Every year, National Fire Prevention Week (October 5-11, 2025) serves as a vital reminder of the importance of fire safety and prevention. This year, the Fort Detrick community is coming together to raise awareness, share life-saving tips, and encourage everyone to take proactive steps to protect their families, homes, and workplaces from the devastating effects of fire.
Fire safety is not just a one-week event — it’s a year-round commitment. However, NFPW provides a unique opportunity to focus on education and action. This year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” works to educate everyone about using these batteries safely. The campaign stresses how important it is to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE safely when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.
Why Fire Prevention Matters
According to the National Fire Protection Association, home fires claim thousands of lives each year, and many of these tragedies are preventable. Fires spread quickly, leaving little time to react. That’s why preparation is key.
“Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility,” says Fort Detrick Fire Chief Jeremy Rebok. “Taking simple steps, like testing your smoke alarms and creating a fire escape plan, can make all the difference in an emergency. Our goal during National Fire Prevention Week is to empower the Fort Detrick community with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe.”
Charge into Fire Safety: 3 Steps
Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
Additional Fire Safety Tips:
Test Your Smoke Alarms: Ensure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.
Create a Fire Escape Plan: Map out two ways to exit every room in your home. Practice your escape plan with your family, including children, at least twice a year.
Stay in the Kitchen While Cooking: Unattended cooking is a leading cause of home fires. Always stay in the kitchen when using the stove or oven.
Keep Flammable Items Away from Heat Sources: Maintain a safe distance between flammable materials (like curtains, paper, and furniture) and heat sources such as space heaters or candles.
Know How to Use a Fire Extinguisher: Familiarize yourself with the PASS method — Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side.
Fort Detrick’s NFPW Events
The Fort Detrick Fire Department is excited to host a variety of events and activities during National Fire Prevention Week to engage and educate the community. While specific dates and times are still being finalized, here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect:
Proclamation Signing: Join us as we officially kick off NFPW with a proclamation signing ceremony.
Information Kiosks: Look for fire safety kiosks at various locations on post, where you can pick up helpful resources and speak with fire safety experts.
Child Development Center Events: Special fire safety activities will be held at the Child Development Centers at Fort Detrick and Forest Glen to teach children about fire prevention in a fun and interactive way.
Social Media Updates: Follow us on Facebook @DetrickUSAG for daily fire safety tips, event announcements, and more throughout NFPW.
Take Action Today
Fire prevention starts with you. Take a few moments this week to test your smoke alarms, review your fire escape plan, and talk to your family about fire safety. Small actions can save lives.
As Chief Rebok reminds us, “Fire prevention is not just about protecting property — it’s about protecting the people we care about most. Together, we can make Fort Detrick a safer place for everyone.”
Stay tuned for more details about NFPW events, and let’s work together to make fire safety a priority in our community.
| Date Taken: | 09.26.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2025 14:16 |
| Story ID: | 549580 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 35 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, National Fire Prevention Week: steps to protecting our community, by Jenni Benson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
