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Farewell Firefighter Nissen

Farewell Firefighter Nissen

Firefighter Nissen began his career with Oregon Fire and Rescue on 10/19/1988. He was one of the last Paramedics assigned to Life Squad 8, along with his longtime partner, Doug Cousino. For 36 years, Doug cared for many patients, extinguished numerous fires, and...

Safe Kids Day 2025

Join us at Pearson Metropark on May 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  We will host our Bike Rodeo, along with helmet fittings provided by our Safe Kids experts.   Learn about water and boat safety and get fitted for your very own life jacket. We will be at Lot 4, eager...

State Wide Burn Ban

Please review the Ohio Burn Laws before you burn. Clean and dry wood may be burned in a 3x3 pit or ring after 6:00 PM. In the month of March, No burning is permitted during the hours of 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM.  Dry and Windy weather also provides natural hazards for open...

2024 Annual Report

The Oregon Fire and Rescue Department (O.F.R.D) responded to nearly 4,000 incidents in 2024, an 11% increase in run volume from 2023. O.F.R.D. was active in fire prevention, new hires, department growth, community outreach, and training. Please click on the link to...

Staying safe this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is near. Statistics show a rise in cooking-related fires during the week of Thanksgiving. We have provided some helpful tips to help you keep your family and your home safe. Frozen turkeys and hot oil don't mix. Thaw your turkey before cooking. For most...

Fire Safety for People with Disabilities

More than 43 million Americans have a disability. The identity of the group of Americans with disabilities is constantly changing — at any moment we ourselves could become part of this group, for maybe a short time or maybe for a long time.

This is why it is important to be familiar with fire safety practices for those with disabilities. Here is everything you need to know!

Fire Safety for People with Disabilities- Quick Facts

  • There are approximately 700 home fires involving people with physical disabilities.
  • There are approximately 1,700 home fires involving people with mental disabilities.
  • Kitchens and cooking areas are the primary areas where these fires start.
  • An estimated 700 residential building fires involving individuals with physical disabilities are reported to U.S. fire departments each year and cause an estimated 160 deaths, 200 injuries, and $26 million in total loss.
  • Cooking (22%) is the leading cause of residential building fires where a physical disability is reported as a human factor contributing to ignition.
women and turkey
Fire Safety for People with Disabilities - Quick Tips
  • Understand your fire risk: Having physical or mental disabilities doesn’t mean you can’t keep you and your family safe from fire. Build your home safety plan around your abilities.
  • Install and maintain smoke alarms: Smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.  Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. If you can’t reach the test button on your smoke alarm, ask someone to test it for you.
  • Live near an exit: Although you have the legal right to live where you choose, you’ll be safest on the ground floor if you live in an apartment building. If you live in a multistory home, arrange to sleep on the first floor. Being on the ground floor and near an exit will make your escape easier.
  • Plan your escape: Plan your escape around your capabilities. Know at least two exits from every room. If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you can get through the doorways. Make any necessary changes, such as installing exit ramps and widening doorways, to make an emergency escape easier.
  • Do not isolate yourself: Speak to your family members, building manager or neighbors about your fire safety plan and practice it with them. Contact your local fire department’s non emergency line and explain your needs. They can suggest escape plan ideas and may perform a home fire safety inspection if you ask. Ask emergency providers to keep your needs information on file. Keep a phone near your bed and be ready to call 911 or your local emergency number if a fire occurs.

Quick Tips

Fire Safety for People with Disabilities
Fire Safety for People with Disabilities

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Latest News

Farewell Firefighter Nissen

Farewell Firefighter Nissen

Firefighter Nissen began his career with Oregon Fire and Rescue on 10/19/1988. He was one of the last Paramedics assigned to Life Squad 8, along with his longtime partner, Doug Cousino. For 36 years, Doug cared for many patients, extinguished numerous fires, and...

Safe Kids Day 2025

Join us at Pearson Metropark on May 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  We will host our Bike Rodeo, along with helmet fittings provided by our Safe Kids experts.   Learn about water and boat safety and get fitted for your very own life jacket. We will be at Lot 4, eager...

State Wide Burn Ban

Please review the Ohio Burn Laws before you burn. Clean and dry wood may be burned in a 3x3 pit or ring after 6:00 PM. In the month of March, No burning is permitted during the hours of 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM.  Dry and Windy weather also provides natural hazards for open...

2024 Annual Report

The Oregon Fire and Rescue Department (O.F.R.D) responded to nearly 4,000 incidents in 2024, an 11% increase in run volume from 2023. O.F.R.D. was active in fire prevention, new hires, department growth, community outreach, and training. Please click on the link to...

Staying safe this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is near. Statistics show a rise in cooking-related fires during the week of Thanksgiving. We have provided some helpful tips to help you keep your family and your home safe. Frozen turkeys and hot oil don't mix. Thaw your turkey before cooking. For most...

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