Salem Fire Dept. Releases Fire Prevention and Hot Weather Safety Tips

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Nada Sewidan, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Hot weather can be a cause for concern as temperatures over the weekend and next week are expected to escalate. With temperatures reaching as high as 101 degrees in the Portland metro area over the next 10 days, additional precautions should be enforced to insure fire prevention and public safety.

Fire prevention begins with appropriate disposal of hazardous and combustible materials. The proper disposal of cigarettes, for example, could drastically lower or prevent fire ignition and fire spread. One in 10 fires statewide are ignited as a result of improper cigarette disposal, according to the Salem Fire Department. It is recommended that cigarettes be extinguished in water or non-combustible ashtrays.

Other additional precautions include avoiding overloading electrical outlets, parking near dry grass or weeds and using mowing equipment near dry weedy areas. The Salem Fire Department warns that exhaust heat from vehicles or mowing equipment can ignite the dry patches of grass.

Hot weather safety is also an important part of public health. Keeping a fire extinguisher, water hose or bucket handy can help prevent fire spread and insure personal safety in case of a fire.

Additional tips include staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen and limiting long outdoor sessions. For more information and tips regarding fire safety click here.

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South Albany High School - April 2015

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