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The City of Portland, Oregon

Fire & Rescue

Always Ready, Always There

Phone: 503-823-3700

Fax: 503-823-3710

55 SW Ash Street, Portland, OR 97204

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Firehouse Cooking at Portland's Fire Station 12

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A KOIN Local 6 Reporter and Videographer visited Portland Fire & Rescue's own Fire Station 12 on today to film a "KOIN Keep It Local" segment on Firehouse Cooking!  KOIN Keep It Local segments are 100% focused on local issues and produced outside the studio. 

For the Firehouse Cooking segment, Station 12 Firefighter Kevin prepared brunch of fruit salad, corn and kiwi chutney, blueberry coffee cake, and traditional eggs benedict with fresh hollandaise. Brunch recipes made during the Firehouse Cooking segment can be viewed on Portland Fire & Rescue's Fire Blog at http://www.portlandonline.com/fire/index.cfm?a=293913&c=50972

 

 

Great job today Station 12 A-Shifters! 

 


 

TIPS TO KEEP YOU SAFE

In order to prevent spills due to overturn of appliances containing hot food or liquids, Portland Fire & Rescue reminds you to use the back burner when possible and/or turn pot handles away from the stove's edge. All appliance cords need to be kept coiled and away from counter edges.

 

April 1, 2010

Faces of PF&R: Senior Administrative Specialist Onessia

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Growing Up

 

Onessia was welcomed into the world in August 1972.  She was born in Milwaukie, Oregon, but also spent her time as a child in NW Portland and Tualatin, Oregon and La Center, Washington. 

 

As a child, she enjoyed playing soccer, following the sport all the way until sophomore year in high school. She cheerfully remembers many visits to the library and the Enchanted Forest with her mom and great aunt. She also developed a musical ear, playing song after song on the piano.

 

Early on, Onessia displayed a strong work ethic and strived to have a cheerful, upbeat, and can-do attitude.  She attended high school in La Center, Washington and at Milwaukie High School in Milwaukie, Oregon playing soccer and performing as a dance team member.  She had a knack for difficult math and chemistry, but still needed more of a challenge. 

 

In addition to high school studies and extracurricular activities, Onessia worked as a server and cashier in Milwaukie, Oregon at China Express and Pietros Pizza and as a greeter and hostess at the Confetti Club in Portland, Oregon. 

 

After junior year, Onessia earned a General Equivalency Diploma credential and set off to make her mark in the world!

 

Making Her Mark in the World

 

Onessia enrolled in the Milwaukie Beauty School in Milwaukie, Oregon.  She received quality training, hands-on experience, and graduated as a beautician. She also attended the Columbia College of Business and graduated with a secretarial administrative assistant degree.

 

At 18, Onessia was blessed with the birth of her beautiful baby girl, Michelle.  Her mother and aunt helped watch the baby while Onessia worked hard to support her growing family. 

 

Putting her post-high school education to work, Onessia worked at Great Clips as a receptionist, hairstylist, and was quickly promoted to a general manager. She kept her eyes open for other career opportunities that would not only broaden her skill set, but provide her with increased responsibilities, challenges, and career growth.

 

Moving forward, Onessia was hired as a customer service representative at Wanke Cascade, a floor covering wholesaler. Onessia excelled at being attentive and providing quick and efficient service to customers. She found that she possessed a knack for understanding customer’s needs and making their experience as enjoyable as possible.

 

Onessia left Wanke Cascade and was hired in 1998 as an Office Support Specialist I at the City of Portland’s Water Bureau.  She explored her way through the City of Portland, transferring, working, and taking promotion opportunities at the Office of Management and Finance and the Treasury Office. 

 

These positions increased her knowledge and allowed her to grow in the areas of deferred compensation, financial laws and regulations, customer service, billing and timekeeping, record-keeping, file maintenance, scheduling, and computer applications.

 

April 2, 2010

Flood Fire Safety - Protection from Potential Threats of Fire During or After a Flood

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Over this weekend in the Portland metro area, meteorologists are forecasting heavy rain, mountain snow, and windy weather. The National Weather Service reports that flooding is possible in areas at the Oregon coast. Natural disasters such as floods can have a devastating effect on you and your home.

Portland Fire & Rescue encourages you to read and put into practice the following safety tips provided by the U.S. Fire Administration in order to help protect yourself, your family and your home from the potential threat of fire during or after a flood.

