Oct. 5 to 11 is Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme is Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.
The St. Marys Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to promote this year’s FPW campaign, Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home. It highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.
“Everyday devices in our homes, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, power tools, lawn equipment and toys, often rely on lithium-ion batteries. Almost anything that can be recharged uses this type of battery. If they are damaged or handled improperly, these batteries can overheat and may cause a fire or even explode,” says St. Marys Fire Chief Phil West.
Key messages for this year’s Fire Prevention Week include the following:
- 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 important safety standards.
- Always use the cables that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
- Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch.
- Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
- 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 call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
The St. Marys Fire Department has organized a variety of events for Fire Prevention Week:
- Fire Truck Visit and Swag Bag Booth: Oct. 9, 10 a.m to 2 p.m., Your Independent Grocer
- Fire Department Open House: Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.