Get Ready for Fire Prevention Week!

Fire Prevention Week (FPW) is October 5-11, and this year's theme is "Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home." The theme works to educate everyone about how important it is to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE safely when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.

The 2025 year’s focus on lithium-ion batteries works to better educate the public about how to buy, charge, and dispose of them safely.

Most of the electronics in our homes — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. If not used correctly or damaged, they can overheat and start a fire or explode. “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” provides the information, guidance, and resources needed to use lithium-ion batteries with caution and care.

“Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “Making sure the public knows how to handle them safely is critical to minimizing the potential risks they present.”

The three key messages that support “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” include:

• BUY only listed products

When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets established safety standards.

Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.

• CHARGE devices safely

Always use the cables that come with the product to charge it. Also, charge the device in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.

Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.

Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

• DISPOSE OF/RECYCLE batteries responsibly

Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.

Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit www.call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.