Governor Laura Kelly officially proclaimed October 5-11, as Fire Prevention Week in Kansas. Kansas State Fire Marshal (KSFM) and fire service agencies across the state are teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) for more than 100 years — to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” It highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.
“This Fire Prevention week, we’re charging into fire safety by reminding Kansans that lithium-ion batteries power our lives, but they must be handled with care to keep our homes and families safe,” said Mark Engholm, Kansas Fire Marshal “Safe use of lithium-ion batteries is one more way we keep our communities strong and protected.”
Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.
If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, look around your home — it’s important to know which devices are powered by them. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach.
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 important 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 cables that came with the product to charge it. Follow instructions from the manufacturer.
If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one 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.
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 call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
KSFM encourages all residents to be aware of their devices, follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach, and support this year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™.”
For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and fire prevention in general, visit fpw.org.
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