ENTERPRISE, Ala. — According to the City of Enterprise and the Enterprise Fire Department, October 2026 has been proclaimed Fire Prevention Month, with a focus on fire safety and the safe use and charging of lithium-ion batteries.
Mayor William E. Cooper Sr. signed the proclamation Thursday, Oct. 1, joined by District 4 Councilman Scotty Johnson, Enterprise Fire Department Battalion Chief Brian Beasley and members of C Shift.
This year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” highlighting battery safety as more homes use rechargeable devices, e-bikes, e-scooters and other battery-powered equipment.
“Community risk reduction is about more than responding when an emergency happens. It’s about taking proactive steps to prevent fires and giving our residents the information and resources they need to stay safe,” Beasley said. “Fire Prevention Month gives us an opportunity to bring those safety messages directly to our community, especially our children, and remind everyone that simple habits can make a real difference.”
According to the department, lithium-ion batteries can pose a fire or explosion risk when damaged, improperly used or improperly charged.
Residents are encouraged to use manufacturer-approved chargers and charging cords, charge devices on hard, flat surfaces away from anything that can burn and follow manufacturers’ instructions for charging and storage.
Fire officials also recommend not using batteries or devices that are damaged, overheating or swelling. Devices should be unplugged when fully charged, and larger battery-powered equipment such as e-bikes and e-scooters should be kept away from exits or areas where they could block an escape route.
The department also advises residents to never use a damaged or recalled battery or charger.
Throughout October, Enterprise firefighters will visit Enterprise City Schools elementary schools to share fire prevention information with students and reinforce the “Charge into Fire Safety” message.
The department is also continuing its push to make sure every home in Enterprise has a working smoke alarm.
The Enterprise Fire Department’s fall Smoke Detector Blitz is scheduled for Nov. 7. Free smoke alarms are available through the department for Enterprise residents. Information on requesting an alarm is available at enterprisefd.com.
“Every home should have a working smoke alarm, and we want to help make that possible,” Beasley said. “Our goal is for every home in Enterprise to have the protection of a working smoke alarm, and our department is committed to helping residents get the resources they need.”
The city is encouraging residents to use Fire Prevention Month as a chance to review fire safety practices at home.
According to the city, the Fire Prevention Month banner, educational materials and giveaways being used in the community were donated by local State Farm agent Jeremy Hilton.
Those items will also be distributed during school visits and at upcoming Enterprise Fire Department events, including the department’s tent at the Boll Weevil Fall Festival on Oct. 17 and Spooky in the Park on Oct. 30.
