RDEK Fire Departments Urge Residents to Power Up Their Devices with Fire Safety in Mind

RDEK Fire Departments are teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to support Fire Prevention Week, beginning on October 4^th. This year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on the simple steps people can take to recharge safely. Safe charging means making smart choices every time you plug in.

“Many devices used in our daily lives - phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes, and scooters—run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store a lot of energy in a small space. If they are damaged or charged the wrong way, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode,” says Elk Valley & South Country Rural Fire and Rescue Service Acting Chief, Ben Goertzen.

Important safety tips to keep in mind:

• Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer.
• Charge devices on a table, desk, or other hard, flat surface. Do not charge them on beds, couches, or under pillows.
• Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, is smoking, or has a strange smell.
• Unplug your device when it is fully charged.
• Charge larger items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside and away from exits. 
• When on a plane, keep your device where you can see it while charging.

“The way you charge your lithium-ion battery devices can make a difference in helping prevent home fires,” says Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Service Chief, Drew Sinclair. “It comes down to using simple habits each time you plug in.”

To learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, visit www.fpw.org.

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