“Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”

The Euless Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) for more than 100 years, 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.

Lithium-ion batteries power most of the electronics we use in our homes. These include smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys. In fact, most everything that is rechargeable uses this type of battery.

If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, look around your home to know which devices are powered by them. Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient and they are just about everywhere. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach.

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 important 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. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
• 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.
• Do not overcharge your device. Unplug the device from the charger when it’s fully charged.

Recycle batteries responsibly

• Do not throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or curbside recycling bins because they could catch fire.
• Recycle your lithium-ion batteries at a safe battery recycling location, like Crud Day, which is on Saturday, November 1.

The Euless Fire Department encourages all residents to be aware of their devices, follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach, and support this year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™.” For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit www.fpw.org. Additional fire prevention resources for children, caregivers, and educators can be found at Sparky.org and SparkySchoolhouse.org.