Cold Weather Probs: Winter Safety Tips for Your Home

With below-freezing temperatures in the forecast, a few simple steps can keep you and your family safe and your home's pipes from freezing. Please review the tips below to help minimize the possibility of damage.

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• Prepare your pipes in advance. Remove, drain and store garden hoses used outside. If practical, use an inside valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing pipes just inside your house.

• Properly winterize automatic landscaping sprinkler systems. 

• Check and monitor any exposed pipes in unheated areas such as basements, garages, attics and crawlspaces.

• Locate the main water shut off for your home so that if a pipe bursts, you can shut off the water and minimize damage.

• Open cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathrooms to let heat in and around the plumbing.  Especially important if some of these pipes run up against outside walls. If you open cabinet doors, be sure to remove anything that may pose a safety hazard to children, such as household cleaners.

• Keep any garage doors closed if there are water pipes or supply lines in the garage.  If attached to home and safe, consider opening the door to the garage to allow some home heat to enter the garage. While your heating bill may take a hit, the cost will not compare to costly repairs from water damage.

• DO NOT use kerosene or other fuel fed heating devices in the garage to heat it.

• Let water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe (even at a dribble) during a cold spell can often help prevent pipes from freezing.

• DO NOT use a blow torch or any other open flame to try and thaw out potentially frozen pipes! (did we really have to say this?!) 
• Mobile homes are typically more vulnerable to frozen pipes so take proper precautions. 

• Keep the thermostat set to no lower than 55° F during the evening hours or if you will be leaving the home for an extended period of time (day or night).  

Please check on elderly neighbors, family members and friends who may need additional assistance to ensure their safety during these challenging times. And always having working and up-to-date smoke alarms in your home. Visit us at www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe for more safety tips.

Stay informed. Sign up for Alert Montgomery. For information, visit https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/register.php

Space Heaters Need Space: Winter Fire Safety Tips for Your Home

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As winter temperatures drop, many households turn to space heaters for extra warmth. While they can quickly heat a chilly room, space heaters also pose serious risks. From December through March, home heating
fires — including those caused by space heaters — contribute to the highest number of fire deaths each year.

Residents throughout Montgomery County should be aware: space heaters are convenient, but they require careful use.

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and smart this winter:

1. Give space heaters space. Keep at least three feet of clearance from anything flammable — clothes, blankets, furniture, rugs, and even walls. That open space is your first line of defense.

2. Plug it in safely. Always use a wall outlet. Never connect a space heater to an extension cord or power strip, which can overheat and spark a fire.

3. Choose quality. Look for heaters with Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) approval and modern safety features like cool-to-touch surfaces, automatic shut-off if tipped over, or sensors that turn off the unit if something gets too close. Units with these features are especially important for homes with seniors, children, or pets.

4. Turn it off when unattended. Never leave a space heater running in an empty room. Always unplug it before leaving the room or going to bed. Extra blankets are a safer way to keep warm while you sleep.

5. Pick the right size. Match the heater to the room size. Too small, and it won’t provide warmth; too large, and it can overheat, increasing fire risk.

6. Check your home’s wiring. Space heaters use a lot of electricity — often as much as fifteen 100-watt light bulbs. Older homes with outdated wiring may not handle that load safely. If a circuit breaker trips, don’t just reset it without checking your home’s electrical system.

7. Keep away from water. Never use space heaters in bathrooms, kitchens, or areas where spills or moisture may occur. Water plus electricity is a dangerous combination.

8. Inspect regularly. Check cords for frays, keep vents free of dust, and ensure grates, grills, and heating elements are clean.

9. Mind the heat. Heater surfaces can become extremely hot. Seniors, children, and pets are especially vulnerable to burns, so place heaters in safe, supervised locations.

10. Supplement, don’t replace. Space heaters are meant to supplement central heating — not replace it. Make sure your home has working smoke alarms in every room and a carbon monoxide detector if using fuel-burning appliances.

