It’s Fire Prevention Week™ from October 5th to 11th.
This year’s theme is Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.
The 2025 campaign focuses on a growing risk that Halifax Professional Fire Fighters say they are seeing in the HRM.
Lithium-ion batteries power many everyday items from phones to e-bikes, but the results can be dangerous when they fail.
The fire fighters’ union urges you to take a moment this week to check how you’re using and charging these devices safely.
Lithium-ion battery safety tips
The National Fire Protection Association offers these safety tips:
- Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
- Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
- Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
