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CSFA Community Risk Reduction
October is National Fire Prevention Month
In the quiet hum of a modern home, danger sometimes hides in plain sight. It’s not the flicker of a candle or the forgotten stove burner, it’s the lithium-ion battery powering your phone, your e-bike, your child’s toy. This years Fire Prevention Week, communities across the country are sounding the alarm on a new frontier of fire safety. The theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™”, urges families to rethink how they buy, charge, and recycle the batteries that fuel everyday life.
Charge into Fire Safety: 3 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.
“Fire Prevention Week isn’t just about avoiding tragedy, It’s about building habits that protect what matters most.”
Full NFPA Source with additional information for your community binged.it/4gNej74
Editor’s note: California State Firefighters Association is honored to help your agency with Community Risk Reduction articles for you to use for your agency’s social media, press releases to local media, cable tv, or presentations to community organizations etc. These articles are intended to reduce fires, accidents, and injuries by sharing these within your community. This week’s article is designated for Flashflood Safety during our summer monsoon months. This article and its content can be used at your discretion at any time you feel is appropriate for your community. Do you need other resources for Community Risk Reduction, or do you have questions on how to best use these resources? Feel free to contact [email protected]
Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale. He is Director at Large with the California State Firefighters Association, Associate Director for the California Training Officers Association and a consultant for www.Lexipol.com