If you’re planning to do some open burning over the next several weeks, you’ll need to think twice before striking a match. During October and November, the state of Ohio enforces a ban on open burning in unincorporated areas between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. 

The Lima Fire Department is visiting schools during Fire Prevention Week to educate students on the theme “Charge into Fire Safety,” warning about the fire risks of overloaded outlets, lithium-ion batteries and unsafe chargers.

“Every home should have a fire escape plan, knowing two ways out of every room, making sure your children know that their job is simply to get out and stay out. Your home should have a meeting place somewhere outside in your front yard — a landmark like a basketball pole or a mailbox — where everyone in your home knows to go to so that way you can keep accountability,” said Matt Reaman, Shawnee Township Fire Prevention Officer.