Fire Safety Tips
Please take a few minutes to go over this Fire Safety Checklist. Most fires can be prevented by taking a minute to make sure your home is fire safe! Be sure you and your roommates have an escape plan if a fire broke out at night. Practice your plan and set up a meeting place outside.
Fire Safety Checklist:
Check your smoke alarms. Never disable your smoke alarm for any reason ($250.00 tampering fee ORS 90.325). Test your alarm(s) every month. Replace batteries when needed. Contact Pinion Property Management if you suspect your alarm is not working properly.
Find the location of your nearest fire extinguisher.
Outlets & Cords
Check electrical appliances for loose or frayed cords. Do not place cords under rugs and avoid running cords across doorways.
Check for outlets that are overloaded with plugs. Plug only one heat producing appliance into an electrical outlet.
Cooking
Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires and fire injuries. NEVER leave cooking unattended. Do not wear loose clothing while cooking. Turn handles of pots and pans inward to avoid knocking off the cooking surface.
If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding a large lid (or a larger pan) over the flames and turn the burner off. You can also use baking soda or a portable fire extinguisher from safe distance.
Heaters/Electric Blankets
Check that portable space heaters have at least 3 feet of clearance all the way around. Turn off at night and while you are out. Portable space heaters should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet, not into an extension cord.
Make certain that nothing is pushed against baseboard heaters, cadet heaters or wall heater units.
Check that electric blankets are turned off when you get up. Make sure that cord is routed in a protected manner so that it cannot be damaged.
Candles
Careless use of candles are responsible for many fires. Please be sure to follow these precautions if you choose to use them:
Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep. NEVER leave candles unattended.
Keep candles away from items that catch fire - papers, furniture, drapes, clothing, etc.
Place candles on secure pieces of furniture and in sturdy holders that will not tip over and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
Do not use candles where they can be knocked over by pets or children.
Fireplaces
Keep fireplace clean.
Cover your fireplace with a screen.
Only burn wood as other materials, like paper, can float out/escape while burning.
Completely extinguish fire before leaving the room.
Tenant Fire Safety Responsibilities
Tenant Responsibilities: Smoke Detector/Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector
Check your smoke/CO detector at least every 6 months, however it is recommended to check monthly
Replace batteries as needed
Notify landlord in writing of any operating deficiencies
Never disable, remove or tamper with smoke/CO detectors
Testing your Smoke/Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector:
Press and Hold the TEST button. If the smoke/CO detector is working properly, the alarm will sound.
If the alarm is weak or nonexistent, replace the batteries. If the alarm is still not functioning after batteries are replaced, submit a maintenance request. All smoke/CO detector repair requests must be in writing.
Beeping Smoke Detector/ Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector:
Beeping smoke/CO detectors can be an indication batteries need to be replaced.
If the smoke/CO detector is still beeping after batteries are replaced this may indicate that the smoke/CO detector is expired and needs to be replaced. In this situation, please submit a maintenance request. All smoke/CO detector repair requests must be in writing.
NEVER REMOVE, DISABLE OR TAMPER with SMOKE/CO DETECTORS. This is your first line of defense against fire. ($250.00 tampering fee ORS 90.325).
Using the Hush Feature for Smoke Detector:
While cooking the smoke detector may be triggered. Press the Hush feature to temporarily silence the alarm. Some alarms will chirp during Hush mode. The smoke detector will return to its normal state after 7 minutes.
NEVER REMOVE, DISABLE OR TAMPER with SMOKE DETECTORS. This is your first line of defense against fire. ($250.00 tampering fee ORS 90.325)
Keeping Your Home and Vehicle Safe and Secure
We have taken the first step towards safety by changing your locks before move-in. Now it is up to you! Please help us keep our units safe and secure.
1. Keep unit locked even when you are home. This includes all doors, windows, and garage doors. Double check that your house is secure before leaving it for any period of time.
Be sure to report broken locks on windows or doors to PPM immediately via maintenance request
Leave garage door closed and locked at all times- Garages are very common break-in points because tenants tend to open them and forget they are open
Draw blinds while you are not home
2. Get to know your neighbors!
Don’t advertise if you are going on vacation- have a trusted friend or neighbor check your house and contribute to a “lived in look” (bring in mail and trash cans, etc.)
Don’t leave packages outside. If at all possible, arrange for a neighbor to pick up packages for you if you know you will not be home
Alternatively, you can install timers on lights and televisions so it looks like you are home even when you are away
3. Don’t leave anything of value outside your unit or in your vehicle
Lock your vehicle any time you are leaving it unattended
Report burned out exterior lights to PPM via maintenance request
4. Inform PPM if you think bushes or foliage are overgrown enough to hide a burglary
If you are responsible for landscaping, it is your responsibility to maintain the grounds on the property, including the lawn, yard, garden areas, flower beds, bushes and any other outside area. Look at your rental agreement to see what you are responsible for.
5. Don’t label your personal keys or hide spares outside
Most thieves will know to look for “hide-a-keys” or similarly obvious hiding spaces
Give your key to a trusted friend, neighbor or relative in case of emergency or travel
6. Get renter’s insurance so you are covered in case of burglary!
Always report any suspicious activity immediately! Call 911 or the Corvallis Police Department non-emergency line.
Non-emergency (weekdays): 541-766-9624, Non-emergency (weekend/nights): 541-766-6911
Anti-Theft Tips and Preventative Measures for Bike Owners
Corvallis is an extremely bike friendly community filled with lots of bike paths and bike lanes that make it easy to get from Point A to Point B. Unfortunately, bicycles are an easy target for thieves and we have noticed an increase in the number of tenants that are reporting stolen bicycles. We compiled this list of helpful prevention tips in hopes that tenants can avoid having their bicycles stolen. By taking the time to register your bike and making sure you have properly locked it up, you can reduce the chance of being a stolen bike victim.
Theft Prevention
The first step is to document your bike. Take pictures of the bicycle and make note of the bicycle’s serial number and any special features. The serial number can be found on the frame of the bike where the pedals connect to the frame. Keep the pictures of your bike, serial number and a list of special features in a secure place.
Next, register your bike online with the City of Corvallis at Project529.com. If you are an OSU student, you will also want to register your bike online at publicsafety.oregonstate.edu/services/bike-information.
Always park your bike in well-lit areas with lots of foot traffic. An isolated, dark area gives a potential thief more time to break a lock or chain and steal your bicycle. Be sure to lock it to something sturdy and secure. You need to do everything you can to ensure that your bike is not an easy target to steal. Bike frames need to be locked to the bike rack. If you are unable to remove the wheels, make sure they are locked to the bike frame. If possible, take the time to remove any items that can easily be removed and store them inside. Lights, pumps, quick release wheels and seats are easy targets for thieves.
Be smart and invest in a good lock and chain. The U-lock and a long chain are highly recommended. Cable locks are flimsy and can easily be cut or broken. There are combination locks or the ones that require a key.
My bike is stolen. Now what?
In the event of a theft, the very first step is to call the police non-emergency line and report the theft. During regular business hours, the number is 541-766-6924. If you are calling after 5:00 PM or on a weekend, you should call the after-hours line at 541-766-6911. If the theft is on campus, you will also want to reach out to the OSU public safety office at 541-737-3010.
If you have auto or renter’s insurance, please contact your insurance agent. Sometimes a stolen bicycle is covered under the policy and they will pay for you to get a new bike.
