Safety

File of Life - MCFRS

If you have a medical emergency and can’t communicate, it’s important for first responders to have quick access to your medical history. To help with this, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service offers a program called " File of Life."

The File of Life is a red magnetic packet that you put on your refrigerator. Inside, you can fill out important details about your medical history, your doctor’s contact info, family members, and insurance information. This helps paramedics quickly understand your needs even if you're unable to speak.

You can get a free File of Life packet if you live in Montgomery County, Maryland. You can also download and print out a File of Life insert ( PDF / Word), fill it out and hang it on your refrigerator. Since you can not print out the red, magnetic pouch that holds it, consider putting it in a Ziploc/plastic bag. If you need one mailed to you, call 311 for help.

Smoke Alarm Program - MCFRS

Residents of Montgomery County may request a free home safety visit. The installation of free smoke alarms is targeted to high risk individuals that include older people and senior citizens, individuals with mobility, vision or hearing impairments and residents who may have a disability or be economically challenged. 

Falls Prevention - Free Home Safety Evaluations

Falls are a major threat to the health and well being of older residents. More than 1/3 of older adults fall each year, often leading to injuries that reduce activity and independence. The good news is that falls can be prevented. Take a few minutes and conduct a safety audit of your home and implement some of the practical and cost-effective suggestions outlined for you via the link above or contact the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service for a free home safety evaluation.

Autism, Intellectual, Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Alzheimer's Outreach Program

The program is committed to educating and bringing awareness of Alzheimer’s, Autism, intellectual disabilities, and Down Syndrome to the community and to officers, while also providing resources to loved ones of those with one of these conditions.
Individuals with medical conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Autism, and Down Syndrome have a propensity to wander.  As police officers, they are often called to a home or area to assist a caregiver with locating a person who has wandered.  On average, the Montgomery County Police Department investigates two missing (wandering) Autistic children cases per week.  The department recognizes that caregivers of loved ones with these disorders have a huge responsibility.
The Autism, Intellectual, Developmental Disabilities and Alzheimer's Outreach Unit has created a layered approach to Autism /IDD awareness and the needs of people with Alzheimer's through education, outreach, follow up, empowerment, and response.