Yonkers celebrates Fire Prevention Month
Throughout the month, the department will visit different Yonkers schools, senior care facilities and more to discuss fire prevention.
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The Yonkers Fire Department visited two local schools on Tuesday to teach young children about fire safety and prevention, as part of Yonkers' Fire Prevention Month.
Nationally, Oct. 5 through Oct. 11 is Fire Prevention Week.
However, Yonkers City officials, alongside the Yonkers Fire Department, observe the entire month.
Throughout the month, the department will visit different Yonkers schools, senior care facilities and more to discuss fire prevention.
On Tuesday, firefighters visited Westchester Hills School 29 to teach 22 special education classes, including kindergarten and pre-K students, what to do in case of a fire.
The theme this year is "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home."
According to Yonkers city officials, the Yonkers Fire Department has responded to roughly 12 fires directly linked to a lithium-ion battery failure.
Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention Christopher DeSantis says the biggest issue comes from aftermarket batteries instead of ones made by the original manufacturer.
"They're using aftermarket batteries, aftermarket charges, those seem to be what's causing the majority of fires. We recommend you always stick with the manufacturer specific chargers and batteries," said Deputy Chief DeSantis.
He added that no matter what, "a little bit of prevention can put suppression out of business."
