MCFRS Kicks Off Annual Summer of Safety Campaign

This weekend, Fire Chief Scott E. Goldstein will launch the “101 Days of Summer of Safety” campaign. On a daily basis and through Labor Day, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) will provide critical tips which, if practiced, will enhance the safety and welfare of our residents. Follow us and we will lead you toward safer habits to help protect you, your children, and your pets from the dangers which may come from sun exposure, leaving unattended pets and children in motor vehicles, recreational water activities, barbeque grilling and outdoor eating, heat-related emergencies, traveling the roads, and much, much more.

Fire Chief Goldstein’s campaign goal is to raise the collective awareness of our community in a fun, interactive and engaging format. Stick with us all summer and see what you may learn! It just might save your life. Are you in?

Follow us here and on our Social Media platforms using #mcfrsSOS all summer long!

Teaching Kids How to Walk Safely

Hard to believe but school starts next week!

If your child walks to school, now would be a good time to review with her/him how to safely walk to school.  The below tips are provided by our partners in safety SafeKids.

• Teach kids at an early age to look left, right and left again before crossing the street. Then remind them to continue looking around until safely across.


• It’s always best to walk on sidewalks or paths and cross at street corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.


• Teach kids to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.


• Children under 10 need to cross the street with an adult. Every child is different, but developmentally, most kids are unable to judge the speed and distance of oncoming cars until age 10.


• Encourage kids to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up.


• Teach kids not to run or dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.


• If kids are walking when it’s dark out, teach them to be especially alert and make sure they are visible to drivers. Have them wear light- or brightly-colored clothing and reflective gear.

Vacation Fire Safety

Getting ready to go out of town? Holidays and the summer months are not the time to take a vacation from fire safety. Be sure to check your home before leaving to minimize the risk of fire while you are away and review these important safety tips:

Your Home

• All stoves and electrical appliances should be turned off or disconnected.
• Unplug all television sets, computers and radios. Lightning storms or sudden electrical surges can damage or even cause a fire in these types of equipment.
• When you return, check to make sure all smoke alarms are working.
• Tell a trusted neighbor your departure and return dates. Supply an itinerary with phone numbers where you can be reached in the event of an emergency.

If you are staying in a hotel/motel

When you are traveling away from home and staying in a hotel or motel, it is important to know what actions to take in the event of a fire. While hotel fires account for only a small number of fire fatalities, they present a unique fire risk. Fire can spread quickly in hotels and guests are typically in unfamiliar surroundings. While sprinklers, smoke alarms and fire walls are required in many parts of the world, do not assume that all hotels will have the same safety features you may be accustomed to. The more you know in advance about dealing with a fire emergency, the better your chances for survival.

• Select a hotel/motel that, at a minimum, has smoke alarms installed. It is recommended to select lodging that also has a fire sprinkler system installed. If you must stay in a hotel/motel without alarms or sprinklers, or have mobility limitations, request a room on the first or second floor.
• When you arrive, review the fire safety information provided. It is typically posted near or on the back of the entry door. Just like in your home, you need to plan your escape ahead of time. Locate the two exits nearest your room. Walk the potential escape routes, counting the number of doors between your room and the exit. Make sure that the fire exit doors work and are unlocked. In a real fire, the hallway may become dark with smoke making it hard to see.
• Put your room key, flashlight, cell phone, eyeglasses and shoes, near the bed. You don't want to waste any time looking for things during a fire and keeping everything together can make your escape easier.
• Learn what number to call in the event of an emergency - not all locations use 9-1-1.

If the alarm does sound:

• If you feel conditions in the hallway are safe, go to your nearest exit and proceed downstairs to the first floor and exit the building. Make sure to close all doors behind you as you exit.
• Be sure to take your room key. In some cases, your room may end up being the safest place to be and you may need to return if your exit is blocked.
• If there is any smoke in the hallway, crawl low - under smoke - to the fire exit and safety.
• If a fire starts in your room, leave immediately and close the door behind you to confine the fire and smoke to the room. Activate the fire alarm and call the fire department once you are safely out of danger.
• NEVER use an elevator under fire conditions. Elevators may malfunction, cables could melt, the elevator car may heat up to lethal temperatures or open on the floor where the fire is. Always take the stairs when exiting from a high-rise building.

Every fire is different. While these guidelines may help you survive a fire, there are situations where you will need to do things differently. Taking the time to prepare in advance can save your life.

Splash into Summer SAFELY!

As the weather heats up, chances are you will be headed to the beach or the pool. Drowning is the second leading killer of children ages 14 and under and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service urges you to follow these important tips to ensure safety around the water:

Never leave children unattended around any body of water (bathtubs, pools, ornamental backyard ponds, etc.).

Small children don't think of water as a danger and, by nature, are very curious. Being left alone in or around water without supervision can be fatal. Do not leave water or any other solutions unattended in buckets or other containers - a child can drown in as little as two inches of water.

