October's Safety Topic - Fire Prevention Month
Did you know?
October is Fire Prevention Month in Oregon, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal invites you to Take Charge of Fire Safety! According to the attached Proclamation issued from Tina Kotek, Governor of Oregon, there were 2,362 home fires in Oregon that resulted in $136.7 million dollars in losses.
Coos County goal is to minimizing potential fire hazards through fire safety education and code enforcement. The Oregon Fire Code plays a crucial role in protecting the lives and property of Oregonians. Fire safety is a shared responsibility, and the code serves as a comprehensive guide for fire prevention and protection measures. Attached is a Safety Checklist to help us keep our work spaces in compliance.
As part of the Courthouse Safety Committees ongoing commitment to workplace safety, we also want to ensure all staff are familiar with the location and basic use of the Fire Extinguishers on site.
🔥 When to Use Fire Extinguishers
Fire Extinguishers should be used :
- Only after alarm is sounded and evacuation started
- Safe path approaching fire for emergency exit
- Only attempt to fight small and incipient (beginning) stage of fire
- If you have the slightest doubt about your ability to fight a fire....Evacuate Immediately!
🔥 What to do
Using a Fire Extinguisher
The following steps should be followed when responding to incipient stage fire:
- Sound the fire alarm and call the fire department, if appropriate.
- Identify a safe evacuation path before approaching the fire. Do not allow the fire, heat, or smoke to come between you and your evacuation path.
- Select the appropriate type of fire extinguisher.
- Discharge the extinguisher within its effective range using the P.A.S.S. technique (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep).
- Back away from an extinguished fire in case it flames up again.
- Evacuate immediately if the extinguisher is empty and the fire is not out.
- Evacuate immediately if the fire progresses beyond the incipient stage.
Should I Fight a Fire?:
- Know correct Type of Fire Extinguisher needed and available (wet, electrical fires, dry, etc).
- Know how to use a Fire Extinguisher.
- Position yourself for small fires with back to Escape Route
- If you have the slightest doubt about your ability to fight a fire....EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!
🛠️ How to Use Fire Extinguishers:
- P – Pull the pin that unlocks lever.
- A – Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle or hose at the base of the fire.
- S – Squeeze the lever above handle to discharge extinguishing agent. To stop, release lever.
- S – Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side. While moving carefully toward the flames, keep the nozzle aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth.
- Evacuate to safety.
For a short demonstration video, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yodLMfOZNvA
📍 Fire Extinguisher Locations:
There are many Fire Extinguishers located within each of the County locations below:
| Courthouse | Juvenile Building | DA Office | Owen Building | Community Development | Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basement: | Hallway by Kitchen | Lobby area B21 | BOC/Counsel's hallway | Back parking lot door | Secretary area inside B17 |
| Hallway outside Maintenance shop B12 | Kitchen Area | Hallway - outside kitchen area | BOC office | On wall by copy machine | AED - Secretary area |
| Inside Boiler rm B11 | Hallway between Rm 9/10 | Rear entrance B25 | HR's office | Wall by Aide's desk | Hallway by copier |
| Inside Server room | On wall by alarm system | Kitchen hallway | Front counter | Inside Evidence room B17 | |
| Hallway by B03 | Basement by bathroom | Large Conf. Rm by IT closet | |||
| Inside IT B01 | Basement by front door | Large Conf. Rm by exit | |||
| 1st Floor: | Lobby area | ||||
| Hallway RM 108 | |||||
| Hallway Court RM 4 | |||||
| Hallway Court RM 3 | |||||
| 2nd Floor: | |||||
| Hallway by Surveyors Rm 205 | |||||
| Assessor's - outside of break room | |||||
| Inside Assessors/Tax back door | |||||
| Hallway by Rm 211 | |||||
| Hallway State Courts Rm 219 | |||||
| Hallway Court Rm 226/227 |
These Fire Extinguishers are clearly marked with signage and are accessible during any emergency.
Want to learn more?
- Free Fire Extinguisher Training Video - OSHA
- Oct. 5-11, 2025 the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) theme is “Charge into Fire Safety”
As always, please stay safe and remember Safety is EVERYONE’S Responsibility!
Courthouse Safety Committee
Ph: 541-294-9156
Email: safety@co.coos.or.us