The newest episode of the DPS podcast, “Fire Pit Safety,” features the DPS Fire Code Compliance (FCC) team addressing the importance of safety when using a fire pit.
DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast, is joined by DPS FCC Program Manager Michael Marchesani for a conversation filled with practical advice and tips to know before planning a social gathering around a backyard fire pit.
Fire pits are popular this time of year when the temperatures are cooler. Dry weather and a lack of rain should always be considered when deciding if the conditions are right for lighting an outdoor fire.
For additional safety tips, visit the DPS website:
- Guidance for Use of Fire Pits, Fire Bowls and Chimineas
- Guidance for Outdoor Cooking and Recreational Fires near Multifamily Buildings
The “Fire Pit Safety” episode of the Permitting Services Podcast is now available on the DPS website and various podcast platforms including Amazon, Apple and Spotify. It also is posted at https://permittingservicespodcast.buzzsprout.com/.
Subscribe to the podcast by tapping the “follow” sign on the podcast provider’s platform. In addition, it can be viewed on the County’s YouTube channel.
Residents can send questions about a current episode, or ideas for future podcast episodes, to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.
DPS is located at 2425 Reedie Drive, Seventh Floor, in Wheaton. The customer service lobby is open from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. An appointment is not necessary. Customers may also reach out to DPS staff by calling MC 311 or 240-777-0311. For more permitting information, visit the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps.
The new episode of OCP’s podcast, "Safe and Smart Holiday Shopping," provides listeners with essential strategies for navigating the holiday season with confidence and avoiding common shopping pitfalls.
In this episode, host Michelle Escobar is joined by Howard County Office of Consumer Protection Administrator Tracy Rezvani. Together, they discuss a variety of topics, including the importance of comparing prices effectively, the value of staying organized with a budget, and the need to understand retailers’ return policies. Ms. Rezvani also shares insights on avoiding scams, such as identifying fraudulent gift cards, fake online ads and phishing attempts that target holiday shoppers.
Listeners are encouraged to email questions and ideas for episodes to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov
The "Consumer Connection" podcast is available on major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. Future episodes will focus on avoiding scams, making informed purchasing decisions and understanding consumer rights. Listeners are encouraged to email questions and ideas for episodes to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.
The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection is located at 100 Maryland Ave., Suite 3600, in Rockville. Walk-in hours are from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. For more information or to file a consumer complaint, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311, or visit its website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ocp.
The Office of Broadband Programs in the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise
Business Solutions provides technical support for the podcasts.
In this episode, host Michelle Escobar is joined by Howard County Office of Consumer Protection Administrator Tracy Rezvani. Together, they discuss a variety of topics, including the importance of comparing prices effectively, the value of staying organized with a budget, and the need to understand retailers’ return policies. Ms. Rezvani also shares insights on avoiding scams, such as identifying fraudulent gift cards, fake online ads and phishing attempts that target holiday shoppers.
Listeners are encouraged to email questions and ideas for episodes to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov
The "Consumer Connection" podcast is available on major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. Future episodes will focus on avoiding scams, making informed purchasing decisions and understanding consumer rights. Listeners are encouraged to email questions and ideas for episodes to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.
The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection is located at 100 Maryland Ave., Suite 3600, in Rockville. Walk-in hours are from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. For more information or to file a consumer complaint, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311, or visit its website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ocp.
The Office of Broadband Programs in the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise
Business Solutions provides technical support for the podcasts.