 

Learn to swim. But remember - even good swimmers can drown.

Swimming lessons are no substitute for supervision of children and never swim alone.

 

Learn CPR.

Valuable lifesaving seconds are lost by having to wait for Emergency Medical Services to respond and administer CPR. Four to six minutes without oxygen can cause irreversible brain damage or death.

 

Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts.

Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

 

Watch out for the "dangerous too's"

...too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.

 

Always have a phone

Keep a phone (cell or cordless) by the pool or nearby when engaged in recreational water activities so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

 

Know where your children are at all times.

Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. Don't be distracted by phone calls, chores or conversations. If you leave the pool area, take the child with you.

 

Don't rely on substitutes.

The use of floatation devices and inflatable toys cannot replace parental supervision. Such devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.

Home Smoke Alarm Basics

As part of our Summer of Safety outreach this summer, the theme this week is "Get Alarmed Montgomery!" This week highlights the importance of having and maintaining working smoke alarms in your home.

Below is a video from our partners in safety at the NFPA that provides some great basics.

Safety Saturday!

This may be a sight you will see in your neighborhood later today. Our Firefighters going door to door to hand out safety tips and offer to check smoke alarms! ‪

This is part of our Summer of Safety program.  Have a great, and SAFE, weekend!

Fire Chief Steve Lohr Kicks Off a “Summer of Safety”

Chief Lohr speaking to Fox 5 News June 19

On Thursday June 19th, Fire Chief Steve Lohr kicked off a “Summer of Safety” campaign that expands Safety In Our Neighborhood program and After the Fire initiatives.  This summer, MCFRS personnel will focus on weekly themes to highlight efforts on specific and relevant hazards like pool safety, BBQ grill safety, cooking safety, senior safety initiatives and others.  The goal of our “Summer of Safety” campaign is to more aggressively prevent the 9-1-1 call and maintain our residents focus on overall safety.

As Montgomery County’s elderly population steadily grows, we need to address an almost epidemic level of non-working smoke alarms and build awareness regarding important legislative changes to Maryland’s new Smoke Alarm Law. Too many County residents have lost their lives this year to tragic and preventable drowning events, pedestrian collisions and fires.  Fire Chief Lohr is asking each of you to join him in this Call to Action to do everything possible to prevent the 911.   

upon the impressive work being done thru the department’s

MCFRS urges each of you to check out our Safety in Our Neighborhood web site for resources.

The currently scheduled themes for this summer are below:

Saturday, June 21^st – Pool and Water Safety Week

Saturday, June 28^th –Leave Fire Works to the Professionals

Saturday, July 5^th – BBQ Grill Safety Week

Saturday, July 12^th – Home Escape planning week

Saturday, July 19^th – Child Passenger Safety

Saturday, July 26^th – Cooking Safety Week

Saturday, August 2^nd – Get Alarmed Montgomery County Week!  All emphasis on working smoke alarms

Saturday, August 9^th – Fair Week

Saturday, August 16^th – Senior Safety Themes

Saturday, August 23^rd – Back to School Safety Week – Pedestrian Safety 

Saturday, August 30^th – Summer of Safety Review Week

Heat Wave Coming – Be Ready

Fire Officials Urge Residents to be Careful and Check on Elderly Neighbors    

The temperature is predicted to be sizzling in the metropolitan area over the next couple of days making it especially dangerous for the those at greatest risk including the elderly, the young, those with existing medical conditions and those that work outdoors.

While staying hydrated is essential all year long, it is particularly important when temperatures soar. Fire Chief Steven Lohr is urging residents to to stay cool, stay hydrated and to check on the welfare of elderly or

at-risk neighbors. “Heat waves can be dangerous and even short periods of high temperatures can cause serious health problems. Whether on the sports field or the construction site, folks need to take action to prevent heat-related illness.”

During hot weather and extreme heat this summer, keep informed by listening to local weather and news channels, use common sense and take a minute to review the tips below.

1. Pre-hydrate, hydrate and re-hydrate.
During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Drink plenty of fluids in advance, during and after activities and don’t wait until you're thirsty to hydrate.  Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluids you drink or has prescribed a diuretic, check with your physician for guidance.

2.  Dress for the heat.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect some of the sun’s energy. Limit your direct exposure to the sun and wear a hat for extra protection.

3.  Monitor those at high risk.
Extreme heat can be hazardous to your health and although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Those most at risk for heat-related illnesses include children, older adults, those that work or exercise outside and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Elderly, low income or individuals with disabilities in Montgomery County in need of a fan can call 311 for information on free fans.

4. Children and cars - use common sense.
Never leave infants, children, pets or the elderly in a parked car where temperatures can become life-threatening in minutes, even with the windows rolled down. Additionally, hot interior surfaces of a car can burn a child’s skin. Before you put your child in a car that has been parked in a warm/sunny spot, check the temperature of the carseat or upholstery first.

