Escondido elementary students are putting fire safety into practice this month through a poster contest focused on creating Home Fire Escape Plans. The contest, sponsored by the Escondido Fire Department in partnership with the Firefighters Association Local 3842 and Tony Pepperoni, invited 3rd graders from four local schools to illustrate the importance of knowing two ways out of every room, having working smoke alarms, and setting a safe family meeting place.

First- and second-place winners from each school will be honored at the Escondido City Council meeting on Wednesday, October 15, at 5:00 p.m., during the City’s Fire Prevention Week Proclamation.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” highlights how to use and recycle rechargeable batteries found in everyday devices safely.

“Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and just about everywhere,” said Escondido Deputy Fire Chief Tyler Batson. “By following simple steps, Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely, families can reduce fire risks in their homes.”

Top Battery Safety Tips:

• Buy safely: Choose products with a recognized testing lab mark.
• Charge smart: Use the original cord, charge on hard surfaces, and unplug when full.
• Recycle right: Never throw batteries in the trash; take them to a proper recycling location (visit call2recycle.org).

The Escondido Fire Department reminds residents that while safe battery use helps prevent many fires, having a Home Fire Escape Plan is still essential for every household.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit www.fpw.org. For kid-friendly resources, visit www.sparky.org.