Emergency Responders joined members of Commissioners Court for a photo following the reading of Fire Prevention Month Proclamation.
(Seguin) — Fire safety starts long before a fire ever begins. That’s the message of Guadalupe County officials as they promote the importance of Fire Prevention Week observed Oct. 4-10.
Patrick Pinder, Guadalupe County emergency management coordinator and fire marshal, says the county will use community outreach opportunities, including next week’s Guadalupe County Fair, to help educate residents about fire prevention.
“We’ll be at the county fair passing out things at the Coliseum. So. bring the kiddos by. We’ve got lots of goodies for them,” said Pinder.
The outreach efforts will include information focused on this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.”
Pinder says the theme focuses on preventing fires involving lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in cellphones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, scooters and other everyday devices.
“We just wanted to take this time and recognize Fire Prevention Week. We do this every year. The second week of October typically is Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme is Charge into Fire Safety. We’re talking about charging lithium-ion batteries, things like that. We want to make sure that when people are charging their appliances, they’re watching them, monitoring them and making sure that there’s not too many things plugged in at one time because more often than not, we do see some of those batteries catch on fire. They’re exploding. So, it’s just being safe,” said Pinder.
As part of the observance, the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court approved a proclamation on Fire Prevention Week.
Commissioner Pct. 1 Jacqueline Ott, publicly read that proclamation during a recent meeting of the Commissioners Court.
She noted how Fire Prevention Week is observed annually in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and provides an opportunity for the county to educate the public about fire prevention and lifesaving safety practices.
“Working smoke alarms, practiced home escape plans, responsible charging habits, and public awareness are essential to preventing fires, reducing injuries, and saving lives,” said Ott.
In her reading, Ott also shared how the county recognizes the dedication and sacrifices of its fire personnel.
“Guadalupe County recognizes the dedicated firefighters, emergency responders, fire inspectors, investigators, educators, dispatchers, and community partners who work diligently to protect the public and promote fire safety throughout our county,” read Ott.
This proclamation also urges residents to stop using batteries that are damaged, swollen, overheating or leaking.