After the Blizzard: 5 Tips to Stay Safe in Your Home This Winter

Fire Chief Goldstein was on FOX5 recently and provided FIVE tips to stay safe in your home this winter.

Montgomery County Firefighters Practice Ice Rescues at Frozen Pond

Stay off the ice! That's the message from our Firefighters this winter!

More Winter Weather On The Way – Is It Really Last Wednesday Again!?

I am beginning to feel as if I am in the movie “Groundhog Day.” Many of you are familiar with the movie where the main character (Bill Murray) re-lives the previous day over and over again.

With our winter weather this month, it seems like there is a new winter storm on the horizon each day. Sure enough an interesting system seems to be headed our way which could produce snow, sleet, freezing rain, rain, or all of the above.

On Thursday of last week, I posted an abundance of winter storm safety information (and other information) that, in the spirit of Groundhog Day, is pertinent for what might be heading our way.

So please take a moment to click below and take a moment to review and, importantly, make sure you and your loved ones are PREPARED in case of bad winter weather.

Safety Tips, Fire Hydrants, Delays, Closings, & Other Information Due to Winter Storms & Emergencies

Fire/Carbon Monoxide Risks During Cold Weather

Do not run a generator inside the home or an attached garage or carport. Carbon Monoxide fumes can kill you! Generators should be OUTSIDE and away from your home!

Go here to learn more about: Fire/Carbon Monoxide Risks During Cold Weather

Safety Tips, Fire Hydrants, Delays, Closings, & Other Information Due to Winter Storms & Emergencies

Just a reminder that there is a County web site you can go to so that you have all the latest and greatest information on Delays, Closings, & Other Information Due to Winter Storms & Emergencies.

Lots of great information.

Just a reminder to also clear any snow from around fire hydrants!  Help us to potentially help you!

Winter Weather Tips

Winter Storms

Disaster Preparedness

Fireplace Safety Tips

Candle Safety - even though you should be using battery powered lighting! : )

Hope everyone is staying warm and at home!  Conditions are gradually improving.

Be safe!

Bill

Update From Alert Montgomery

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for our area starting at 7:00 am today and lasting until 4:00 am Thursday. The precipitation will be primarily snow which will mix with rain and sleet during mid day. Forecasted total snow accumulations are in the 4" to 8" range with the heaviest snow falling between 4:00 pm today and midnight.

Use Extreme Caution When Driving and Walking

Montgomery County officials are urging residents to use extreme caution when driving and walking, since visibility is still limited by large snow banks, and some sidewalks are still hidden under mounds of ice and snow.


- Drivers should watch for pedestrians in the roadway, particularly at night when visibility is more difficult. Other safety tips for drivers include:

- Slow down and obey the posted speed limit.

- Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections- it's the law ( http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/DOT/dir/pedsafety/documents/md_ped_law.pdf )

- Don't block crosswalks when stopping at intersections.

- Take extra care around schools, playgrounds, and neighborhoods.

- Always look out for pedestrians, especially before turning at a green light or making a "right turn on red."

- Obey signs, signals and markings--and never run red lights.

- Be careful when passing stopped vehicles. They might be stopping for pedestrians.

- Share the road. It is your responsibility to look out for others.

Pedestrians who have to walk in the street because there may not be an accessible sidewalk following the past week’s record-breaking snowfall should walk facing traffic so they can see the vehicles coming toward them. Other pedestrian safety tips include:

- Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with reflectors or retroreflective clothing.

- Cross the street at marked crosswalks and intersections whenever possible.

- Stop and look every time before crossing streets, even when you have the right-of-way, and especially at intersections with “right turn on red.”

- Before crossing, look left, right, then left again, and over your shoulder for turning vehicles.

- Begin crossing the street on “Walk” signals – never on a solid or flashing “Don’t Walk.”

Winter Storm - Be Prepared!

No doubt many of you are already aware of the Winter Storm that is heading our way this weekend. The leadership here at MCFRS is, as always, ahead of the curve and preparing for all scenarios to ensure we are able to respond to our communities needs as, well, needed. My hope is that none of you out there will need our assistance during this time as that would mean bad things are happening to you.

As I posted during our December storm, please make sure you keep your local fire hydrant clear of any snow so that our people can readily see them and use them in case of fire. Help us to help you if need be!

Also, if you are physically fit, please consider helping your neighbors who may not be able to shovel or help themselves.

Please take some time to prepare for this potential monster storm. If anything less than the worst occurs, then you will be more than ready! But please take a moment to click below and review some steps you should take, and some items you should have on hand, to prepare for the weather.

Winter Weather Tips

Winter Storms

Disaster Preparedness

Delays, Closings, & Other Information Due to Winter Storms & Emergencies

In effect, you may be asked to “Shelter in Place” this weekend. Make sure you have the tools and supplies necessary so that you can safely stay at home until the roadways are cleared.

As always – Stay Safe!

Bill Delaney
Program Manager - Community Safety Education
Division of Community Risk Reduction Services
Montgomery County Fire & Rescue

Keeping Warm Safely!

It sure is cold out there today and for the next several days. During these times we here at fire and rescue see a huge increase in home fires due to folks not using heating devices properly. In addition, we also see an increase in the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.

To try and help everyone to stay warm in a safe manner, and to protect against other cold related issues, we ask you to take time to review the below safety tips (many from our friends at the Home Safety Council):

Winter Weather Safety

Fire Escape Planning