The Fire Prevention Division of SVFR has been very busy this past year with our public education and outreach projects. In September, we were able to borrow the Multi-Hazard trailer from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office to take to the schools. We used a hands-on approach to teach K-5 age children how to do a home inspection, test a smoke alarm, escape when a smoke alarm goes off, go to a meeting place and call 911. It was very well received by both the students and the teachers.

Our second event, a Safety Fair, was held on September 20th, 2008. At the Fair, the kids were able to practice using a fire extinguisher with live fire and use a fire hose. The Multi- Hazard Trailer was there for the parents to see what their children had learned. We had CERT, Fire Corps and the West Lane Emergency Operations Group providing information about disasters. There were helicopters from Life Flight, REACH, Emergency Air Lift and the US Coast Guard, who did a rescue demo. Other participants included the Lane County Sheriff’s Department with McGruff, the crime dog, Oregon State Police, Eugene Haz Mat 2, the Oregon State Parks ATV safety training unit, Oregon Red Cross and the U.S. Coast Guard Siuslaw River Station. In addition, Oregon Department of Forestry brought Smokey Bear and SVFR brought Sparky, the dog.  The Florence Police Auxiliary fingerprinted the children and Siuslaw Stop Crime provided address signs for a minimal fee. Western Lane Ambulance District handed out pamphlets about bicycle safety, car seat installations and proper usage.  The Safety Fair was a huge success and we will have another one in September 2009.

Our most positive project to date, was a door-to-door smoke alarm campaign which took place October, 2008.  We chose an area where we had our only fire fatality in a home without a working smoke alarm.  We went to each residence and checked their smoke alarm and replaced it, at no charge, if it was over ten years old or not working.  Because this campaign was successful, more will follow.  Smoke alarms save lives!

In November of 2008, we went to all of the preschools in the area to introduce a firefighter to them as a safe person and not to be afraid. We also worked with church groups and home-schools to present prevention education. We had station tours for anyone who was interested. 

In the future, expect to see a greater emphasis on public education for Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue.  We look forward to working with the community to make it a safer place for all of us.