Georgina Fire and Rescue Services is marking Fire Prevention Week with a focus on lithium-ion battery safety, a growing concern as these batteries become common in household devices. Residents are being encouraged to take care when buying, charging and recycling batteries to help reduce the risk of fires in their homes. The department will be sharing safety tips throughout the week.

York Regional Police Chief Paulo Da Silva attended the Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial over the weekend, leading the service for the first time since taking on the role of chief. The annual gathering brings police services and families from across Canada together to honour officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. The memorial also provides an opportunity for colleagues and loved ones to remember fallen officers and support one another.

Grade 7 students across Simcoe Muskoka will be offered free vaccines at school starting Oct. 9. The vaccines protect against hepatitis B, meningococcal disease and HPV, with public health nurses visiting schools from October through December. Parents and guardians who have questions about consent, appointments or helping anxious students prepare can contact the health unit or visit their website at simcoemuskokahealth.org.