In the first phase of the grant project, TVF&R hired Campbell DeLong Resources (CDR), Inc. of Portland, Oregon.

Using census data, CDR completed a Demographic Study of TVF&R's service area. The research highlighted the fact that TVF&R's service area is currently 8% Hispanic/Latino population. This would later influence the public education messages.

In addition, CDR conducted several Focus Groups (interviews with English and Spanish-speaking tenants) to determine WHY tenants are apt to disable their smoke alarms. Focus groups were conducted at the Tartan West and Bonita Villa Apartments - two complexes that had experienced fatal fires. A focus group was also held at the Welcoming Center, a Beaverton School District resource for new Spanish-speaking residents.

Several key issues emerged from the Focus Groups, including:

• Landlords and property managers have a pivotal role in emphasizing fire safety in the communities they own and manage;
• Tenants lack an understanding of why you need a smoke alarm.

This information laid the foundation for the second and third phase of the grant project - an Awareness Campaign and Apartment Pilot Program.