EMFD Annual Fire Prevention Open House is on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The East Meadow Fire Department and the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) —the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 100 years — have announced “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”as the theme for Fire Prevention Week™, October 5‒11, 2025. This year’s aim is to educate the public about its crucial role in buying, charging and disposing of lithium-ion batteries safely. The EMFD will also hold its annual Fire Prevention Open House on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at fire headquarters, 197 East Meadow Avenue, at Front Street.

“Most electronics, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, power tools, headphones and toys, that we use in our everyday lives are powered by lithium-ion batteries,” explains Commissioner Keith J. Hoffman. “When used properly, they’re a safe source of power but, if misused or damaged, they can overheat and start a fire, or even explode. It’s essential for the public to learn how to handle them safely.”

East Meadow Fire District residents are invited to attend the fire department's open house, which offers residents of all ages the opportunity to learn valuable safety tips, and see the firefighting and emergency-medical-services apparatus and equipment used by the all-volunteer East Meadow Fire Department. There will be live demonstrations, as well as numerous fun and interactive activities for the kids, including a ride on a real fire truck, and a visit from America’s most beloved fire-safety advocate, Smokey Bear.

“We invite all of our neighbors to attend our annual open house, where they can meet the dedicated men and women who volunteer to protect our community, and learn more about the firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical services our volunteers provide,” said Commissioner Carey A. Welt. “The EMFD is always seeking community-minded residents to join our team, whether as firefighters or emergency-medical-services volunteers, and we encourage interested residents to stop by for more information.”

The East Meadow Fire Department, which serves East Meadow and parts of Levittown and Westbury (including Salisbury), is always seeking new members to join their ranks as firefighters or emergency medical personnel; no prior experience is necessary. The fire department provides the training required. There are numerous benefits associated with volunteering, including tax breaks, college scholarships, annual health checkups, life insurance, and a service award pension program, all at no cost. For more information on volunteering with the East Meadow Fire Department, visit www.eastmeadowfd.com or call 516-542-4565.