The National Fire Protection Association’s annual Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 5-11.
This year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Many of the devices we use every day — from phones and laptops to scooters and power tools — run on lithium-ion batteries. While convenient, they can pose a fire risk if not handled properly.
Here are three simple steps to keep your family safe:
1️⃣ BUY only listed products – When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
2️⃣ CHARGE devices safely – Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
3️⃣ RECYCLE batteries responsibly – Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
Fire prevention starts at home. Please follow these guidelines to help keep our community safe.
For more information, visit NFPA.org. For more information on Fire Prevention Week, click here.