A note on cost: Space heaters are convenient, but they can be expensive to run over time. Electricity use can spike dramatically, especially if multiple units are in use. Think of space heaters as a short-term solution for targeted warmth, not a replacement for central heating.

Bottom line: Space heaters can provide quick comfort during cold winter months, but safety comes first. Give them space, plug them in properly, monitor their use, and pair them with functional smoke and CO alarms. By taking these steps, families across Montgomery County can stay warm and safe this winter. 

A Message from Fire Chief Smedley: Winter Safety at Home

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With the potential for school closing and many people working from home during this winter storm, it’s more important than ever to make fire safety a top priority in your household. Cold weather, snow, and ice bring unique hazards — from space heaters and overloaded outlets to frozen pipes and slippery walkways. Fire Chief Smedley is asking families to stay fire smart and is sharing important winter and electrical safety tips to protect your family now and in the weeks to come.

—Fire Chief Corey Smedley
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service

Electrical Safety Tips:

• Unplug unused appliances. Not only does this reduce unnecessary energy use, it also prevents appliances from overheating or being damaged in a power surge — a common fire risk.
• Extension cords and power strips aren’t magic. More outlets do not mean more power. Avoid overloading circuits or using “daisy-chained” power strips — this is a major fire hazard.
• Use certified cords and chargers. Only use devices approved by an independent testing lab such as UL or ETL. Using cheap or incompatible chargers increases fire risk.
• Mind the load. Only plug light-load appliances (phones, computers, lamps) into power strips. Major appliances like refrigerators need a dedicated wall outlet.
• Keep cords dry. Never use extension cords or power strips in bathrooms, kitchens, or unheated garages unless specifically designed for wet conditions.
• Let heat escape. Don’t cover cords or power strips with rugs, furniture, or snow-covered exterior cords — trapped heat can start a fire.
• Check regularly. Inspect cords and plugs, test reset buttons, and replace damaged equipment immediately.

Space Heater Safety:

• Keep heaters at least 3 feet away from anything flammable.
• Never leave heaters unattended or running while you sleep.
• Use heaters with an automatic shut-off feature in case they tip over.

Other Winter Safety Tips:

• Keep walkways clear of snow and ice to prevent slips and falls.
• Dress in layers to stay warm indoors and outdoors.
• Check on neighbors, especially older adults or those with limited mobility. Offer to walk their dog or help with trash/recycle bins on pick up day. 
• Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning properly — cold weather means more indoor heating and higher risk.

Championing Safety: Meet the MCFRS Team Driving Community Risk Reduction

Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Week is a reminder that some of the most important work we do happens before the alarm sounds. From education and home safety visits to outreach and community preparedness, CRR is about reducing risks, preventing emergencies, and keeping our community safer every day.

What CRR Means to MCFRS:
CRR isn’t a special assignment. It's part of every role in our department. As Chief Smedley often emphasizes, it’s a fire prevention state of mind that guides how we interact with the community every day. Whether we’re talking with residents, on a call, identifying hazards, or presenting in the community, these small actions can make a big difference in preventing emergencies before they happen.

Meet the Team:

Beth Anne Nesselt – Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Manager

Beth Anne leads Community Risk Reduction with a clear mission: to support Montgomery County’s busy Metro Fire and Rescue Department while keeping prevention — for both firefighters and the community — front and center. She’s on the front lines every day, connecting with residents, firefighters, and partners through school programs, senior outreach, community events, firefighter training, and other community initiatives.

A champion of safety initiatives, Beth Anne combines creativity, data, and deep knowledge of Maryland’s fire and safety regulations to implement programs that translate prevention into real-world protection for firefighters and residents, strengthen partnerships, and build resilient communities. Need a CRR presentation, help launching a new program, or advice on community initiatives? The CRR Team is your “go-to,” bringing executive-level insight with a practical, on-the-ground approach. Connect with us via 311.

