Safety in our Neighborhoods

MCFRS Safety Education Program

Smoke Alarms

Are you in compliance with Maryland’s Smoke Alarm Law? A new state law aimed at reducing home fire deaths went into effect on July 1, 2013. It requires replacement of any battery-only-operated smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old with a unit powered by a long-life, 10-year sealed-in battery by January, 2018. Smoke alarm technology has advanced over the years and the 2013 update to Maryland’s Smoke Alarm Law also requires that residential battery-operated smoke alarms be equipped with a “hush-button” feature that would temporarily silence the alarm if activated by a non-emergency condition. The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service knows that smoke alarms save lives, that’s why MCFRS offers free home smoke alarm installation and safety checks to Montgomery County residents. Read more about it below.

Smoke alarm installation program

Sports Injury Prevention

Both sports fans and athletes know the exhilaration of a spirited, competitive game. In sports, it isn’t about defeating; it is about playing a winning game, which starts with a positive attitude, commitment to give one’s best, and play fair, respectfully and safely. Many athletes are gearing up for fall sports and it is important to make sure good safety practices are a part of every sport’s “play book.”

Summer Storm and Hurricane Season

The Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management wants you to be prepared for our 2016 Summer Storm and Hurricane Season. What would you do if there was a tornado or hurricane passing through Montgomery County? Do you know the difference between a storm watch and a storm warning? Was your home impacted by the 2012 derecho? We’ll give you plenty of tips to help keep you safe before, during and after our area’s more violent summer storm weather.

Stream Safety

Montgomery County is home to more than 1,500 miles of streams. These valuable resources flow through our parks, communities, and for some, right alongside their backyards. Taking the family to visit a local stream is a great way to spend a day outdoors. There are some basic safety measures you should take to ensure everyone stays safe.

NOTE: The National Park Service and MCFRS warn about the dangers of swimming in the Potomac River between Great Falls and Key Bridge. The following information from the Red Cross is not an endorsement for swimming in that stretch of the Potomac River.

Sun Safety

It used to be that everyone longed for that “healthy-looking” perfect summer tan. Many adults and teens devoted long hours to “sunbathing” in the backyard, or even better, at a beach, lake or swimming pool. Fortunately, we now know that what was once thought to be healthy is actually harmful. Damaging ultraviolet rays (UVR) are said to cause over 90 percent of diagnosed skin cancers. In 2013 the Environmental Protection Agency estimated 1,530 Marylanders would be diagnosed with melanoma. Some good news though, avoiding UVR’s doesn’t mean giving up fun in the sun.

Swimming Pool Safety

One of the best ways to cool off on a hot summer day is to take a refreshing swim. It is a form of great exercise that is also great fun. But, drowning accidents are the leading cause of death and injury of children under five years of age. 80% of drowning deaths occur in residential pools and spas. The Montgomery County Department of Recreation wants everyone to know and follow safe swimming guidelines. So take off those swim goggles for a second and take a look.
 

 

Theft from Vehicles

Can you guess which the most common crime in Montgomery County is? No, it’s not residential burglaries, or robberies, or physical assaults. The most common crime in our County is theft from vehicles, and the good news is, we can all take some simple steps to help prevent it. It’s happening every day/night and all over the County, so read on to learn how you can lessen your chances of becoming a victim.

Undertow and Undercurrent

We’ve got to watch our phraseology, because what was once more commonly known as an undercurrent or undertow, is now more properly defined as a rip tide. But whatever name you know it by, when a swimmer comes upon one, it spells trouble. Making sure that both adults and young swimmers understand the danger beneath what might appear to be a calm body of water is vital to everyone’s water safety.

 

Vacation Safety

Taking a break from your everyday routine is welcome at any time of year, but summer is the most common season for scheduling that hard-earned vacation. Nothing can spoil that coveted week or two of time off faster than being victimized either by a residential burglary while you are away or becoming a crime victim while in the process of enjoying your vacation locale. This wouldn’t be the Summer of Safety webpage, if we didn’t have tips to help prevent both of those types of crimes from occurring.

 

West Nile Virus

Mosquitoes are annoying—no argument there! Certain types of mosquitos (Culex mosquitoes—which are small brown mosquitos) transmit West Nile virus. First appearing in the United States in 1999, West Nile virus is now considered endemic (constantly present) in our area and across the US. It is transmitted from infected birds to people by mosquitos. Most people who are infected with West Nile virus only have mild flu-like symptoms, but serious and life-threatening illness can occur. West Nile virus can be fatal in some cases. No treatment exists at this time. The best way to reduce your risk of infection with West Nile virus is to protect yourself from mosquito bites and get rid of mosquito breeding sites around your home or business. See the links below for tips on how to protect yourself and get rid of mosquito breeding sites: 

 

 

X marks the spot – Railroad Crossing Safety

Some may encounter railroad tracks as part of a regular commute, but many others will come upon them during summer driving vacations. In addition, tragically teens have lost their lives walking on the rails. Every railroad crossing is well marked with the familiar “X” graphics, but click on the links below to get familiar with the safety information that backs up why these crossings are given clear warnings.
 

 
 

Zika

Hope you got clued into the threat of the Zika virus last summer. Unfortunately that threat has not gone away. If you haven’t already been following prevention and safety information that the County has been putting out about the Zika virus, then make sure you click on these links. Everyone needs to know about Zika, which can be received through a mosquito bite, and what you can do to lessen your chances - and your neighbor’s chances - of becoming victims.