- Published
- October 1, 2026
- Author
- Name
- @thefireguyspdx
#October is Fire Prevention Month
At Metro Safety & Fire, Inc., fire and life safety inspections are at the heart of what we do - and fire prevention is always our top priority.
#Did you know?
#Fire cannot exist without all three of its main components
Heat, oxygen, and fuel - remove either one of them and the fire will be extinguished.
Avoid known accelerants:
- Keep heating sources at least 3 feet away from combustible materials,
- Stay present when using kitchen equipment like stoves, air fryers, toasters & microwaves and
- Never leave a live flame unattended.
#Fire can double every 30 seconds
Given the right conditions; it takes just 30 seconds for a fire to double in size. This is why it is crucial to evacuate a burning building quickly. Please keep this in mind when choosing to use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire.
Fire extinguishers are recommended for use by mature people who are physically and mentally able to decide if a fire is small enough to extinguish with a portable device. Remember, a fire extinguisher's sole purpose is to aid in evacuating a burning building.
Metro Safety & Fire, Inc. has a live simulated fire extinguisher training course available. Anyone 12 years & older is invited to take part.
Portable fire extinguishers and children
#Fire smoke can cause disorientation
Smoke inhalation is one of the most hazardous aspects of a fire incident. Smoke can make a room look pitch black, causing severe disorientation and blurry vision making it extremely difficult to find the fire exit.
Know, and most importantly, practice your safest path of egress. Spatial working memory can kick in and help you make your way out safely.
#Smoke inhalation can kill before flames do
Sadly, death caused by a fire isn’t necessarily caused by the flames. A person is much more likely to pass out and eventually die from carbon monoxide poisoning first.
Smoke alarms are readily available and easy to install.
Where should they be installed? How many will you need?
#Having Knowledge is Your Biggest Flex
As a society our reliance on technology has grown significantly; much of that technology relies on the use of Lithium-ion batteries.
Electric toothbrushes, gaming consoles, tablets, phones, portable chargers, power banks, cordless & robotic vacuums, wireless Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, cordless power tools, solar generators, electric vehicles, bikes, scooters, or hover-boards. The list is extensive.
With lithium-ion battery fires accounting for 70% of all electrical battery fires worldwide, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) understands well that the influx and wide use of products using Lithium-ion batteries increases the need to educate the public on guidelines for safe use.
#Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety PSA
Oregon responded to the importance of safe and responsible management of batteries with House Bill 4144.
The law establishes an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program in Oregon that:
- Requires battery manufacturers to manage and pay for the collection, transport, and recycling of single use and rechargeable batteries.
- Provides battery recycling drop off locations that are accessible for all Oregonians.
- Establishes collection, recycling, and education performance goals.
- Prohibits lithium batteries from being disposed of in the trash.
#Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower
Metro Safety & Fire, Inc. is thrilled to partner with the National Fire Protection Association to bring awareness to this year’s fire prevention campaign focusing on our everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of fire resulting in injury, loss of property or even, death.
Video: The Power and Danger of Lithium-ion Batteries | Sparky School House
Implementing small changes in the way we recognize and respect the usage requirements of the devices in our everyday lives is necessary to create an environment that is safe.
Join us as we spread the word with the National Fire Protection Association by visiting their website for this year's Fire Prevention Week highlighting: Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower. Here you will find kid friendly activities, color sheets, printable signs to share and event promotion packages including digital promotion & campaign materials.
#The More You Know
Buy products listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as:
Listed products meet important safety standards