It's Fire Prevention Week!

It's that time of year again - Fire Prevention Week (October 4 - 10)!  This years theme and focus is: "Hear the Beep where you Sleep! Every Bedroom needs a Working Smoke Alarm."

Below is a good video from our partners in safety at the National Fire Protection Association.  Please take a couple of minutes to watch and learn important potential life saving information.

Mark Your Calendars - Upcoming Fire Department Open Houses

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.

Germantown VFD - Saturday, September 19; from 11-3 at Station 29
20001 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown, MD

Bethesda FD - Saturday, September 26; from Noon - 3:30pm at Station 6
6600 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD

Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad - Saturday, October 3; 11 am - 4 pm
5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814

UPDATED Burtonsville VFD - Saturday, October 17; from 12 – 3 pm at Station 15
13900 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD

CANCELED Sandy Spring VFD – Sunday, October 4 at Station 40
16911 Georgia Ave., Olney, MD

Takoma Park VFD - Sunday, October 4; from 10 am - 5 pm at Station 2
7201 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912

Upper Montgomery County VFD - Sunday, October 4; from 1 to 4 pm at Station 14
19801 Beallsville Road, Beallsville, MD

Chevy Chase FD - Saturday October 10; from 10am to 3pm at Station 7
8001 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD

Cabin John VFD – Sunday, October 11; from 10-4 at Station 10
8001 River Rd. Bethesda, MD 20817

Gaithersburg - Washington Grove VFD - Sunday October 11; from 1000 to 1600 at Station 8
801 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD

Kensington VFD - Sunday, October 11; from 12-4 at Station 5
10620 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD

Glen Echo FD - Sunday, October 18; 11 am to 2 pm at Station 11
 5920 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD

Hillandale VFD - Sunday October 18; from 12pm-4pm at Station 12  Station 24 
13216 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD

Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad - Sunday October 18 from 1100-1600
2400 Arcola Ave., Wheaton, MD 20902

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

Watch What You Heat! Cooking Related Fires Leading Cause of Home Fires!

By: Battalion Chief Mark Davis

Cooking-related fires continue to be one of the leading causes of fire in the home. According to United States Fire Administration data from 2008 to 2010:

On average, an estimated 164,500 cooking related fires in residential buildings occur each year in the United States;

Residential building cooking fires occurred mainly in the evening hours from 4 to 9 p.m., peaking from 5 to 8 p.m, accounting for 26 percent of the fires;

Oil, fat and grease (51 percent) were the leading types of material ignited in cooking fires occurring in residential buildings.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries;

1 in 8 households will have a cooking fire each year;

The leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking.

And sadly, Montgomery County's first fire death of 2013 occurred in the 1st Battalion and was the result of clothing that caught fire during cooking.

It is clear that cooking is dangerous. The numbers do not lie! Don't be distracted while you cook - it can save your life!

Mark Your Calendars - Upcoming 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 House events throughout the month. This year’s theme focuses on the importance of preventing kitchen fires. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking and while there can be “too many cooks in the kitchen” having no cooks in the kitchen can be potentially far more dangerous.

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.

October 12

Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department, Station 15         12 – 4 p.m.
13900 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD

240-773-8957

October 13

Chevy Chase Fire Department, Station 7                         10 – 4 p.m.

8001 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 

301-652-0707

Kensington Volunteer Fire Department, Station 5               12 – 4 p.m.

10620 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD
(240) 773-4705
                    
Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department, Station 24               12 – 3 p.m.

13216 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD

240-773-4724

                                              
October 20

Glen Echo Volunteer Fire Department, Station 11               10 – 2 p.m.

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.

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

It Is Fire Prevention Week! Have Two Ways Out Of Your Home In Case Of Fire!

Did you know that this week, October 7 – 13, is Fire Prevention Week?  Of course here at MCFRS we think each and every week during the year should be fire prevention week!

This year’s theme is “Have 2 Ways Out.”  What does that mean?  It means that you and your family need to have a home escape plan in case of fire.  As part of that plan, you should identify at least TWO ways out of your home in case your first way out is blocked by fire or smoke.

To learn how to develop a home escape plan, please see below.  You can download, print out, and sit down with your loved ones to develop a home escape plan TODAY!

Fire Escape Plan Sheet for Web

Did You Know?

CPSC estimates an annual average of more than 386,000 unintentional residential fires, nearly 2,400 deaths and more than 12,500 injuries each year from 2006 through 2008.


Fire kills and injures!  Make sure you check your smoke alarms today!  Also develop a home escape plan for you and those you love!

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!