How Old Are Your Smoke Alarms?

Courtesy of NFPA

Another day, another friendly reminder in our 101 Days of Summer Safety!

Many homes in Montgomery County have smoke alarms that are too old. All smoke alarms are manufactured to last 10 years. Then they need to be replaced. Working smoke alarms can provide the critical early warning needed to save lives.

Once your alarms reach the ripe old age of 10, they are eligible for "retirement" and need to be replaced by a new generation of smoke alarms.

Even if your 10 year old, or older, smoke alarm still sounds when you push the test button, it should be replaced.

To learn how to properly dispose of a smoke alarm, please go here: How to recycle/dispose of smoke alarms

For those with battery powered alarms, please go here to learn about Maryland's Updated Smoke Alarm Law.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Hot and humid is back in the forecast! Staying hydrated is essential all year long but it’s particularly important when temperatures soar. The arrival of hot weather can present numerous health challenges for the elderly and those with existing health conditions. If you are a senior or caretaker of seniors, today’s tip is for you.

Did you know that feelings of thirst decline with age?

Dehydration in the elderly can quickly become a serious issue. When older adults become dehydrated, they
may experience muscle cramps, disorientation, confusion, headaches and life-threatening medical conditions. If your loved one is non-verbal, they may be unable to communicate feelings of thirst.

Some tips for staying hydrated this summer:

• Pre-hydrate, hydrate and rehydrate. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink – have a plan and stay hydrated all day long. If you’re thirsty, you’re likely already dehydrated.
• Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol which can actually dehydrate your body. 
• Fresh fruits are a great, natural source of fluids. 
• Use water to dilute fruit juices or sports drinks, making them last longer and increasing your fluid intake.
• On the go? Be sure to take a water bottle with you.

If you are on a fluid-restricted diet, always consult your physician about how to get the fluids you need and staying hydrated during the hot summer months.

Dangerous Chores: Know BEFORE you Mow

June is National Safety Month and the routine task of lawn mowing can be extremely dangerous to children, the operator, and those nearby if proper safety precautions aren’t taken. More than 250,000 people are treated for lawn mower-related injuries and many of them children under the age 19, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons offers some safety tips for lawn mowers, whether the riding, power or push style:

• Keep your lawn mower in good working order and have it serviced before you use it for the first time each season. Make sure the motor is off before you inspect or repair a lawn mower, and use a stick or broom handle, not your hands or feet, to remove debris.
• Always read the instruction manual, and never remove safety devices, shields or guards on switches. Add fuel before starting the engine, not when it is running or hot. Never leave a running lawn mower unattended. Avoid touching the engine cowling (covering), which can became extremely hot and burn unprotected flesh.
• Wear sturdy shoes with good traction, long pants, protective gloves and goggles when mowing. Never drink alcohol before using a mower. Check for and remove stones, toys and other objects from the lawn before mowing. Mow across slopes when using a push mower, and mow up and down slopes when using a riding mower.
• Wear eye protection.
• Always turn off the mower and wait for blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, inspecting or repairing lawn mower equipment or crossing gravel paths, roads or other areas
• Clear the yard of all children before mowing and teach children to stay away from running lawn mowers and never let them play in or near an area being mowed. Never let children or pets ride as passengers on a mower. Children should be at least age 12 before using a push mower and 16 before using a riding mower.

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Use of Fire Pits, Fire Bowls and Chimineas

Today's MCFRS 101 Days of Summer Safety addresses an ever increasing popular past time - the use of Fire Pits, Fire Bowls, Chimineas and other similar appliances. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service would like to share with you the criteria for their safe and proper use.

Photo via Lowes.com

• You must have permission of the land owner.
• There must be one person at least 18 years of age to assume responsibility for the use of these appliances.
• A permit from the Fire Marshal or the Department of Environmental Protection is not required. 
• Use in accordance to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Once you purchase this appliance, keep these guidelines in a safe place for future reference. 
• Use of Fire Pits, Fire Bowls, Chimineas and similar portable devices must be at least 20 feet away from any building or structure. Keep a clear area (clear meaning free of anything that can burn) of at least 3 feet in diameter around the appliance. Please remember that mulch can burn so keep your appliance at least 3 feet away from mulch as well. 
• Do not use or store Fire Pits, Fire Bowls, Chimineas or similar devices on a balcony or deck. 
• Burn only aged dried wood. The burning of any type of construction material or trash is prohibited. 
• Do not use any type of flammable or combustible liquid at any time. 
• Have a garden hose connected to a constant water source available and close by or a fire extinguisher.
• Smoke is not allowed to cross property lines. Be mindful of the wind speed prior to starting this type of fire. 
• Do not use on Code Orange or Code Red Air Quality days. 
• Dispose of all ashes in a safe manner. After 24 hours has passed, all left over hot ashes must be thoroughly dampened, cooled and stored in a metal can that is used solely for ash storage. Ashes that are 2 or 3 days old may appear to be safe, but can still retain enough heat to cause an unwanted fire. Do not discard hot ashes in a compost pile, paper bag cardboard box or anything that is combustible. Also, be careful in handling partially burned wood. The wood may still be smoldering and cause a serious burn. 

Please keep in mind, that if the Fire Department is contacted and determines your situation to be a fire hazard, the Fire Department can require you to extinguish your fire. If additional questions arise, please call MC311.

Fire Sprinklers Keep Fire In Check

At approximately 8:35 p.m. on Thursday, June 9 MCFRS units were dispatched for an initial report of an auto fire that was changed to a dumpster fire and, finally, was upgraded to a dumpster fire next to the building as units arrived on the scene of 15780 Shady Grove Road. Units from Fire Station #32 arrived on scene and found fire showing from a dumpster attached to the building.

Firefighters from PE732 extinguished the dumpster/compactor fire while other units deployed to the interior of the building to check for extension. Crews gained entry into rear of the store to find an interior fire that was being controlled by the activation of four fire sprinkler heads. There was considerable smoke conditions throughout the building as well.

Three truck companies remained on scene for a total of two hours to assist with smoke removal from the impacted stores. There were approximately 50 firefighters were on scene.

All occupants of the store safely evacuated along with neighboring businesses. There were no injuries and initial damages were estimated to be $5,000. This total is expected to increase after appraisal of inventory and length of store closing. Fire Sprinklers save lives and property.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.