 |
|
Tips on Keeping Safe in Portland Waterways
Portland Fire & Rescue would like to remind you that our local waterways are beautiful, but can be very dangerous. The CDC reports that 10 people drown every day and it now ranks fifth in accidental deaths in the U.S. among all age groups.
Understanding water dangers is a first step. Conditions in our local waters can be unpredictable. If you have visitors coming from outside the area, explain that our currents, rip tides, and temperatures can be more dangerous than in other parts of the country. When possible, always wear a U.S. Coast Guard (U.S.C.G.) approved life jacket and consider swimming lessons if you are not a strong swimmer. Always have a U.S.C.G. approved life jacket or approved flotation device if attempting to help a troubled swimmer.
- Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
- Ensure that everyone in your family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and Learn-to-Swim courses.
- Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child's life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
- Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
- Even if you do not plan on swimming, be cautious around natural bodies of water. Cold temperaturs, currents and underwater hazards can make a fall into these bodies of water dangerous.
- If you are boating, wear a life jacket! Most boating fatalities occur from drowning.
- Avoid alcohol use. Alcohol impairs judgement, balance and coordination; affects swimming and diving skills; and reduces the body's ability to stay warm.
(Source: American Red Cross) |
|
|
|
|
Say Hello to PF&R at National Night Out
 | |
PF&R Chief Erin Janssens at last year's NNO kick off. |
Since 1983, National Night Out has come to communities across North America as a way to increase neighborhood unity. Block parties strengthen community cohesiveness and crime resistance. It's a great way to get to know your neighbors and local public safety officials.
 | |
PF&R cooked up goodies for a National Night Out party in the Park Blocks last year. |
Every year, more than 20,000 people in Portland participate and you'll find PF&R out in the communities that we serve. Come by and say hello to your neighborhood firefighters.
|
|
|
Young Women Learn Skills at Portland Metro
Fire Camp
 | |
Auto extrication was one of many exercises young women got to experience at fire camp. |
PF&R's training facility hosted 32 young women ages 16 - 19 years-old for a fire camp in mid-July that gave them hands-on experience in the skills required to be a firefighter. Under swealtering conditions, the young women practiced physical agility, auto extrication, roof ventilation, fire suppression, aerial climbing, CPR, and many more fire service skills. A special thanks to PF&R's women firefighters who planned the camp and came out to teach the next generation. |
|
|
|
About Us
Portland's fire service history began in the spring of 1851, with the founding of the Pioneer Engine Company, the same year the City of Portland was officially incorporated. No more than a bucket brigade, it was a volunteer force of 37 fire fighters wearing red shirts with a single hand pump.
Today, Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) is the largest fire and emergency services provider in the State of Oregon with 725 employees and serves a population of 588,000. In 2013, PF&R responded to 70,386 emergency incidents.
Portland Fire & Rescue
55 SW Ash St
Portland, Oregon 97204
503-823-3700
|
|
|
|
|
|
