The El Dorado Fire Department visited USD 490 elementary schools to share important safety tips during Fire Prevention Week Oct. 6-10, 2025.
Each year, there is a different national theme for Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme “Charge Into Fire Safety” focused on the power and danger of lithium-ion batteries in the home.
In the 1970s they were trying to find ways to make batteries lighter, stronger, and longer-lasting. The research led to the first lithium-ion battery being created in the 1990s. These batteries were more powerful and portable than any previous batteries.
While the lithium-ion batteries are more convenient, they can also be a potential fire hazard, especially if they get too hot, cold, or are damaged. The ions that create and store the energy can become overactive and cause thermal runaway, which means they overheat and can cause a fire.
Firefighter Nick Poe shared some safety tips to help minimize the risk of fire danger associated with these batteries.
Charge electronics on a flat, hard surface and unplug them as soon as they are fully charged.
Use the charging cords that originally came with the device, or replace it with one from the same brand.
Keep devices with lithium-ion batteries in regulated temperatures, keeping them out of the extreme heat or cold.
Do not throw old batteries into the trash. Find a safe way to recycle them.
After the safety presentation, Firefighter Nick introduced Firefighter Oscar and a Fire Science Student. Oscar demonstrated how firefighters put on all of their safety gear while Nick told students what each piece was and how it kept firefighters safe.
They have a hood to help protect their head and neck from the heat. The boots are waterproof to keep them dry and thick to protect them from debris they have to walk through. The pants and coat are thick and fire resistant to protect their body from the intense heat. The air tank and mask allow them to breath clean air and protects their eyes while walking through areas of dense smoke or dangerous chemicals. The hard helmet protects their head from any falling debris. The thick gloves protect their hands from hot surfaces or sharp debris. Firefighters also carry a flashlight to help them see in dimly lit or smoky areas and a radio to keep in constant communication with the other firefighters. They also have tools that help them break down doors, break windows, or cut through walls when they need to in order to fight a fire.
“If you ever see a firefighter in all of their gear, don’t be afraid,” Poe told students. “They are there to help you. Firefighters are our friends.”
After a quick race to see whether Firefighter Oscar or the Fire Science student could get their gear on the fastest, fire pup Sparky came to visit the students and tell them how to dial 911 if there is ever an emergency.
Together, Sparky and Poe reminded students that if they are ever in a building where there is a fire, they should get out, stay out, and dial 911. Poe encouraged students to talk to their family about their household fire plan so they know what to do if one occurs in their home.
