October is Fire Prevention Month, a reminder to review basic fire safety practices and address potential hazards in and around your home.
The Nicholasville Fire Department encourages residents to use this month to test smoke alarms, review escape plans and prepare their homes for colder weather.
Check Your Smoke Alarms
Working smoke alarms provide an early warning during a fire.
Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home. Test alarms monthly and replace smoke alarms that are older.
October is a good time to check each alarm in your home and make sure everyone recognizes the sound.
Create and Practice an Escape Plan
Every household should have a fire escape plan.
When possible, identify two ways out of each room and choose a meeting place outside the home. Make sure doors, windows and exits are accessible and everyone in the household knows how to get outside.
Practice your escape plan at least twice a year. During a fire, get outside, stay outside and call 911 from a safe location.
Practice Fire Safety in the Kitchen
Cooking is a common source of home fires. Keep flammable items far away from cooking areas.
Keep children and pets away from hot appliances and cooking surfaces. If you leave the kitchen, turn off the stove.
Prepare for Colder Weather
October is also a good time to check heating equipment before temperatures drop.
Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet and turn them off before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Fireplaces, furnaces and other heating equipment should be properly maintained before regular use.
Charge Devices Safely
The 2026 Fire Prevention Week theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower.” Fire Prevention Week is October 4–10 and focuses on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries.
Use charging equipment recommended by the device manufacturer, follow charging instructions and stop using batteries that show signs of damage, overheating or swelling.
Make Fire Prevention a Habit
Fire safety does not end with Fire Prevention Month. Regularly test smoke alarms, keep exits clear, use heating and cooking equipment safely and make sure everyone in your household knows what to do during an emergency.
Have questions about fire prevention or safety in your home or business? Contact the Nicholasville Fire Department for information and guidance.
In an emergency, call 911.