Monday October, 6 2025

Nature: Fire Prevention Initiatives – Long Neck Elementary School

Location: School Lane, Millsboro, DE

On Monday, October 6^th, the Fire Prevention Cohort of the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company coordinated a comprehensive program for the children at the Long Neck Elementary School which included some of the following agenda topics:

• To enhance awareness with fire prevention initiatives, your local "friendly firefighter" visited classrooms to share safety tips. A primary goal of this initiative is to help children understand that firefighters are not scary, but are there to help during an emergency.

Key fire prevention practices

• Home safety - Install and test smoke alarms. Ensure smoke alarms are on every level of your home, including inside each sleeping room. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.

• Create a home fire escape plan. Develop and practice a plan that includes two ways out of every room. Designate a meeting spot outside, a safe distance from the home.

• Be careful with cooking. Stay in the kitchen while cooking and keep a lid nearby to smother small pan fires.

Lithium-ion battery safety

• This year's Fire Prevention Week, observed October 5–11, focuses on the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, which are found in common devices like phones, scooters, and e-bikes.

• Use the correct charger. Always use the manufacturer-recommended charging cord and adapter for your devices.

• Charge away from combustibles. Charge batteries on a hard, non-combustible surface away from beds, blankets, and other flammable materials.

• Stop use if damaged. If a device or battery is damaged, swollen, or unusually hot, stop using it immediately.

Meeting your local firefighters

• During Fire Prevention Week each October, many fire departments host community events where you can meet firefighters and learn more about safety.

• Open houses: These events often feature tours of the fire station, fire truck displays, and hands-on activities.

• Safety demonstrations: Firefighters provide demonstrations on important skills like using a fire extinguisher and executing a home fire escape plan.

• Educational materials: You can pick up coloring books, stickers, and other materials with fire safety tips.

Illustrated herewith are some photographs of the day’s activities at the Long Neck Elementary School.