Fire Prevention Month: Bringing Fire Safety into the Community

Fire prevention doesn't begin when firefighters arrive at an emergency. It begins long before the first 911 call, in our homes, schools, neighborhoods, and everyday decisions.

Throughout October, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is recognizing Fire Prevention Month by bringing practical, lifesaving information directly to the communities we serve.

This year's National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” highlights the importance of lithium-ion battery safety. From smartphones and laptops to e-bikes and scooters, rechargeable devices are part of everyday life. However, damaged batteries and unsafe charging practices can create serious fire hazards.

When lithium-ion batteries fail, fires can spread rapidly, producing intense heat, toxic smoke, and life-threatening conditions in seconds.

“Prevention is a core public safety mission,” said Fire Chief Corey A. Smedley. “Every conversation that helps someone recognize a hazard or make a safer choice is an opportunity to protect a family and the firefighters who may one day respond to their home.”

Prevention Beyond the Emergency Response

Fire Prevention Month is about more than a single campaign. Throughout October, MCFRS firefighters and Community Risk Reduction (CRR) personnel are connecting with residents through school visits, senior outreach, community events, and home safety education.

Our firefighters also play an important role beyond emergency response by recognizing hazards, reinforcing prevention messages, and connecting residents with valuable safety resources.

“Every school visit, home safety check, and community conversation gives us a chance to make prevention personal,” said Beth Anne Nesselt, Manager, Community Risk Reduction. “Those connections are how education becomes action.”

Bring Fire Safety Home

One of the easiest ways to participate in Fire Prevention Month is to take a few minutes to check your own home. Test your smoke alarms, review your family's escape plan, and practice safe charging habits.

MCFRS also offers FREE Home Safety Checks to help Montgomery County residents identify potential hazards, check smoke alarms, and learn practical ways to make their homes safer.

Request a FREE Home Safety Check through MC311 by calling 311 or visiting montgomerycountymd.gov/311.

Fire Prevention Month may end in October, but prevention is a year-round commitment shared by firefighters, community partners, and the residents we serve.

Because the best emergency is the one that never happens.