QUINCY, Mass. — The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 100 years, has announced “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” as the theme for this year’s annual celebration, set for Oct. 5-11.
“Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere,” says Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy for NFPA, in the association announcement. “Making sure the public knows how to use them safely is critical to minimizing the potential risks they pose.”
Why is Fire Prevention Week’s Theme Lithium-Ion Batteries?
According to NFPA, devices powered by lithium-ion batteries are largely used without incident. However, reports of fires and explosions involving lithium-ion batteries have been on the rise in recent years, reinforcing the importance of better educating the public about how to use, handle and recycle them safely.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” provides the information, guidance, and resources needed to buy, charge, and dispose of/recycle lithium-ion batteries safely, with a focus on the following messages:
BUY only listed products
- When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets established safety standards.
- Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.
CHARGE devices safely
- Always use the cables that come with the product to charge it. Also, charge the device in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
- Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
- Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
DISPOSE OF/RECYCLE batteries responsibly
- Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
- Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit www.call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
Fire Prevention Week is celebrated throughout North America every October and is the oldest U.S. public health observance on record. For more than 100 years, Fire Prevention Week has worked to educate people about the risk of home fires and ways to minimize them.
Local fire departments, schools and community organizations “play a key role in bringing Fire Prevention Week to life in their communities each year and spreading basic but critical fire safety messages,” according to the NFPA announcement.
