David Westerdahl, PNA Area 10 Rep and Emergency Prep and Response Coordinator, visits with Lieutenant Jon Isbell. Lt. Isbell is based at Lake Oswego Fire Department’s South Shore location.
David: How long have you been a firefighter and why did you choose that as your profession?
Lt. Isbell: I’ve been a firefighter since 2004. I chose this profession because it aligns with my values in life. I believe that helping people in need is what we all should strive to do. I also like the work environment and the excitement of emergency calls.
David: What do you love most about your job?
Lt. Isbell: The people I work with make this career one that I love. I am surrounded by people who, by the nature of the job, prioritize being kind and helping each other above all else. The team approach to tasks to reach a common goal is inspiring. I feel surrounded by people who are masters at problem solving.
David: What do you enjoy doing when not working?
Lt. Isbell: I spend a lot of time working on my small farm. I have recently completed building a whole home solar system on my property. I also like to fish, hunt, and occasionally snowboard. My wife and I spend a couple of weeks a year camping and pulling our travel trailer across the country to visit family and friends that are not nearby.
David: What do you love most about Lake Oswego?
Lt. Isbell: The community support and engagement here is one of a kind. The residents here are involved in their communities and actively engage in making changes that would benefit those who live here. The city council has worked hard to keep the city core walkable and beautiful.
David: What are the most common causes of home fires, and how can homeowners prevent them?
Lt. Isbell: Unfortunately, cooking accidents still cause a large portion of residential fires. These are often from unattended BBQs or stove top cooking accidents, like grease fires. Prevention of this type of fire is somewhat difficult. We all need to eat. Preperation is what keeps them from becoming more catastrophic. Monitoring food as it’s cooked would obviously reduce the frequency, but having a home fire extinguisher and knowing how to use it would reduce the amount of damage that these fire can do. Oily rags used to stain wood finishes can, through oxidization, can cause heat and combust leading to fires. Properly disposing of these items can prevent a fire or fire spread.
David: What safety measures should homeowners take to ensure their homes are fire-resistant?
Lt. Isbell: Have a fire extinguisher. Do not overload electrical circuits. Unplug devices that are known to cause high heat, like space heaters, when not in use. Install smoke alarms to be notified early of potential fire. In terms of wildland fire, have at least thirty feet of defensible space around your home. This means clearing folliage or lawn furniture within that thirty foot perimeter. Keep a clean home in general. Clutter can lead to extension cords being buried, or an electrical outlet inadvertently shorted by debris.
David: What are the top 5 things homeowners should include in their emergency preparedness kits?
Lt. Isbell: Water, food, flashlights, and first aid kits are often recommended. Keeping a cell phone charged is a good idea as well. Shoes, a change of clothes, and blankets can also be very useful for extended emergencies.
David: How can homeowners safely store flammable materials and chemicals?
Lt. Isbell: A flammable liquids cabinet stored away from the home is a good idea. These are made commercially and can be purchased. They are just metal, non flammable cabinets. If it can be stored outside of the home, that is ideal. Chemicals can also be stored here, but pay attention to the types of chemicals stored and the condition of their containers. Leaking chemicals can cause a thermal reaction when mixed and start fires or inhalation hazards
David: With the recent fires in California and New Jersey, what advice do you have for homeowners to prepare for fires and other emergencies, such as natural disasters?
Lt Isbell: Do what you can to be prepared, for yourself and family. Don’t wait until the disaster has occurred to seek help. Emergency services and general public services get overwhelmed during large scale incidents. It could take several hours until help might reach you. Have a plan based on your needs. Have escape routes planned in the event you need to leave. Consider what routes might be blocked and have alternate routes planned. Have food and water ready, both for shelter in place and grab and go plans. Consider weather conditions and what you might need to stay warm or dry. A lot goes in to disaster planning. Being prepared buys you time to reach additional help and survive the incident.
Thank you Lt Isbell and the entire Crew at the South Shore Fire Station!
