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.

Throughout the week of October 5, 2026, members of Prince George County Fire and EMS’ stations across the county visited students at PGCPS’ five elementary schools - L.L. Beazley Elementary, David A. Harrison Elementary, Middle Road Elementary, North Elementary, and South Elementary - to deliver engaging lessons centered on fire safety concepts coinciding with NFPA Fire Prevention Week, hosted by the National Fire Prevention Association. 

SEE MORE PHOTOS: PGCPS on Flickr

During their visits with kindergarten and first-grade classes at each school, 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 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. 

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: Safe Charging is a Superpower," highlights the everyday charging habits that help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keeps homes and communities safer.

Many devices used in our daily lives - phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes, and scooters—run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store a lot of energy in a small space. If they are damaged or charged the wrong way, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. Keep these tips in mind for your devices:

Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
Charge devices on a table, desk, or other hard, flat surface. Do not charge them on beds, couches, or under pillows. Devices and chargers produce heat during normal charging. Soft surfaces can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause the battery to overheat.
Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, is smoking, or has a strange smell. These are warning signs that the battery may be damaged or failing.
Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Do not leave it plugged in longer than needed. Leaving a device plugged in too long can increase heat and stress on the battery.
Charge larger items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside and away from exits.  These batteries are larger and store more energy. If they fail, fires can grow quickly and spread. 
When on a plane, keep your device where you can see it while charging. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to respond quickly.

To see more photos from this year's Fire Prevention Week activities, visit PGCPS’s Flickr online gallery. Visit the NFPA’s website for more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety.