Vermillion, SD Fire EMS Department

05/25/2026

05/22/2026

Before you plug in, your friends at Vermillion Fire EMS want to make sure your home’s electrical setup is running safely.

Here is your quick 3-step checklist to keep the power flowing safely:

1) Use the Right Chargers: Always use original manufacturer (OEM) or certified aftermarket chargers for your lithium-ion devices.
• Avoid "no-name" counterfeits - they are a primary cause of battery fires!
• Never charge devices on beds or couches. If it gets hot, disconnect it safely.

2) Use Caution with Cords: Extension cords are for temporary use only, not permanent wiring.
• Inspect before use: Check for frayed wires, cracked insulation, or loose plugs!
• Never plug one extension cord into another (no daisy-chaining!).

3) Home Circuit Smartness: Use GFCI outlets near water (bathrooms, kitchens) and test them monthly.
• Unplug smaller appliances when not in use to avoid overloaded circuits.

🏠 Pro-Tip: If you live in an older home, consider a professional electrical inspection to ensure everything is up to code!

Let’s keep the power flowing, properties safe, and the shocks to a minimum!

University of South Dakota Police Department
University of South Dakota
City of Vermillion - Municipal Government
Vermillion, SD Police Department
Clay County Sheriff - Vermillion, SD
United Way of Vermillion
Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company
Vermillion Plain Talk
Vermillion School District

05/21/2026

🔥Before you strike that match, make sure you're following the rules of open burning:

1️⃣ Control the Size & Location

•For Fire Pits: Keep flames under 3 feet wide and 2 feet high. Place it at least 10–15 feet away from structures, decks, and trees.
•For Bonfires & Brush Piles: Clear a wide, 10-foot perimeter down to bare dirt around the pile so sparks can't ignite dry grass. Never burn under low-hanging branches, near power lines, or within 200 feet of any combustible structure.
•Check the Weather: If it’s windy, gusty, or highly humid/dry, postpone the burn. A single spark can travel surprisingly far.

2️⃣ Say NO to "Forbidden Snacks" (What NOT to burn)

•Stick to nature: Only burn clean, dry, seasoned firewood or natural yard waste (leaves, branches, brush).
•Skip the toxic stuff: Never burn plastics, tires, treated lumber, construction debris, or household garbage. It’s illegal in most areas and releases toxic chemicals into the air.
•Put down the gas: Accelerants like gasoline are highly unpredictable and can cause explosive flare-ups. Use proper kindling instead.

3️⃣ Never Walk Away From a "Ghost Fire"

•An unattended fire is a hazard, no matter the size. Keep a water hose, shovel, and rake nearby the entire time you are burning.
•Extinguish completely: For large piles and pits alike, drown the embers with water, stir the ashes with a shovel, and drown them again. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave!
•Before you light up: Open burning and large bonfires often require a quick permit or notification to the local Sheriff's Office.

Let's keep the air clear, our properties safe, and the drama out of the backyard. Burn responsibly!

University of South Dakota Police Department
University of South Dakota
City of Vermillion - Municipal Government
Vermillion, SD Police Department
Clay County Sheriff - Vermillion, SD
United Way of Vermillion
Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company
Vermillion Plain Talk
Vermillion School District

05/20/2026

🔌🔥Plug into Safety!🔥🔌

Appliances make life easier but using them safely helps keep your home fire-free!

✅ Plug major appliances directly into wall outlets
🧹 Keep appliances clean and free of dust buildup
👀 Unplug small appliances when not in use
🔥 Replace damaged cords right away

Remember:
"If the cord looks worn, it’s time to be gone!"

A few simple safety habits can help prevent fires!

University of South Dakota Police Department
University of South Dakota
City of Vermillion - Municipal Government
Vermillion, SD Police Department
Clay County Sheriff - Vermillion, SD
United Way of Vermillion
Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company
Vermillion Plain Talk
Vermillion School District

05/19/2026

Operation EDITH: Get Out & Stay Out!

Does your family know what to do if the smoke alarm goes off?

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Practice your home fire escape plan
🚪 Know TWO ways out of every room
📍 Pick a family meeting spot outside
🏃 Get out FAST and stay out!
📞 Once outside, call 911

Remember:
Smoke moves fast - your family should too!

Practice your escape plan today so everyone knows exactly what to do in an emergency. Stay safe, Vermillion! 🚒

University of South Dakota Police Department
University of South Dakota
City of Vermillion - Municipal Government
Vermillion, SD Police Department
Clay County Sheriff - Vermillion, SD
United Way of Vermillion
Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company
Vermillion Plain Talk
Vermillion School District

05/18/2026

🍳🔥 Cook Smart. Stay Safe. 🔥🍳

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and the #1 place home fires start! 🏠

👀 Stay in the kitchen while cooking
🧤 Keep towels, paper, and oven mitts away from heat
👧 Keep kids and pets at least 3 feet from the stove
🚫 Don’t use your stove top for non-cooking purposes
⏰ If you’re sleepy, distracted, or leaving the room…turn the stove OFF!

Remember:

🍔 “Stand by your pan!” 🍝

A little attention in the kitchen can prevent a BIG emergency. Stay safe, Vermillion! 🚒

University of South Dakota Police Department
University of South Dakota
City of Vermillion - Municipal Government
Vermillion, SD Police Department
Clay County Sheriff - Vermillion, SD
United Way of Vermillion
Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company
Vermillion Plain Talk
Vermillion School District

05/17/2026

Pretty active on this page recently; however, in light of EMS week, we wanted to highlight the people behind the uniform. From the 911 calls to the transfers, your friends and neighbors answer the call. Everyone, from the firefighters who assist on cardiac arrests and extricate victims from motor vehicle crashes to the EMTs and Paramedics who provide life-saving interventions, this week is your week. Thank you for all that you do! (Here's a cheesy AI photo)