Fire Prevention Week is observed each October and provides an opportunity to raise awareness about fire safety and help people learn how to prevent fires and stay safe. This year's theme, "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower," focuses on the safe use and charging of devices powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries found in many everyday devices, including cellphones, laptops, e-bikes, and power tools. While they are convenient and widely used, they can become dangerous if they are damaged or not used, charged, or stored properly. A damaged or overheated battery can catch fire, release dangerous gases, or even explode.

Follow these simple steps to help charge safely:

• Use the right charger. Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer.
• Charge on a hard, flat surface. Keep charging devices on a table, desk or bare floor. Avoid charging on beds, couches, pillows or other soft surfaces that can trap heat.
• Unplug when fully charged. Once your device is fully charged, unplug it.
• Charge tools and rides outside. Charge large items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside when possible. Do not block exits when charging.
• Know the warning signs. Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, smells strange, leaks, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds.

For more information, visit our Lithium-Ion Battery Safety webpage.