Three Things You Need To Do To Get Ready For Snow Storm

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Three things you need to do to get ready 
for seasonal storms and emergencies:

1. Sign up for Alert Montgomery.

2. Keep these Phone Numbers handy.

• Police/Fire/Ambulance: 911
• Police Non-emergency: 301-279-8000
• County Information & Service: 311

3. Make an Emergency Kit.

Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/snow for more information.

Hot Wash - Blizzard of 2016

Earlier today members of MCFRS, as well as other County Agencies/Departments, participated in a "Hot Wash" regarding the Blizzard of 2016. The meeting was hosted by the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security at the Public Safety Headquarters building in Gaithersburg.

The meeting started with the customary welcome and introductions and quickly moved into the purpose. All participants were divided into breakout groups along the line of their function in order to facilitate discussion and identify areas of strength as well as areas that need improvement going forward.

Each group then documented and reported out on their findings. These will be used to develop an after action report to further enhance the overall Montgomery County readiness and response to future similar events.

The purpose of the "Hot Wash" is described by Assistant Chief Mo Witt in the video below.

Safe Use of Portable Generators

More and more Montgomery County residents are using portable generators when the power goes out. Across the region and country,Carbon Monoxide (CO) deaths associated with generators have spiked in recent years as generator sales have risen. 

If you have a generator, or know someone who does, please take a moment to read the below tips and pass them along to friends and family who may own one as well.  These tips are courtesy of our partners in safety at the NFPA.

• Generators should be operated in well ventilated locations outdoors away from all doors, windows and vent openings.
• Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
• Place generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors or other openings in the building.
• Make sure to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for correct placement and mounting height.
• Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is running.
• Store fuel for the generator in a container that is intended for the purpose and is correctly labeled as such. Store the containers outside of living areas.

Shoveling Can be Dangerous to Your Health

Shoveling snow is a strenuous activity. Make sure you are physically fit enough to shovel snow, and seek help if you aren't.

1. Warm up before any physical activity

2. Keep up with the storm

3. Push don’t lift

4. Dress in layers

5. Wear good boots

6. Stay hydrated

Limit shoveling to only a few minutes at a time, shovel smaller amounts and take frequent breaks. Listen to your body and STOP if you feel pain or experience any warning signs of a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack may include dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, nausea as well as shoulder, neck and arm pain. Call 911 immediately if you believe you are having a medical emergency. If using a snow blower, keep hands and feet away from the motor and moving parts.

Even if you're just outside your home, keep a cell phone with you in case of emergency (such as a fall, cardiac emergency, etc.). With windows and doors closed, people inside the home may not be able to hear cries for help.

Slips and falls are winter's most common injuries. Use sand, salt or an ice-melt on walkways. Shovel your sidewalk and walkways. And use patience and caution when walking: take smaller steps and keep your center of gravity over your feet.

Three Things You Need To Do To Get Ready For Snow Storm

download flyer in pdf format

Three things you need to do to get ready 
for seasonal storms and emergencies:

1. Sign up for Alert Montgomery.

2. Keep these Phone Numbers handy.

• Police/Fire/Ambulance: 911
• Police Non-emergency: 301-279-8000
• County Information & Service: 311

3. Make an Emergency Kit.

Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/snow for more information.

Frostbite

Many kids will want to be outside today to play in the snow. It will be a cold day - especially during the morning hours. This will increase the chances of young, and older, experiencing frostbite if folks are not careful.

With that in mind, Acting Fire Chief Scott Goldstein wants every one to enjoy the day in a safe way. Exposure to cold without adequate protection can result in frostbite. Parents can protect their children by following these precautions:

• Dress children warmly. Several thin layers will help keep children dry as well as warm. Clothing should consist of thermal long johns, turtlenecks, one or two shirts, pants, sweater, coat, warm socks, boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat.
• Set reasonable time limits on outdoor play. Call children in periodically to warm up with drinks such as hot chocolate.
• When possible, avoid taking infants outdoors when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Infants lose body heat quickly.

If a child complains of numbness or pain in the fingers, toes, nose, cheeks or ears while playing in the snow, or if his skin is blistered, hard to the touch or glossy, be alerted to the possibility of frostbite and take the following steps:

• Take the child indoors.
• Call a doctor.
• Tell the child to wiggle the affected body part(s) to increase blood supply to that area.
• Warm the frozen part(s) against the body. Hold fingers to the chest, for example.
• Immerse frozen part(s) in warm, not hot, water. Frozen tissue is fragile and can be damaged easily. Avoid warming with high heat from radiators, fireplaces or stoves, and avoid rubbing or breaking blisters.

Do Not Forget To Clear Snow From Around Fire Hydrants!

