Fall Back to Safety: 4 Simple Steps to Ensure Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Are Working

As we set our clocks back for Daylight Saving Time, it’s a great reminder to ensure your home is equipped with functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Taking a few simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and save lives.

To guarantee your safety, follow these essential checks:
✅ Replace the batteries in all smoke and CO alarms, even if they appear to be working properly. This simple step can be the difference between life and death.
✅ Test your alarms by pressing the test button to confirm they’re sounding correctly.
✅ Check the expiration dates of your smoke detectors and CO alarms. Smoke detectors typically need to be replaced every 10 years, while CO alarms should be replaced every 5-7 years, depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines.
✅ Ensure you have working alarms on every level of your home, both inside and outside sleeping areas. This comprehensive coverage can provide peace of mind and protect your loved ones.

By following these straightforward steps, you can drastically reduce the risk of fatalities in home fires. In fact, a working smoke detector can cut your risk of dying in a home fire in half. Take a moment to prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you – it could be a lifesaving decision.

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Spooky Safety Tips: Have a Happy and Secure Halloween with Lapel Stony Creek Township Fire Territory

Happy Halloween from Lapel Stony Creek Township Fire Territory. As you prepare for a night of spooky fun and treats, our firefighters want to remind you to prioritize safety. Before you head out for trick-or-treating, keep the following Halloween safety tips in mind:

To ensure a visible and safe experience, use flashlights or glow sticks to make yourself noticeable to drivers. When navigating through neighborhoods, stick to sidewalks and cross streets at corners, avoiding the area between parked cars.

Costume safety is also crucial, so make sure your costume fits well to prevent trips and falls. Opt for flame-resistant materials and consider adding reflective tape to increase visibility.

After collecting your treats, wait until you’re home and an adult has checked all candy before eating. If you’re driving tonight, be cautious and slow down, watching for little ghosts and goblins.

From all of us at Lapel Stony Creek Township Fire Territory, we wish you a safe and fun Halloween night. Remember to stay safe and have a howling good time. #HappyHalloween #FireSafety #LapelFire #CommunityFirst #TrickOrTreat

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Empowering Young Minds: Fire Safety Lessons at Lapel Middle School

Fire Safety Education at Lapel Middle School!

Our firefighters from Lapel Stony Creek Township Fire Territory are back in the classroom, teaching 7th and 6th graders at Lapel Middle School essential fire safety lessons. These interactive sessions are empowering students with vital life-saving skills, including:

The importance of sleeping with your door closed to prevent the spread of fire and reduce smoke inhalation
Understanding the different classes of fire and how they require unique approaches to extinguishing
Mastering the PASS method for properly using a fire extinguisher
The critical role of working smoke detectors in alerting you to potential fires
Learning to get low and go to stay safe in smoke-filled environments

We’re proud to collaborate with our local schools to educate students on protecting themselves, their families, and the community. Great job, Bulldogs!

#FireSafety #LapelStrong #CommunityEducation #LapelFire #SafetyFirst #BulldogPride

[Image: Fire safety education at Lapel Middle School]
[Image: Students learning fire safety skills]

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Lapel Varsity Football Game Results Tuesday, Oct 28, 2025

Football Game Preview: Lapel Bulldogs vs. Eastern Hancock Royals

Passing Yards – Eric Frantz•YesterdayIndiana high school football: IHSAA first round playoff schedule, brackets, broadcasts, scores, rankings and statistical leadersKey Indiana high school football games, computer rankings, playoff brackets, broadcasts, statewide stat leaders, schedules and scores – live and final.
Receiving Yards –
Rushing Yards –

Next game: Sat, 10/25@ Winchester CommunityW 32-0

Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips: Keeping Kids Safe on Halloween Night

Keep your little monsters safe while they’re out trick-or-treating this Halloween! As they fill their bags with goodies, make sure they’re visible and aware of their surroundings.

For drivers, it’s especially important to be cautious on Halloween night. Check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s tips for a safe Halloween at NHTSA.gov/Halloween-Safety-Tips.

[Image: Halloween safety tips and reminders]

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Missing Indianapolis Zoo Tortoises Found Safe in Pendleton, Indiana

Recovered Tortoises Found in Pendleton, Indiana
Photo courtesy of WIBC / Indianapolis Zoo

Pendleton, IN – Two critically endangered tortoises stolen from the Indianapolis Zoo have been found safe in Pendleton — just minutes from Lapel — after nearly two weeks missing.

The Discovery

Pendleton police say the tortoises were discovered around 4:00 p.m. Tuesday inside a cardboard box near the museum walkway at Falls Park. A note referencing the Indianapolis Zoo was taped to the box. Officers confirmed the tortoises’ identities through microchip scans and contacted zoo officials immediately.

“We’re incredibly relieved and grateful to everyone who helped bring these animals home safely,” said an Indianapolis Zoo spokesperson. “Their recovery is a huge win for conservation and community awareness.”

The Missing Animals

The recovered animals include an Egyptian tortoise and a Northern Spider tortoise — both listed as critically endangered species. Zoo officials believe the theft occurred between October 11 and October 12, 2025. Each tortoise was microchipped for identification, and the Egyptian tortoise has a distinct scar on its underside that helped confirm its identity.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities have not released any suspect information at this time. The case remains under investigation by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department with assistance from the FBI and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.

Why It Matters Locally

While the theft occurred in Indianapolis, the fact that the animals were found in Pendleton — less than ten minutes from Lapel — has brought the story close to home. Local residents in Madison County have expressed both relief and pride in how quickly authorities acted.

This incident also highlights how small-town vigilance and awareness can play a big role in protecting wildlife. The Falls Park discovery underscores that conservation isn’t just a global issue — it’s something that can happen right here in our own backyards.

What Happens Next

The tortoises are now back under the care of the Indianapolis Zoo, where they will undergo health checks before being reintroduced to their exhibit. Zoo staff say they will continue reviewing security measures to prevent future incidents.


Sources: ABC News, People, WSBT, WIBC

Empowering Young Minds: Fire Safety Education Takes Center Stage at Lapel Middle School

Firefighters from the Lapel Stony Creek Township Fire Territory spent the day at Lapel Middle School, teaching 8th grade students crucial fire safety lessons. The students learned how to properly use a fire extinguisher, including when and how to operate it. They also discovered the different classes of fires and how to handle each one safely.

The importance of working smoke detectors in every home was emphasized, as well as the life-saving benefits of sleeping with bedroom doors closed. Students even got to experience what it’s like to be inside a smoke-filled room and learned how to react safely in such situations. Additionally, they learned how to recognize and prevent electrical hazards around the house.

The goal of this fire prevention education is to ensure every student knows how to stay safe and help protect their families from fire emergencies. Thanks to the partnership with Lapel Middle School, the community is now safer and more informed. A huge thank you to Lapel Middle School for collaborating with the fire department to make this possible.

#FireSafety #CommunityEducation #LapelFire #FirePreventionWeek #SafetyFirst #LapelMiddleSchool

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