Sisters firefighters encourage safety

SISTERS, Ore. (The Nugget) -- A couple of recent structure fires in the Sisters area have sparked interest in fire safety precautions.

Dave Wheeler, a shift captain with the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District provided information from the state fire marshal's office that indicated that an average of 45 Oregonians lose their lives to fire each year.

"Almost all of these deaths and home fires could have been prevented had the residents known what hazards to look for and if a working smoke alarm was present," the fire marshal's office reported. "A working smoke alarm can double the chances of surviving a fire."

The fire marshal makes the following recommendations to help ensure safety from fire.

Smoke Alarms:

• Install working smoke alarms near each sleeping area, on every level of your home and in each bedroom.
• Clean and test your smoke alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions each month.
• If your smoke alarm is 10 years old or older it's time to replace it.

Family Fire Escape Plan:

• Plan two ways out of every room.
• Plan a meeting place outside.
• Practice your escape plan.

Smoking and matches:

• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Use large, deep ashtrays.
• Dispose of smoking materials in a metal can.
• Check furniture for smoldering cigarettes before going to bed.

Heating equipment:

• Keep clothing, furnishings, electrical cords and combustibles 12 inches from wall heaters and 36 inches from portable heaters.
• Service your furnace annually.
• Set your water heater thermostat at 120 degrees to prevent scalds and burns.

Chimney and woodstoves:

• Obtain a permit before installing a woodstove.
• Clean and inspect your chimney or woodstove at least once a year (twice a year if wood is your main source of heat).
• Dispose of ashes in a metal container and away from combustibles.
• Use a fireplace screen.
• Store combustibles at least 36 inches away from the fireplace or woodstove.

Electricity:

• Inspect electrical cords and plugs for fraying and cracking. Replace damaged cords.
• Use only proper, heavy-duty extension cords that are UL listed.
• Keep electrical cords on top of rugs or carpet.
• Avoid overloaded circuits.

Kitchens:

• Keep an eye on what's cooking and stay in the kitchen.
• Wear short or close-fitting sleeves that won't brush against hot burners.
• Keep cooking surfaces clean and free of food and grease build-up.

Clothes Dryer:

• Keep lint filter clean.
• Keep the outside vent line clean.

Garage:

• Store gasoline and other flammable liquids in approved, labeled containers.
• Keep garage clear of combustibles such as cartons, papers and old rags.
• Store combustibles away from the furnace or water heater.

For more information, contact the Sisters Camp-Sherman Rural Fire Protection District, 549-0771, State Fire Marshal, 503-378-3473 or log onto www.sfm.state.or.us.