Reno Fire Department Promotes National Fire Prevention Week from October 5-11

In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week from October 5-11, the Reno Fire Department (RFD), in partnership with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is raising awareness about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and ways to minimize them.

The theme of this year's campaign, "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home," works to educate everyone about using these types of batteries safely. The campaign stresses how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle safely when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.

"I want to make sure our community is informed and prepared when it comes to the risks of lithium-ion battery fires," said Ward 4 Councilmember Meghan Ebert. "It's important that we all take responsibility and stay up to date on best practices. By doing our part, we can help reduce the risk of these types of fires."

Nationally, there have been a growing number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries that power micromobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters, smaller electronics such as cell phones and laptops, and electric vehicles.

According to RFD, firefighters have responded to at least nine reported fires related to lithium-ion batteries since 2017. It's important to note that most battery fires go unreported, as homeowners or individuals often extinguish them before they escalate into major incidents.

"In our daily lives, we rely on many battery-operated devices, from small cellphone batteries to electric bikes and scooters, which can pose a fire risk if not handled properly," said Reno Fire Marshal John Beck. "That's why it is so important to understand how to charge, store, and dispose of them safely."

RFD recommends these tips when buying, charging, storing, and using lithium-ion batteries to help prevent fires:

• Only purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly.
• Use charging equipment that is only compatible with your device. To be safe, use only the charging equipment that is supplied with your device.
• Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.
• Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycling is always the best option. Take the batteries to a battery recycling location or contact your local waste department for disposal instructions.
• Stop using your device if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odor, excessive heat, popping sounds, swelling, or change in color.
• Only have device repairs performed by a qualified professional.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.

To learn more about fire safety, including home and seasonal safety tips, visit the Reno Fire Department's Fire Prevention page.