From October 5 to 11, 2025 we recognize Fire Prevention Week™. This year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” works to educate everyone about using these batteries safely. The campaign stresses how important it is to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE safely when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.

Charge into Fire Safety: Three Steps

• 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.

This week is also an opportunity to share information about the importance of extinguishers and escape plans, as well as share fire safety tips such as:

• Develop escape plans that take everyone’s abilities into consideration and practice them regularly with everyone who lives in the home.
• Keep fire extinguishers in kitchens, basements, and garages, and know how to use them.
• Close doors at night to help slow the spread of fire and smoke.

Have questions or feedback? Contact Mēsha Richard, Lead, Emergency Preparedness via email at mesha.richard@tbh.net.

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