Dakota Fire Protection District

10/10/2026

10/08/2026

Fire safety isn't just a set of rules, it's a daily commitment to protecting the people you love.
This Fire Prevention Week (October 4–10, 2026) protect your household by mastering these essential safety pillars:

1. FIRE PREVENTION & SAFETY
• Smoke Detectors: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside every bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace the batteries annually. Replace smoke detector units every ten years.
• Fire Extinguishers: Keep a certified fire extinguisher in accessible areas like the kitchen and garage. Remember the P.A.S.S. method: Pull the pin, aim low, squeeze the lever, and sweep from side to side.
• Lithium-Ion Battery Safety: Always charge smartphones, laptops, and e-bikes on hard, flat surfaces that dissipate heat and avoid soft surfaces like beds or couches. Use only the original or certified charging equipment and unplug devices as soon as they reach 100%. Stop using any battery that swells, feels excessively hot, or smells strange.

2. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
• Emergency Plans: Create a fire escape plan with your family. Draw a map of your home showing two ways out of every room.
• Designate a Meeting Place: Choose a fixed safe spot where everyone will gather after escaping.

3. ACTIONS DURING AN EMERGENCY
• Get Out, Stay Out: If a fire starts, “Get Low & Go” and prioritize escaping immediately. Never go back inside for clothes, electronics, or pets.
• Call 911: Once you are safely outside at your designated meeting spot, immediately call 911 to report the emergency. Let the dispatchers and arriving first responders handle the situation.
Safety starts with small, proactive choices. Take ten minutes today to check your alarms and review your exit strategy.

Visit Templeton Fire and Emergency Services for more information on these topics.
Head over to nfpa.org to download free educational safety checklists, escape grid planners, and family toolkits.

10/06/2026

🌾🔥 Dry conditions and harvested fields can fuel fast-moving grass and brush fires, putting homes, livestock, structures and farm equipment at risk.

Have a farm fire safety plan. Know your evacuation routes, livestock relocation areas and how firefighters can access your property.

A little prevention can go a long way to help with a safe and successful harvest season.

10/06/2026

🔋⚡ Charge into Fire Safety! ⚡🔋

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote Fire Prevention Week™, October 4–10.

This year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” reminds us that everyday choices can help prevent lithium-ion battery fires.

💥 Use your charging superpower:
• Use the charger designed for your device.
• Follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions.
• Never charge a damaged battery or device.
• Make smart choices every time you plug in.

Together, we can help keep our communities safe. Charge into Fire Safety!

Learn more at fpw.org.

10/06/2026

Use the cord and charger that came with your device or ones
approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can
damage the battery and increase the risk of fire. For more info:
fpw.org.

09/25/2026

Last night both departments trained on our Great Wall of Rescue and walked through what our response would look like in a grain entrapment. It was a great night to be outside and train during Farm Safety Week 2026. Farm Safety applies to everyone, whether learning about grain handling safety, road safety, being around livestock or heavy machinery. At the end of the day we want everyone to go home safe. Have a great fall and 2026 harvest!

09/25/2026

We know many haven’t hit the fields just yet, but conditions are showing it will be soon. As we finish up Farm Safety Week, we want to remind you to be safe this harvest. See you all in the fields.

09/24/2026

Happy First Day of Fall!

As the busy Fall season begins, we want to wish you all a safe harvest season. Be sure to watch for slow-moving equipment and give everyone space. We'll be here when you need us.

📸 Nate B., Ridott plant

09/24/2026

All interested schools and community members are invited to attend this year’s P.A.R.T.Y. Program! This alcohol and risk awareness program features students, SSM Health Monroe Hospital physicians and nurses, emergency medical services, police officers, firefighters, coroner and Green County judge. Speakers also share their stories about how poor choices continue to impact their lives. To register, please email [email protected].

09/23/2026

The Homecoming Parade will begin at 5:30 tonight.
The route of the parade is shown in the picture.
If you are participating in the parade, you will meet at Dakota High School at 5:00. From the high school, you will receive your line up order and will then head toward Davis street for the actual line up. There will be student council students ready to help at the high school.