Jim Resnick – Retired Battalion Chief and Program Manager

With more than four decades of service, retired Battalion Chief Jim Resnick brings a rare operational perspective to the CRR team. His fireground experience gives him an instinctive understanding of how prevention decisions affect real outcomes.

Jim translates CRR strategies into practical, actionable approaches that crews can implement with confidence. A trusted mentor and resource, he bridges operational realities and community education, ensuring CRR initiatives are grounded, effective, and ready for the field. Through his leadership, CRR isn’t just policy — it’s a proven way to protect our people and strengthen the communities we serve.

Oscar Mendez - Program Manager II

Oscar drives safety initiatives with energy and expertise, turning complex prevention programs into practical, approachable guidance for both firefighters and residents.  With a keen understanding of Montgomery County’s rich diversity, he ensures that outreach and education are culturally relevant, accessible, and effective for all community members. Whether connecting directly in neighborhoods or adapting messages to reach Spanish-speaking residents, Oscar’s work strengthens the CRR mission by making safety education inclusive, engaging, and actionable — helping every resident stay informed, prepared, and part of a stronger, more resilient community.

Anthony Ramirez – Program Manager, Child Passenger Safety  

Anthony keeps our youngest residents safe through hands-on car seat inspections, education, and outreach. He recently became a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Instructor —no small accomplishment — bringing the highest level of expertise to every interaction. His passion and attention to detail ensure every family leaves confident in protecting their children on the road. By combining certification, skill, and a personal touch, Anthony turns safety into a practical, life-

saving habit, making a lasting difference for families throughout our community.


Kristy Duke - Program Specialist II 

Kristy is in the community every day, connecting with older adults, leading workshops, visiting senior centers, and helping residents take practical steps to age safely in place. She has a genuine heart for seniors and uses her creativity to make safety education engaging, accessible, and meaningful for every participant. Whether adapting programs for special needs, supporting community events, or providing hands-on guidance, Kristy empowers residents to protect themselves and live safely and

confidently in their homes. Drawing on her experience with the Housing Opportunities Commission, she continues to focus on helping communities thrive through her hands-on, inclusive approach to education and outreach.

Kim Kelley - Program Specialist II

Kim Kelley brings extensive experience from the 911 Emergency Communications Center (ECC) to her role leading CRR’s community youth programs. On the front lines, she is in the community every day — educating in schools, leading presentations, running summer camps, and engaging residents of all ages. Drawing on her ECC background, Kim brings a unique perspective on emergency response and prevention, ensuring her programs are both practical and impactful. With boundless creativity, Kim makes safety education interactive, fun, and unforgettable. From hands-on workshops to unique community events, she turns awareness into real-life prevention, leaving families and residents empowered to protect themselves and their neighbors.

Firefighter II Brian McCullough

FF McCullough is in the community every day, conducting hundreds of home safety checks each month, educating residents, and making a tangible difference wherever he goes. A highly trained firefighter, he has been impacting lives since his first day with the CRR section — bringing not only commitment, but a depth of knowledge that elevates every interaction.

From senior centers to summer camps, school programs to climbing ladders to check smoke alarms, Brian connects with residents of all ages. His extensive firefighter training and strong command of Maryland smoke alarm law allow him to tailor safety education to real-world conditions, ensuring residents don’t just receive information — they understand how to apply it in their own homes.

Whether he’s answering questions, identifying risks, or reinforcing best practices, every person FF McCullough reaches is better prepared and safer because of the encounter. His creativity, dedication, and passion turn prevention into action. With FF McCullough in the community, prevention isn’t just a message — it’s an experience that informs, empowers, and saves lives.

FF Emmy Tompkins, on light duty assignment with CRR:

"I would like to continue to expand my knowledge on how CRR operates and how I can help the team reach civilians in the county. During my first few weeks here, I was able to interact with the public through Home Safety Checks, where we worked with adult homeowners. Now, I am taking the Sound Off for Firefighters course to teach 2nd and 3rd graders about fire safety. I find the contrasting experiences so important because different populations can have different capabilities in how they can keep themselves and their families safe. Even though the ideas may be simpler, children can still have their own age-appropriate ways to execute fire safety and encourage their family to know fire safety.  During CRR Week, I want to continue to learn and practice fire safety with the younger population of the county, so that I can better educate and interact with them when I am back in the field, as well." 

Why CRR Matters:

By focusing on prevention and education, we reduce injuries, property damage, and emergency
calls —helping ensure firefighters and residents alike go home safe.

During Community Risk Reduction Week, MCFRS is proud to highlight the people behind the mission and reaffirm our commitment to prevention, safety, preparedness, and building a resilient community. 

Tis the season to be … SAFE! Deck the Halls with Safety

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In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it may be tempting to take a few shortcuts. Fire Chief Corey Smedley asks that you make sure that safety isn’t one of them!   

Christmas trees require special attention. When selecting a tree, freshness is important. Check the needles to make sure they are green and difficult to pull back from the branches. If the tree has been freshly cut, the needles should not break. Tap the tree on the ground several times and notice if any needles fall off. If they do, the tree is probably dried out and could be a fire hazard.  Water your tree daily and do not place the tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace, radiator, space heater, or heat vent. Make sure your tree is in a sturdy holder and can't be knocked over by pets or children.

Using extension cords? Overloaded extension cords and outlets can present a serious fire safety hazard. Make sure that the extension cord is suitable for the electrical “load” needed. Do not place cords under furniture or rugs and never plug two extension cords together to increase the total length. Demanding too much power from an extension cord risks overheating and fire. Be sure to read all packaging and instructions carefully when purchasing an extension cord and ensure it is UL listed.

Holiday lights. Indoors or out, only use lights that have been tested by an approved testing laboratory for safety such as UL. All lights should be inspected for frayed wires, bare spots, broken or cracked sockets, or excessive wear before plugging them in, and discard any damaged sets of lights. Avoid stringing more than three light 

strands together.

Firing up the fireplace?  Cool your ashes! Every year “cold” ashes result in house fires. Treat all ashes and coals as HOT ashes, even when you think they have had enough time to cool. Your garage, house, or deck are unsafe locations for ashes to cool and have been the site of many recent and devastating fires both locally and nationally. Take extreme care when disposing ashes and follow these tips: 

• Allow all ashes to cool in place for several days, when possible.
• When it’s time to dispose of ashes, transfer them to a metal container and wet them down. Only
  use an approved metal ash bucket that has a tight-fitting metal lid.
• Store the container outside, away from structures, decks, fences, wood piles, or other combustible materials. 
• Never use a vacuum cleaner to pick up ashes and don’t dispose of ashes outside on a windy day.
• The wind can whip up what may have seemed like cool embers, making them fiery hot, and igniting nearby combustibles. 

Candle fires peak during the holiday season. Most holiday candle fires occur when people leave burning candles unattended or place candles too close to holiday decorations. Keep candles in sight, in a secure holder and on a safe surface away from children and pets. Consider using flameless, battery-operated candles making them much safer.

Give space heaters space and ensure at least a 3-foot clearance from anything that can burn. Do not overload the electrical circuit or use extension cords with space heaters. Always stay in the room while a space heater is operating and turn it off when leaving the room or going to sleep. Follow all manufacturer recommendations and make sure your space heater meets all safety standards.

Cooking is a top cause of holiday fires. Be alert and focused and stay in the kitchen when cooking. Keep things that can catch fire, such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers, and towels away from the cooking area. Make sure kids and pets stay at least three feet away from the stove and oven, hot food, and liquids to avoid serious burns.

Disposing of your tree – never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by having the County’s recycling service pick it up on the designated day(s).

Do you hear what I hear? Having working smoke alarms DOUBLE your chances of surviving a fire however smoke alarms do not last forever. If your alarms are 10 years old or older, they need to be replaced with new alarms. Bottom line: don't wait for a fire to test your smoke alarm.