 

Types of Fire Related Hazards Present During and After a Flood

 

  • Generators are often used during power outages. Unless generators are properly used and maintained, they can be very hazardous.
  • Alternative heating devices used incorrectly create fire hazards. Proper use and maintenance can decrease the possibility of a fire.
  • Leaking above ground gas lines, damaged or leaking gas or propane containers, and leaking vehicle gas tanks may explode or ignite.
  • Pools of water and even appliances can be electrically charged. This can result in a dangerous electrical fire.
  • Appliances that have been exposed to water can short and become a fire hazard.

 

Chemical Safety

 

  • Look for combustible liquids like gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinner that may have spilled. Thoroughly clean the spill and place containers in a well-ventilated area.
  • Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources.

 

Electrical Safety

 

  • If your home has sustained flood or water damage, and you can safely get to the main breaker or fuse box, turn off the power.
  • Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds.
  • Be aware of and avoid downed utility lines. Report downed or damaged power lines to the utility company or emergency services.
  • Remove standing water, wet carpets and furnishings. Air dry your home with good ventilation before restoring power.
  • Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.

 

Generator Safety

 

  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using generators.
  • Use a generator or other fuel-powered machines outside the home. CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.
  • Use the appropriate sized and type power cords to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires.
  • Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go unnoticed.
  • Always refuel generators outdoors.
  • Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or 'backfeed' can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.

 

Heating Safety

 

  • Kerosene heaters may not be legal in your area and should only be used where approved by authorities.
  • Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
  • Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least three feet away.
  • Make sure your alternative heaters have 'tip switches.' These 'tip switches' are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
  • Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
  • Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
  • Refuel heaters only outdoors.
  • Make sure wood stoves are properly installed and at least three feet away from combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.
  • Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture, or other combustible items.

 

and Remember...

 

  • Do not use alternative heating devices to dry clothes or furnishings.
  • Be careful when using candles. Keep the flame away from combustible objects and out of the reach of children.
  • Never thaw frozen pipes with a blow torch or other open flame. Use hot water or a device, like a hand-held dryer, evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory.
  • Some smoke alarms may be dependent on your home's electrical service and could be inoperative during a power outage. Check to see if your smoke alarm uses a back-up battery and install a new battery at least once a year.
  • Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home.
  • All smoke alarms should be tested monthly. All batteries should be replaced with new ones at least once a year.
  • If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of debris for easy access by firefighters.

April 2, 2010

Register to Receive City of Portland Public Alerts

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The City of Portland introduced today a new tool to quickly notify individuals, families, offices, and places of business in and around the City of Portland of major service disruptions, impending emergencies, disasters, or recovery efforts. 

The City of Portland Office of Emergency Management (POEM) unveiled the PublicAlerts system that will allow city officials the ability to rapidly notify residents and businesses with time sensitive information. This web based system has the capability to distribute information via telephone, email, and SMS text messaging.

Individuals, families, offices, and places of business in and around the City of Portland are encouraged to register for this free service at http://www.publicalerts.org/. The information you provide is protected and confidential

Please take the time now to register yourself and make sure to notify your friends, neighbors, and coworkers about it this emergency notification alert system.

 

April 5, 2010

Familiar Face at the Home Builders Foundation Annual Dinner & Auction

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The Home Builders Foundation (HBF) held their 13th Annual Benefit Dinner and Rock-n-Auction on Saturday, April 3, 2010 at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon. The HBF was founded in 1997 and directs the philanthropic activities of the home building community by providing shelter for area residents in need and supporting the future of the building industry by offering mentorship and educational opportunities for tomorrow's workforce.

The evening was a memorable affair that brought together close to 400 HBF supporters, members, and friends from the community. 

New this year at the dinner and auction was the HBF’s Celebrity Waiter dinner program. Portland Fire Chief John Klum was among other community leaders, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and philanthropists that served gourmet meals to the attending guests at the evening’s dinner and auction. 

All proceeds for the evening, including tips collected by the Celebrity Waiters, benefitted the HBF’s shelter and workforce development programs. 

To learn more about the Home Builders Foundation, upcoming events, and how you can help, click here. You can become a Fan of the Home Builders Foundation Facebook page and see photos here.

April 5, 2010