October: National Fire Prevention Month

Greetings from your local team at PuroClean Certified Restoration in Tangent, Oregon! As we settle into the crisp days of autumn, October serves as more than just a change of leaves—it also marks National Fire Prevention Month, a critically important time to focus on fire safety in our homes, businesses, and community.

Why October & the importance of fire prevention

Every year in the U.S., fires remain a major hazard. For instance, according to data compiled by fire-safety organizations, residential fires alone cause thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of injuries annually.
Furthermore, working smoke alarms can reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half—but despite this, many households still don’t test their alarms as often as they should.
The observance of Fire Prevention Week (typically the first week of October) has been around for decades, and the broader month gives us a chance to reflect on fire risks, prevention, and preparedness in a broader sense.

Top fire‐safety tips for your home and business

Here are some practical steps you can take this October to strengthen your fire prevention and preparedness plan:

1. Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Install alarms on every level of your home, inside and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly. Replace the batteries at least once a year (or sooner if the unit chirps). And if your smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, replace it.
Make sure the alarms work for all family members—this includes those with hearing or mobility challenges.

2. Create and practice a fire escape plan.
Map two exits out of each room. Choose a meeting place outside the home. Practice the plan at least twice a year—fire can spread fast.
If you have a business in the Albany/Corvallis area, ensure employees know evacuation routes, assembly areas, and how to shut down critical equipment.

3. Keep heat sources and fire hazards separated.
This includes portable heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, candles, and open flames. Keep flammable materials (like curtains, bedding, papers, and furniture) at least three feet away from heat sources. Never leave candles unattended.
For cooking fires (one of the leading causes of home fires), always stay in the kitchen while using the stovetop; don’t leave pans unattended.

4. Inspect your electrical system and cords.
Avoid running cords under rugs or furniture. Replace frayed or damaged cords immediately. Don’t overload circuits or rely on “adapters” to run multiple major appliances. Electrical fires remain a serious risk.

5. Be careful with storage and disposal of hazardous items.
Store oily rags, paint solvents, cleaning agents, and other combustible materials in well-ventilated areas away from heat. Clean up lint filters in dryers regularly; dryer vents can ignite if clogged.

6. If the worst happens—know who to call.
If fire or smoke damage occurs, call your emergency number first (911). Then call PuroClean Certified Restoration at (541) 286-3111. We offer 24/7 response to secure the property, assess damage, remove smoke residues and soot, help salvage belongings, and coordinate with your insurance provider. Our quick action can minimize further damage (like water damage from firefighting or extended exposure to smoke) and shorten your restoration timeline.

Why October is the perfect time to act

With cooler weather arriving in Oregon, households may start using space heaters, fireplaces, or wood stoves—each of which increases fire risk if not properly maintained or monitored. Fire safety in autumn is especially important because of changing use patterns and weather conditions.
By addressing fire risks now, you’re protecting your home, your loved ones, and your peace of mind well into the winter months.

Our commitment to the Albany/Corvallis community

As your local PuroClean franchise, we want to empower you—not just respond after a disaster. That’s why this month we are sharing a fire-safety checklists and local resource for the Willamette Valley.

Let’s make this October count: prevent fires before they start, and if you ever need us, we’ll be ready.
Stay safe, Tangent.
— Your team at PuroClean Certified Restoration, Tangent, Oregon