Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service

An Internationally Accredited Public Safety Agency

NEWS ADVISORY
Richard Bowers, Fire Chief Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, 12th Floor, Rockville, Maryland Assistant Chief Scott Graham, Public Information Officer Phone: 301-503-6113 Media line 240.777.2442 IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 23, 2011

Powerful Earthquake Rocks Area

County Residents Urged to Use 911 ONLY for Emergencies
Rockville - - - A 5.8 magnitude earthquake centered northwest of Richmond, Virginia occurred just before 2:00 p.m. today. There were no immediate reports of injuries or infrastructure damage in Montgomery County as a result of the earthquake however the event kept the Montgomery County Public Safety Center and Police 911 operators busy with a high volume of calls to 911 seeking nonemergency information. Residents are asked to call 911 ONLY for life-threatening emergencies. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak: - Leave the area immediately and go to a location where you no longer smell gas. Report the leak by calling 911 (If Fire/Rescue is not on the scene). Do not: - Light matches or smoke. - Avoid use of all open flames. - Try to locate the source of the gas leak. - Use any electrical device, including cellular phones, ipods, etc. - Turn light switches on and off. - Re-enter the building or return to the area until it has been declared safe to do so by Fire and Rescue personnel. Power lines down call 911. Disasters can strike quickly and without warning. As with any disaster, the best strategy is to prepare in advance and stay informed. Just like having a working smoke alarm in your home, having a stocked emergency supply kit for you and your family will put the tools you may need right where you need them. Knowing what to do is an important part of being prepared and residents are urged to take a few minutes to ensure their Emergency Kits and Plans are up-to-date. For suggestions and recommendations on preparing a plan, visit www.ready.gov.

###