South Lane County Fire & Rescue

South Lane County Fire & Rescue recognized the accomplishments of its career and volunteer personnel over the last year Saturday night at their annual awards banquet. This is always a special evening when the fire district can say thank you to its personnel and recognize the things they have done. Below is a list of those recognized:

Help us raise funds to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's fight against blood cancers!

South Lane County Fire and Rescue is pleased to announce effective April 1, 2016, the Insurance Services Office Public Protection Classification (ISO-PPC) for the Cottage Grove and Creswell communities will be changing from a Class 9 to a Class 4 in areas outside the Cities of Cottage Grove and Creswell and within 5 road miles of a SLCFR station. Properties within the City limits of Cottage Grove and Creswell will change from a Class 5 to a Class 2.

ISO is a private firm providing information to insurance companies regarding property/casualty risk through a number of programs, one of them being the Public Protection Classification program. The PPC reviews the Fire District, Water Department and Dispatch Center capabilities.

Historically, communities across the country strive to achieve "best in class", which is generally considered a Class 1 rating. In 2014, only 60 Fire Departments across the country achieved a Class 1. Currently only 1060 fire departments hold a Class 2 rating across the United States. There are only 24 Class 2 fire agencies in Oregon at this time.

The rating changes are primarily attributed to the local option levy passed by the Fire District voters in 2012.

The levy allowed the Fire District to maintain 24 hour staffing in the Cottage Grove and Creswell fire stations. The 2015 Fire Equipment Bond will help South Lane County Fire and Rescue maintain and potentially improve the new ISO ratings by ensuring we have modern, safe, and reliable fire apparatus.

Statistical data demonstrates the cost of Fire Insurance claims per $1,000 of insured property is reflective of a communities' Public Protection Classification Rating, thus clearly demonstrating communities with better ratings experience lower fire insurance rates and reduced fire insurance claims per $1,000 of insured property. These new ratings will mean a drastic savings to home and business owners for fire insurance premiums. This savings is much larger than the new taxes imposed with the Operational Levy and Equipment Bond. If you have a question regarding the potential impact to your individual property insurance premiums effective April 2016, please contact your insurance carrier.

South Lane County Fire & Rescue strives to be a leader in the provision of fire and emergency medical services including community risk reduction, while continuing to provide the best possible value to home and business owners.

- John Wooten

   Fire Chief

Winter driving can be hazardous and scary, especially in northern regions that get

a lot of snow and ice. Additional preparations can help make a trip safer, or help

motorists deal with an emergency. This sheet provides safety information to your

residents to help prevent motor vehicle injuries due to winter storms.

The three P’s of Safe Winter Driving:

PREPARE for the trip; PROTECT yourself; and PREVENT crashes on the road.

PREPARE

Maintain Your Car: Check battery, tire tread, and windshield wipers, keep your

windows clear, put no-freeze fluid in the washer reservoir, and check your antifreeze.

Have On Hand: flashlight, jumper cables, abrasive material (sand, kitty litter, even

floor mats), shovel, snow brush and ice scraper, warning devices (like flares) and

blankets. For long trips, add food and water, medication and cell phone.

Stopped or Stalled? Stay in your car, don’t overexert, put bright markers on antenna

or windows and shine dome light, and, if you run your car, clear exhaust pipe and

run it just enough to stay warm.

Plan Your Route: Allow plenty of time (check the weather and leave early if

necessary), be familiar with the maps/ directions, and let others know your route

and arrival time.

Practice Cold Weather Driving!

* During the daylight, rehearse maneuvers slowly on ice or snow in an empty lot.

* Steer into a skid.

* Know what your brakes will do: stomp on antilock brakes, pump on non-antilock

brakes.

* Stopping distances are longer on water-covered ice and ice.

* Don’t idle for a long time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.

PROTECT YOURSELF

* Buckle up and use child safety seats properly.

* Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of an air bag.

* Children 12 and under are much safer in the back seat.

PREVENT CRASHES

* Drugs and alcohol never mix with driving.

* Slow down and increase distances between cars.

* Keep your eyes open for pedestrians walking in the road.

* Avoid fatigue – Get plenty of rest before the trip, stop at least every three hours,

and rotate drivers if possible.

* If you are planning to drink, designate a sober driver.