Umatilla RFPD
The Umatilla RFPD is a combination department, meaning that a few hard-working paid people keep the district running, but we rely heavily on dedicated volunteers to truly get our mission done.
Our volunteers are trained to the same high standards as career, paid firefighters, but they're doing it outside of their normal daily activities.
Our volunteers come in all ages and sizes, and from many career fields like construction, corrections, administration, and medical fields.
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July 31, 2020 (Part 4 of 6)
Electric or Gas Ranges Safety
Remove grease or other debris from the burner, stove top or oven. Never leave combustible items near ovens.
Always supervise the range when cooking and turn it off when you have to leave the kitchen.
Roll up your sleeves, tie back long hair and wear non-slip shoes when cooking.
Before using the range, make sure it doesn’t smell of gas inside the oven or near it.
Yesterday evening URFPD responded to the area of Chinaman's hole on the Umatilla River just downstream of the I-82 underpass for the report of an injured patient somewhere along the shore. The patient had sustained a non-life-threatening injury while cliff jumping. but had been unable to leave the shoreline to seek medical attention. With the aid of the Umatilla Police Department, Umatilla County Sheriff’s office, and UCFD#1 paramedics and rope rescue team we were able to locate and safely rescue the patient over the course of an hour and a half. This was truly a team effort and our thanks to those who helped provide assistance.
We would also like to take a moment to make a brief public safety announcement. As the weather really heats up in the next few days and so too does the need and desire to find a way to stay cool. For a lot of us that means seeking out hidden swimming holes, jumping in the river, or cooling off in a nearby lake. Just be aware that 90% of drownings happen in fresh water— and swimming in natural bodies of water comes with certain dangers that do not exist in swimming pools. Before you dive in, here is what you need to know about safely swimming in our local waterways:
- Be aware of the current
- Be aware of submerged hazards
- Know the potential for drop-offs and slippery rocks
- Know if the water is clean and healthy
- Pay attention to the weather
- Wear a life jacket
- NEVER swim alone
Please be safe, stay hydrated, and do not forget the sunscreen!
July 24, 2020 (Part 3 of 6)
Clothes Dryer Safety
Properly ground clothes dryers and keep the area around your dryer clear of things that can burn.
Always use a lint filter when operating a dryer and clean the lint from the filter before or after each use.
Vent dryers directly outside using rigid or flexible metal venting material. Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted.
Clean out the lint from the vent pipe once a year or more often if clothes are taking longer than normal to dry.