Sparking curiosity and safety awareness, Prince George County's youngest learners got a firsthand look at what it takes to prevent and respond to fires and emergencies during Fire Prevention Week.

SEE MORE PHOTOS: PGCPS on Flickr

Throughout the week of October 6, 2025, members of the Prince George County Fire and EMS Department visited each of the elementary campuses in Prince George County to deliver engaging lessons centered on fire safety concepts as part of NFPA Fire Prevention Week, hosted by the National Fire Prevention Association. 

During their visits with kindergarten and first-grade classes at Beazley, Harrison, Middle Road, North, and South elementary schools, the first responders shared valuable information designed to help them understand fire risks, respond appropriately in emergencies, and prevent fires at home.

Through worksheets, handouts, and getting their questions answered by local firefighters and EMS, the students learned about what they should do when they hear a smoke alarm and how to evacuate, understanding when something is an emergency that may require 911 assistance or help from an adult, and how they can help their family in developing a home escape plan.

Afterwards, students were able to tour emergency apparatus outside their school, climbing aboard a Prince George County fire engine and getting up close to the lifesaving equipment used by local first responders. Along with the tour, local kindergarten and first-graders were also able to learn about the various tools of the firefighting trade, including axes, extraction equipment, and more. 

"Fire Prevention Week is an important opportunity to teach our students lessons that could one day save lives," PGCPS Division Superintendent Dr. Wayne Lyle said. "By partnering with our local fire departments and first responders, we help our students understand not only how to prevent fires, but also how to stay calm and respond safely in an emergency. These key community partnerships ensure that our students learn through engaging, hands-on experiences, making safety a lifelong habit that they can take home and share with their families at the end of the day. We appreciate Prince George County Fire and EMS for always being involved with our schools and all they do to keep our community safe."

_{A David A. Harrison Elementary student disembarks a Prince George County fire engine, delivering a high-five on the way out during first responders' visit to the school for Fire Prevention Week. (PGCPS Photo)}

"Prince George Fire & EMS is always excited to work with our schools during National Fire Prevention Week," Prince George County Fire and EMS Chief Pedro Cáceres said. "By educating our students on fire safety, we are empowering them with the knowledge and skills to make safe choices and respond calmly if faced with a dangerous situation. These lessons don't just protect our young individuals- they also strengthen the safety of families and neighborhoods throughout our community. Our partnership with local schools is vital in this mission, as it allows us to share lifesaving information, build trust, and create a safety that extends well beyond the classroom. We look forward to sharing a special week with our local schools."

While this week's in-school experiences provided students with valuable information they can take home, the lessons of NFPA Fire Prevention Week carry beyond the classroom, offering tips for adults and the broader community. This year's theme for Fire Prevention Week, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home," highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries. In the average household, numerous devices contain these types of batteries, including smartphones, laptops, cameras, electric scooters, electric bicycles, and many other ordinary household devices.

Families are reminded that if not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, take a look around your home — it's essential to identify which devices are powered by them and use them properly, following the "Buy, Charge, and Recycle" approach.

Buy only listed products. 

• When purchasing a product that contains a lithium-ion battery, take the time to thoroughly research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.

Charge devices safely.

• Always use the cables that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
• If you need a new charger, purchase one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don't charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch, as this could cause a fire.
• Don't overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when the device is fully charged.

Recycle batteries responsibly.

• Don't throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins, as they can catch fire. 
• Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

To see more photos from this year's Fire Prevention Week activities, visit our gallery website. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.