5. Avoid strenuous activity.
When possible, strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest part of the day. Take regular breaks when exercising or engaged in physical activity on warm days. If you recognize that you, or someone else, are showing signs of a heat-related illness, stop the activity immediately, find a cool place to rest, hydrate and seek medical attention if necessary.

Remember, heat stroke is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY that can be fatal if not treated promptly. The American Red Cross advises that warning signs can vary among individuals but common signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke may include:  

Heat Exhaustion:

      -  Heavy sweating
      -  Muscle cramps
      -  Pulse rate: fast and weak
      -  Breathing: fast and shallow
      -  Nausea or vomiting
      -  Fatigue
      -  Weakness
      -  Headache and/or dizziness

Heat Stroke:

-  An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees)
-  The absence of sweating
-  Rapid pulse
-  Difficulty breathing
-  Throbbing headache
-  Strange behavior and/or hallucinations
-  Confusion, agitation and disorientation
-  Unconscious                              

6. Be a good neighbor.
Isolated, elderly adults are at a much higher risk of health-related issues. Be a good neighbor and take a minute to check in with your neighbors.

7. Remember your pets.
Hot weather can affect the well-being of pets making them susceptible to overheating which can lead to very dangerous heat stroke. Always provide a source of water and a cool, ventilated  place for your pet. Leaving your pet inside a parked car, even for a few minutes, can be fatal. The inside of a car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.

8. Stay indoors, if possible.
Stay indoors and, if possible, in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider going to the shopping mall, community center or public library. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you return to the heat.  

Splash into Summer Safely! Keep these Water Safety Tips in Mind

As the weather heats up, chances are you will be headed to the beach or pool to cool off this summer. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just learning how to swim, many water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing what to do and how to stay safe. Drowning is the second leading killer of children ages 14 and under and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service urges residents to review these important tips to increase safety around the water:

 Learn to swim and never swim alone. One of the best things you can do to stay safe around the water is to learn to swim and to always swim with a buddy. Even experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps which might make it difficult to get out of the water safely.

 Learn life-saving skills. Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies. Valuable lifesaving seconds are lost by having to wait for Emergency Medical Services to respond and administer CPR. Learning CPR and other life-saving skills and rescue techniques can save lives.

 Seconds count when it comes to water emergencies. Keep a phone (cell or cordless) by the pool or nearby when engaged in recreational water activities so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

 Don’t rely on swimming lessons, life preservers or other equipment to make a child “water safe.” Remember - swimming lessons are no substitute for supervision of children. Formal swimming lessons can help protect young swimmers around the water however constant adult supervision is critical.

 Never leave children unsupervised around water (bathtubs, pools, ornamental backyard ponds, etc.). Small children don't think of water as a danger and, by nature, are very curious.

 Diving dangers. Diving injuries can cause permanent spinal damage, injuries and even death. Protect yourself by diving only in areas that are known to be safe, such as the deep end of a supervised pool. Always check the water’s depth and remember that jumping in feet first can be very risky if you haven’t checked the water for rocks or other hidden hazards.

 Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

 Know Your Limits. Watch for the “dangerous too’s” . . . too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.

 Maintain constant supervision of children. Know where your children are at all times. Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. Don't be distracted by phone calls, chores or conversations. If you leave the pool area, take the child with you.

 Don’t rely on substitutes. The use of floatation devices, water wings and inflatable toys can not replace parental supervision. Such flotation devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.

 Water and alcohol don’t mix. Each year, up to half of all adult drownings are linked to alcohol use.

Splash into Summer SAFELY!

As the weather heats up, chances are you will be headed to the beach or the pool. Drowning is the second leading killer of children ages 14 and under and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service urges you to follow these important tips to ensure safety around the water:

Never leave children unattended around any body of water (bathtubs, pools, ornamental backyard ponds, etc.).

Small children don't think of water as a danger and, by nature, are very curious. Being left alone in or around water without supervision can be fatal. Do not leave water or any other solutions unattended in buckets or other containers - a child can drown in as little as two inches of water.

Learn to swim. But remember - even good swimmers can drown.
Swimming lessons are no substitute for supervision of children and never swim alone.

Learn CPR.
Valuable lifesaving seconds are lost by having to wait for Emergency Medical Services to respond and administer CPR. Four to six minutes without oxygen can cause irreversible brain damage or death.

Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts.
Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

Watch out for the "dangerous too's"
...too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.

Always have a phone
Keep a phone (cell or cordless) by the pool or nearby when engaged in recreational water activities so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Know where your children are at all times.
Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. Don't be distracted by phone calls, chores or conversations. If you leave the pool area, take the child with you.

Don't rely on substitutes.
The use of floatation devices and inflatable toys cannot replace parental supervision. Such devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.