Looks like we are going to get a little bit of snow today! Help us to potentially help you by taking time to make sure the closest fire hydrant to your home is accessible.

Please remember to clear away snow from fire hydrants near your home or business. Having hydrants already cleared saves vital minutes and can mean the difference between life and death. Take your time and do not over exert yourself.

Frostbite

Exposure to cold without adequate protection can result in frostbite. Parents can protect their children by following these precautions:

• Dress children warmly. Several thin layers will help keep children dry as well as warm. Clothing should consist of thermal long johns, turtlenecks, one or two shirts, pants, sweater, coat, warm socks, boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat.
• Set reasonable time limits on outdoor play. Call children in periodically to warm up with drinks such as hot chocolate.
• When possible, avoid taking infants outdoors when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Infants lose body heat quickly.

If a child complains of numbness or pain in the fingers, toes, nose, cheeks or ears while playing in the snow, or if his skin is blistered, hard to the touch or glossy, be alerted to the possibility of frostbite and take the following steps:

• Take the child indoors.
• Call a doctor.
• Tell the child to wiggle the affected body part(s) to increase blood supply to that area.
• Warm the frozen part(s) against the body. Hold fingers to the chest, for example.
• Immerse frozen part(s) in warm, not hot, water. Frozen tissue is fragile and can be damaged easily. Avoid warming with high heat from radiators, fireplaces or stoves, and avoid rubbing or breaking blisters.

Do Not Forget To Clear Snow From Around Fire Hydrants!

Please remember to clear away snow from fire hydrants near your home or business. Having hydrants already cleared saves vital minutes and can mean the difference between life and death. Take your time and do not over exert yourself.

Sledding Safety

Many kids, and adults, are going to seek opportunities to go sledding today and over the next few days.  MCFRS wants to remind parents and caregivers of the following safety tips:

• Make sure terrain is free of obstacles and far from traffic. Children should sled on packed snow (not ice) that is free of debris. Check carefully for snow-covered hazards such as rocks, tree limbs and stumps that could endanger sledders or skiers.
• Use equipment that is sturdy and safely constructed. Avoid equipment with sharp and jagged edges.
• Look for energy-absorbing pads on sled seats.
• Examine handholds on sleds to be sure they are secure.
• Ensure sleds and toboggans have steering devices that work easily and don't jam.

Parents should remind children to:

• Sled only on terrain that is free of obstacles.
• Make sure the bottom of the slope is far from streets, traffic and frozen or partially frozen ponds, lakes or creeks.
• Always use a sled with a steering mechanism. Avoid makeshift sleds.
• Avoid lying flat on the sled while riding down hill. Always sit up with feet forward - lying flat increases the chance of head and abdominal injuries.
• Never ride in a sled pulled by a motorized vehicle.
• Make sure the number of children riding on the sled does not exceed the manufacturer's recommendations.

Fire and Rescue Crews Storm Ready

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 6, 2013

         Fire and Rescue Crews Storm Ready
                                                      

Montgomery County, MD - - -  Fire and Rescue crews have been preparing since Monday and are ready as a strong winter storm system predicted for the region arrives. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue officials have been coordinating closely with utility and road crews, have increased staffing to meet expected demand and have all available equipment and resources strategically positioned around the County. The department has a team of personnel closely monitoring the storm as projected high winds and heavy, wet snow begins to arrive in the area.

Montgomery County fire officials provide the following tip and are asking residents to plan ahead, be ready and be safe:

- Stay informed by monitoring TV news, radio, the National Weather Service and the internet as storm information is updated throughout the day that may affect you and your family. Sign up for Alert Montgomery at https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/register.php to receive text alerts and emergency information. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue social media platforms will be operating at various points throughout the storm however will not be a 24-hour source of timely EMERGENCY information. For this weather event on Twitter, use the hashtag #mocosnow and the  primary platforms used will be:

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

- Ensure your cell phones, laptops, ipads, tablets and other important devices are fully charged BEFORE the storm.

- If possible, stay off the roads and heed the advice of local officials. Overall, most winter storm deaths result from vehicle or other transportation accidents caused by ice and snow. Residents should avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain, snow, dense fog and high winds. These are serious conditions that are often underestimated and can make driving, and even walking, very hazardous.

- Stay prepared by getting your emergency preparedness kit out and having a ready supply of essential items (food, water, batteries, flashlights, battery-operated radio, blankets, etc.). 

- Use extreme caution around downed or damaged power lines. Do not remove fallen tree limbs or other debris from power lines, never drive over down lines and treat all wires – even those that are hanging or down – as if they are “live” (energized) and call 911 to report them.

