General Consumer Information

For a searchable database of resources, see www.BeaconSilverPages.com NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO PRESERVE

SOCIAL SECURITY & MEDICARE ....................202 2160420 NATIONAL COUNCIL ON AGING ........................571 5273900 OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM ..................................240 7773369

Investigates complaints; advocates for residents of nursing home and assisted living facilities; provides information on facilities

SENIOR REACH OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY ..301 6370171

Advocates on social issues for City of Rockville residents

THE BEACON NEWSPAPERS ..............................301 9499766

Free monthly feature papers covering health, money, housing, travel, arts and careers. Call for free pick-up locations or subscription information. See our ads on pages 20, 28 and 108.

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU OF

METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON ....................202 3938000

For reports on charitable organizations, call (703) 276-0100

CONSUMER PRODUCT

SAFETY COMMISSION ..................................18006382772

24-hour product safety hotline; TTY representative 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., EST, (301) 595-7054

CONSUMER PROTECTION, COUNTY OFFICE OF240 7773636

Business complaint records, mediation, consumer education

CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION ................410 5288662

Health Hotline (410) 528-1840; Part of the Maryland Attorney General’s Office CONSUMERS’ CHECKBOOK MAGAZINE ............202 3477283 HOUSING AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS..............240 7770311

Residents of Montgomery County can dial 311

MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT’S

INFORMATION AND SERVICE CENTER ..........................311 NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

ASSOCIATION ................................................18003443555 POSTAGE STAMPS..............................................18007826724

To purchase stamps by mail (To charge by phone, call 1-800-STAMP24) USDA MEAT AND POULTRY HOTLINE ..............18886746854