YOKOSUKA, Japan — Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) Fire and Emergency Services is halfway through its annual Fire Prevention Month campaign, which launched Oct. 1. The monthlong campaign includes school visits, open houses and evacuation drills running through Oct. 30.

This year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” centers on lithium- ion battery safety and proper charging habits. The campaign brings together service members, civilian employees and families across the installation to reinforce lifesaving habits.

Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka Capt. Jonathan Hopkins and CFAY Fire Chief Robert Wimes opened the campaign with a proclamation signing at CFAY Fire Station Sept. 30.

"Fire prevention isn’t just a seasonal focus; it’s an everyday commitment to the safety of our fleet, our families and our installations," Hopkins said. "With the rise of personal electronics, e-bikes and various rechargeable devices across our waterfront and housing areas, understanding how to handle these power sources safely is critical to keeping our community secure and operational."

"Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small space, and if they are mistreated, overcharged or damaged, they can pose a severe fire hazard," Wimes said. "Through this campaign, our goal is to give every resident the 'superpower' knowledge: knowing how to charge, store and dispose of these batteries correctly to prevent accidents before they happen."

Public events began with an open house and parade on the main installation Oct. 3, which featured emergency response vehicles and firefighters. A second open house and parade is scheduled at the Ikego Hills Housing Area Oct. 17.

Firefighters visited The Sullivans Elementary School Oct. 7-9 with hands-on lessons on smoke alarms, "stop, drop and roll"; and a smoke house simulator.

The outreach continues with morning fire safety classes and evacuation drills at the installation’s child development centers: Gridley on Oct. 15, Duncan on Oct. 21 and Ikego on Oct. 22. Ikego Elementary School students will take part in classes Oct. 19-20, when older students will get to try on firefighting gear.

The fire department is also running evacuation drills in the installation’s housing towers.

Unaccompanied housing drills were completed Oct. 13-14.

High-rise drills follow at Ikego Oct. 19 and in Yokosuka's multistory towers Oct. 20-22. The drills test evacuation routes and give residents and emergency crews practice under realistic conditions.

Throughout October, the installation library is hosting a fire safety display with books and brochures for all ages.

The campaign wraps up Oct. 30 with a children’s drawing contest awards ceremony at Sullivans and Ikego elementary schools.

CFAY provides, operates and maintains facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel.