 5-story apartment building that is part of a huge, assisted living complex.  Upon investigation on the third floor, they found a small fire in a study area of one apartment. The fire had been extinguished by ONE residential sprinkler head. No one was home at the time of the fire, so had the apartment not been sprinklered, the fire would have grown quickly in size and would have resulted in a major fire.

The photos below show the limited damage that was done. 

This single, residential sprinkler head (below) flowing just a few gallons a minute did the job of several FD hose lines flowing over 150 gallons per minute each. Why was it so efficient and effective? Because the sprinkler head is a fast-acting head that senses the early development of a fire which allows water to be applied at a much lower rate yet still be effective in controlling or extinguishing the fire. More importantly, it allows the occupants to escape the area before a raging fire can develop. 

When evaluating where to reside - chose the place that provides the better life safety features - choose residential fire sprinklers!

What Time Is It? Time to Change Your Clocks and Check Your Smoke Alarms This Weekend

Simple task can be a potentially life-saving one 

Daylight savings time ends November 4^th and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is urging all residents to check the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working when they change their clocks this weekend.   

“Home fires injure and kill thousands every year,” said Fire Chief Richard Bowers. “Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. I encourage everyone to test their smoke alarms, replace any alarms that are 10 years or older and conduct a home fire drill this weekend.”

The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping. A working smoke alarm dramatically increases the chance for survival and provides advance warning of a fire resulting in more time to react and put a home escape plan into action. 

Help keep your family safe by following these fire safety tips:

1.      Install smoke alarms on all levels of your home, including the basement and in all sleeping areas.

2.      Test smoke alarms each month to ensure they are working. Replace batteries annually, as needed.

3.      Plan and practice home fire drills regularly. Decide in advance who will help family members that may need assistance escaping (young children, older adults or people with disabilities).

4.      Retire old smoke alarms and replace with new ones every 10 years, or as recommended by the manufacturer.  

5.      Make sure children recognize the sound of your smoke alarm and how to respond to its signal.

6.      Know your battery type. Smoke alarms equipped with 10-year batteries are becoming more common. Check your smoke alarms to see what type of battery it has. The 10-year batteries don’t need to be replaced annually, but the entire smoke alarm does need to be replaced every ten years.

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service will provide and install smoke alarm batteries at no cost to residents and will provide and install smoke alarms for residents that cannot afford them. Please call 311 for information and be sure to bookmark our website for year-round safety information at www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe and sign up to follow us on twitter.           

Fire Department Open Houses

October is Fire Prevention Month and fire stations around Montgomery County will be hosting many educational, family-oriented activities and Open Houses throughout the month. This year’s theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and urges residents to develop and practice an escape plan and “Have Two Ways Out!”

All Open House events are free and will feature many exciting activities including tours of the station, fire safety activities, educational information/handouts, demonstrations of emergency equipment and much more. Please visit the fire station’s website or call for a complete listing of activities planned.

September 29	Bethesda Fire Department, Station 6 6600 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD	12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
October 6	Rescue Day @ BCC Rescue Squad5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda, MD info:  http://www.bccrs.org/RescueDayMainPage.html	11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
October 6	Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department, Station 15 13900 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD             240-773-8957	12:00 p.m. – 4:00 pm
October 7	Sandy Spring Fire Department, Station 40 16912 Georgia Ave, Olney, MD  240-773-4740	1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
October 13	Chevy Chase Fire Department, Station 7                              8001 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD             301-652-0707	10:00 a.m. – 3:00 pm
October 14	Gaithersburg Station 8  801 Russell  Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD             240-773-4708	12:00 p.m.– 4:00 pm
October 14	Kensington Station 5             10620 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD             (240) 773-4705	10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
October 21	Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department, Station 24 13216 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD             240-773-4724	12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
October 21	Glen Echo Volunteer Fire Department, Station 11 5920 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD              301-229-3200	Time TBA

Fire Prevention Week – Check Your Fire Safety Knowledge & Video

Hopefully all of you are having a happy and SAFE Fire Prevention Week.  A couple of items I believe you will find of interest.

Think you know all there is to know about fire prevention and safety?  Well, put yourself and family members to the test – or should I say quiz.  Please take just a few minutes to complete the Fire Prevention Week Quiz.

After you are done please take one minute out of your busy day to watch the below video from our partners in safety, the U.S. Fire Administration, and learn more about developing a home fire escape plan.

Presidential Proclamation -- Fire Prevention Week, 2012

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Every year, fires in and around homes nationwide put thousands of Americans in harm's way. From the loss of a home to the tragic passing of a loved one, the devastation these disasters leave in their wake is heartbreaking. During Fire Prevention Week, we resolve to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from fires, and we honor the courageous first responders who put their lives at risk to keep us safe.

All of us can take meaningful steps to reduce the risk of fire in our homes. I encourage all Americans to install and maintain smoke alarms, test smoke alarm batteries regularly, and follow safe practices in the kitchen and when using electrical appliances. Families should also develop and practice a fire escape plan that includes at least two ways out of every room. To learn more about these and other simple precautions against home fires, visit www.Ready.gov

This year, wildfires caused profound damage to communities across our country, and our Nation mourned the loss of life that followed. These events reminded us that wildfires are often unpredictable, which is why it is essential for people in areas at risk to practice proper fire prevention and preparedness. Those who live in regions prone to wildfire can take action by clearing flammable vegetation, preparing an emergency supply kit, and sharing evacuation routes and a communications plan with their family in case of emergency. Individuals who see a wildfire should report it by calling 911, and if advised, evacuate immediately.

As we mark Fire Prevention Week by recommitting to preparedness, we also extend our thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by fires this year -- including the brave first responders who fought them. Summoning courage in crisis and bringing discipline and professionalism to the job each and every day, America's firefighters are heroes in every sense. This week, we express our deepest gratitude for their service to our communities and our Nation, and we pay solemn tribute to the men and women who gave their lives to protect our own. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and in their memory, let us rededicate ourselves to preventing tragedy before it strikes.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 7 through October 13, 2012, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, October 7, 2012, in accordance with Public Law 107-51, the flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff on all Federal office buildings in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. I call on all Americans to participate in this observance with appropriate programs and activities and by renewing their efforts to prevent fires and their tragic consequences.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

copied from Whitehouse.gov