The Oregon fire Marshals Association is promoting National Fire Prevention Week with both seriousness and humor, sharing cartoon images of their board members along with the safety messages they each wish to spread.
An association press release introduces them as the following:
"Instructor extraordinaire" Debbie McDermott, OFMA's President and Fire Marshal for McMinnville Fire Department. She shares the importance of teaching Two Ways Out - this year's official fire prevention message selected by the NFPA - and having a family Meeting Place. She also reminds everyone of the importance that once you're out, stay out!
Inspector Michael Silva, OFMA's 1st Vice President and employee of Portland Fire and Rescue. Silva focuses on the importance of Exits as part of your escape plan, with his message "Point Out Your Two Ways Out!" He reportedly carries his special inspector's stick to confirm that all exits and aisle widths are adequate, and to test exit lights and smoke alarms.
Hillsboro Fire Marshal John Rinier serves as 2nd Vice President for OFMA. John is reportedly a "numbers guy with a message as simple as 1, 2, 3 - calculate your escape plan, and have Two Ways Out!" He reminds people that if windows are part of your escape plan, make sure you can operate them in an emergency. He says, "Check for blocked or locked windows, and correct the problem before your life depends on it!"
OFMA 1 Year Director Tom Bohm, also fire marshal for Hermiston Fire, reminds everyone that "Two Ways Out" also applies when you're outside. He warns of the dangers of wildfire at this time of the year, and the need for residents to call their local burn line before they burn outdoors.
Susie Maniscalco serves as 2 Year Director for OFMA and also as Deputy Fire Marshal for the City of Bend Fire. She reminds everyone of the importance of "Two Ways Out whether you're at home, at church, at school, in a restaurant...anywhere!"
Mike Traube, OFMA's newest Board member, also serves as the Fire Marshal for Albany Fire Department. As his image depicts, he shares his thoughts on escape planning proclaiming, "Two Ways Out is the Blueprint for Success!" He makes sure smoke alarms are installed in every sleeping room, just outside every sleeping room, and on every level of the home. He confirms that each sleeping room has the required two exits. He says, "It's not OK to allow sleeping in rooms with one exit...and we certainly never recommend sleeping rooms without working smoke alarms!"
OFMA Treasurer and Portland Fire and Rescue Inspector AJ Jackson reminds everyone that having working smoke alarms will more than double your chance of surviving a fire in your home. He says, "Also remember smoke alarms need to be tested monthly and should be replaced if they are over 10 years old."
Genoa Ingram, President of Court Street Consulting, serves OFMA in administrative support and also specializes in representation and advocacy before the Oregon State Legislature. Genoa reminds everyone that in Oregon, Two Ways Out is not just a good idea, "IT'S THE LAW" according to ORS 476.030, OAR Division 40, and the 2011 Oregon Residential Specialty Code Section 310, Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings, R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue required.
Last is Troy Buzalsky, aka "Fireman Troy," who is OFMA's Past President and Fire Marshal for Canby. He shares the importance of having an escape plan and practicing it at least once a year. He reminds everyone that the final piece is having a plan to call 911 - from a safe location, not dependant on a cell phone or cell coverage.