- Do NOT use candles for lighting. Using candles during a power outage poses an extreme risk of fire. Use flashlights or battery-powered lighting options and make sure you have a battery-operated radio to keep up-to-date.

- Fire and Rescue response times may be affected by the extreme weather. It’s a great time to make sure the batteries in your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm are fresh. Test all smoke alarms to ensure they are working. Reach out to your neighbors who may need help, especially those that are elderly, disabled or infirmed. 

- Please only call 911 for emergencies. Crews will be in high demand throughout the storm. If you do not have a life-threatening emergency, call 311 for assistance.

- Pedestrians should wear brightly colored clothing so drivers can see them, especially in times of poor visibility. Use reflective clothing or stickers for maximum visibility

- Shoveling snow can be dangerous to your health. Some winter storms produce enough snow that will make it difficult to shovel, especially for those that have an existing heart condition or anyone over the age of 50. Limit shoveling to only a few minutes at a time, shovel smaller amounts and take frequent breaks. Listen to your body and STOP if you feel pain or experience any warning signs of a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack may include dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, nausea as well as shoulder, neck and arm pain. Always seek medical attention immediately if you believe you are having a medical emergency. 

Fire Chief Richard Bowers is asking residents to help firefighters and clear snow away from fire hydrants. The expected snow accumulations combined with the after-effects of plowing roads may result in many fire hydrants partially or completely buried in snow. By keeping fire hydrants clear of snow, residents can help firefighters to easily locate hydrants and access water quickly, preserving valuable time to potentially save lives and structures.

                                                                     #  #  #

Snow Related Home Safety Tips

To stay safe during today’s snow/winter weather event, the women and men of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue encourages residents to:

v  Make certain all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly.

v  Keep space heaters at least three feet from other objects and never leave space heaters

unattended.

v  During a power outage, use flashlights as lighting sources and avoid using lit candles.

v  Never use generators or gas grills inside the garage or residence as they produce

deadly carbon monoxide gas.

v  Place fireplace ashes outside in a metal container with a secure lid that is at least 15 feet from a structure.

v  Keep fire hydrants on your property clear of snow, ensure that you have at least two

     clear exits out of your house and make sure your address is visible. A few minutes of

your time to help clear the snow will help emergency responders to better assist you in

the event of an emergency.

v  Make sure you have at least two clear exits out of your house. Keep an eye on snow

build up. When the snow melts and refreezes, it could prevent you from being able to

open the door and exit from your house.

v  Businesses are also reminded to clear the areas around emergency exits to ensure their customers can exit safely in an emergency.

Winter Storm Update via Alert Montgomery

Weather Update
A winter-storm warning is in effect starting at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6th and lasting until 3:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 7th. This storm is expected to start as rain on Tuesday evening, March 5th, but change over to snow late evening.

Snow totals will vary. Accumulations of 2 – 4 inches Tuesday night and an additional 4 – 6 inches Wednesday are possible. Winds on Wednesday will be out of the NE at 20 – 25 miles per hour (mph) with gusts up to 35 mph.

Preparations
With heavy snow and gusty winds come the potential of tree limbs to come down on power lines. Make sure you have a battery-operated radio and flashlight; extra prescription medication; and charge cell phones or other critical battery-operated equipment.

As a reminder, please stay off the roads during dangerous driving conditions. If you must drive, make sure you have a full tank of gas. Include an emergency kit in your car with extra blankets, some food and water, and a first-aid kit.

Montgomery County Update
Montgomery County will send out periodic updates on the status of county government, school, and transportation via Alert Montgomery. To find information between updates, visit the following:
• Monitor street plow status: http://www5.montgomerycountymd.gov/snowmap/
• Montgomery County Government Status Updates (including RideOn Bus status, trash and recycling collection, and library and recreation center closures): http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov
• MCPS School Closure Information: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/emergency/

Important Contact Information
• For non-emergencies, contact Montgomery County Government at 311 or (240)-777-0311
• For emergencies, call 911
• To report power or other utility outages:
PEPCO: 1-877-737-2662
Baltimore Gas and Electric: 1-877-778-2222 or 1-800-685-0123
Potomac Edison (Allegheny Power): 1-800-255-3443
Washington Gas: 1-800-752-7520
WSSC: 1-800-828-4002

Sent to All users (E-mail accounts, Pagers, Cell phones) through Alert Montgomery

MCFRS Social Media and Hashtag For The Snow Storm

Hopefully all of you are preparing properly for the snow storm.  Keep informed and up to date as snow totals and storm information can change rapidly.

Check out the latest best and worse case scenario totals to the right.

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 #mocosnow 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!

Stay Safe!

Bill