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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 19, 2017)
vernonia rural fi re protection district january19 2017 15 Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District Chimney Fires As temperatures begin to drop, Oregonians will start using their fi replaces and woodstoves, and fi re agencies will fi nd themselves responding to chimney fi res. The largest percentage (65%) of chimney related fi res occur between November and February. During these months, chimney fi res account for nearly one out of every three home fi res. Look- ing at houses and apartments in Oregon from 2011 through 2015, there were a total of 2,968 fi res that either were con- fi ned to a chimney/fl ue or started in a fi replace, chimney, or fl ue and extended to the structure. During this period, these fi res resulted in 13 injuries, and more than $13 million in estimated damage. Most fi res involving chimneys are confi ned to the chimney or fl ue. These confi ned fi res rarely result in serious injury and account for just 2% of estimated losses in chimney related fi res. The average estimated loss per fi re that was confi ned to the chimney or fl ue was $96. Conversely, 17% of chimney fi res spread to become building fi res, accounting for 98% of estimated losses in chimney related fi res. The average estimated loss per fi re that was not confi ned to the chimney or fl ue was more than $26,000. Additional chimney related fi re statistics: • Half of all chimney fi res occurred between 4 pm and 9 pm • There has been a 7.5% average decrease in chimney fi re incidents over the last fi ve years. • The average dollar loss from a chimney fi re that spreads to the structure is about 270 times greater than the average dollar loss from a chimney fi re confi ned to the chimney. The trends, issues, and threats associated with chimney fi res in a local community can easily be identifi ed through complete and accurate incident reports. By understanding the prevalence and causes of chimney fi res in their local jurisdictions, fi re agencies can lead public education campaigns to help prevent these types of fi res. Reminding residents of the following can help prevent fi res: • Have chimney and woodstove fl ues inspected and cleaned each year by a qualifi ed chimney sweep • Burn only dry, seasoned wood; it causes less buildup in the chimney • Never use a fl ammable liquid such as lighter fl uid, kerosene, or gasoline to start a fi re In addition, educating residents about safe practices, such as using a fi replace screen, keeping combustibles away from heat sources, and properly disposing of ashes will also translate to fewer fi res. The Offi ce of State Fire Marshal has educational materials covering home heating and many other topics. You can review and order materials on the OSFM website. https://www.oregon.gov/osp/ SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/Gated_Wye/2016/ November_16_GatedWye.pdf Building Emergency Supply Kits for Your Home and Car Here in the Great Northwest emergencies can threaten the safety of our families. Whether it’s a snow storm, wind event, fl ooding, or an earthquake, steps can be taken to improve the outcome. For a complete list of steps to take, templates that you can use, and other good information, go to www. Ready.gov. This website is the offi cial website for the Department of Homeland Security. We recommend that you build a disaster supply kit. The kit will contain basic items that you will need in the event of an emergency. You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in suffi cient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local offi cials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days. You should build your kit well in advance in the event that you need to evacuate at a moment’s notice, taking the essentials with you. If you wait you probably will not have the time to assemble or shop for the items in most circumstances. After building your supply kit, you’ll want to make sure that it is properly maintained. Here are some tips to keep your kit ready and in good condition. • Keep canned food in a cool, dry place • Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life • Throw out any canned goods that become swollen, dented or corroded • Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the front • Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers. • Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change • Go to: http://www.ready.gov/maintain- ing-your-kit, for additional information You never know where you might be when an emergency occurs. Consider having more than one kit available. Having your main supply kit at home will cover you and your family in the event that you need to evacuate. But having a small kit at work or in your car could prove to be quite valuable if you are unable to get home and become stranded in your vehicle because of an event. Becoming stranded in your car is a real possibility when we get those occasional snow storms. Consider the following things when putting together your emergency food supplies: • Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food • Choose foods your family will eat • Remember any special dietary needs • Avoid foods that will make you thirsty • Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content • Don’t forget about medications that you or your family members take daily Following a disaster there may be power outages that could last for several days. Stock canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils. You should store at least one gallon of water per person for three days. A normally active person needs about three quarters of a gallon of fl uid daily, from water and other beverages. However, individual needs vary, depending on age, health, physical condition, activity, diet and climate. To determine your water needs, take the following into account: • One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation • Children, nursing mothers and sick people may need more water • A medical emergency might require additional water • If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary. In very hot temperatures water needs can double • Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person For more information about developing a disaster plan, building a 72-hour supply kit for you and your family, go to: https://www.ready.gov. Information contained in this article was obtained from www.Ready.gov. VOLUNTEERS WANTED VERNONIA RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT VRFPD is currently accepting applications for Volunteer Fire Fighters. Calls responded to December 1-31 Fire Emergency Medical Service Hazardous Condition Service Call Good Intent Severe Weather & Natural Disaster Special Incident No Emergency Found False Alarm Total • You must have a High School Diploma or G.E.D., a valid Oregon Driver’s License, and be at least 18 years of age. 1 41 1 11 1 0 0 0 2 57 • Currently, you must be able to attend weekly training on Monday nights Here’s What We Do! • Willing to attend the Fire Academy VRFPD • Live or work (employer willing to let you respond to calls) within VRFPD’s District 555 E. Bridge St. Vernonia, OR 97064 503-429-8252 • Applications can be picked up at the Fire Station.