Fire Prevention Week focuses on lithium-ion battery safety

Fire Prevention Week, held from October 4 to 10, is being observed across North America with a central focus on the theme ‘Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.’ This year’s campaign emphasizes the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries found in smartphones, laptops, e-bikes, and other rechargeable devices. Safety organizations, including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the American Red Cross, and the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), are urging the public to use manufacturer-approved chargers, avoid charging on soft surfaces like beds or couches, and unplug devices once fully charged.

In addition to battery safety, officials are highlighting traditional fire hazards. Cooking remains a leading cause of home fires, particularly during holiday seasons. Public safety experts recommend never leaving cooking unattended and maintaining functional smoke alarms on every level of the home. In various regions, fire departments are conducting community outreach, such as door-to-door smoke alarm checks in Milwaukee and school visits in Canada and the northern United States, to promote escape planning and early detection.