Promotional graphic for NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week featuring Sparky the Fire Dog holding a house with a lithium-ion battery symbol. Text highlights safety tips: buy listed products, charge safely, and recycle responsibly.Fire Prevention Week 2025

Fire Prevention Week began in response to the tragic Great Chicago Fire of October 9, 1871, which claimed over 250 lives. In 1911, Fire Prevention Day was established, and in 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first official Fire Prevention Week held every year during the week of October 9th.

Today, firefighters respond to over 343,000 home fires annually, many of which are preventable. This week is your opportunity to learn, act, and protect your home and loved ones.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign focuses on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries—the power source behind many of today’s essential devices, including phones, laptops, e-bikes and solar panels.

The 2025 theme, Charge into Fire Safety, encourages Virginians to take proactive steps to prevent battery-related fires. Lithium-ion batteries, when damaged or misused, can overheat and trigger thermal runaway—a dangerous chain reaction that may lead to fire or explosion. This campaign empowers residents to recognize risks, take action and share battery safety tips with their communities.

Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety

C.H.A.R.G.E., offers a simple way to remember key fire safety practices when using any device or appliance that requires electricity or generates heat.

Letter Action Details
C Choose certified products Look for nationally recognized testing labels
H Handle with care Follow manufacturer instructions, use original chargers, avoid extreme temps
A Always stay alert Watch for smoke, strange odors, or unusual sounds
R Recycle responsibly Never toss batteries in the trash—visit call2recycle.org
G Get out quickly Have an escape plan with two exits—get out in under 2 minutes
E Educate others Share battery safety tips with family, friends, and neighbors

Fire Prevention Week 2025 Campaign Toolkits

To support outreach across schools, communities and digital platforms, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers toolkits and resources designed to help you share consistent, impactful fire safety messaging during Fire Prevention Week and year-round.

  • Printable Toolkit (downloadable zip file)
    Includes official theme art and guidelines, handouts, flyers and tip sheets for in-person events.
  • Digital & Social Media Toolkit (downloadable zip file)
    Features customizable templates, social media graphics and sample messaging for online outreach.

Fire Safety Tips That Save Lives

Every year, Virginia firefighters respond to thousands of preventable fires. These general tips can help you stay safe and ready to act.

  • Stay Low and Go during a fire
  • Know Two Ways Out of every room
  • Hear the Beep Where You Sleep – install smoke alarms in bedrooms
  • Close Before You Doze – closed doors slow fire spread
  • Check Smoke Alarms Monthly
  • Don’t Smoke While Using Oxygen
  • Turn Pot Handles Inward to prevent spills

  • Know how to use a fire extinguisher: P.A.S.S. (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)

Contact Us

For additional details or questions regarding Fire Prevention Week or Fire Safety, please contact Community Risk Reduction at communityrisk@vdfp.virginia.gov or 804-249-1982.