Fire Prevention Week Puts Spotlight on Lithium-Ion Battery Risks: Safety Guidelines and Local Events
As Fire Prevention Week began October 5, departments nationwide turned their attention to battery safety through October 11. The campaign “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” aims…
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As Fire Prevention Week began October 5, departments nationwide turned their attention to battery safety through October 11. The campaign "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home" aims to cut risks from these power units.
"Lithium-ion batteries are found in nearly every household. They store a large amount of energy in a small space, and if they are damaged, overheated, or charged incorrectly, they can fail violently," said Roswell Fire Chief Pabel Troche according to Yahoo News.
Fire teams now see more blazes starting from e-bikes and scooters than ever before.
"What we are really concerned about as a fire department is how they are disposed of at the end of their life. If not, it can lead to some very bad circumstances," said Durham Fire Chief Robert Zoldos per WRAL.
Safety experts push three key points: buy tested products with proper safety marks, use only the right chargers, and take old batteries to proper drop-off sites. Never charge items on beds or sofas - this warning comes straight from fire safety groups.
Since June, Durham's trash trucks caught fire twice due to tossed batteries. Raleigh saw about twelve such fires last year. Across the country, waste sites reported 245 fires from these batteries in seven years.
In Calabash, North Carolina, State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor pointed to an April house fire. The blaze started when devices charged through the night caught fire.
To spread the word, fire stations plan local meet-ups. Detroit will host three family events with shows, training, and games. Charleston started with trucks parading through streets on October 4.
Detroit's fire teams welcome folks on October 8 from 4-7 p.m. at Engine 54. Another event runs October 11, noon-3 p.m. at Kemeny Recreation Center. Both offer safety tips, CPR classes, and fun for kids.
"Fire safety is not only about how we respond during an emergency. It begins with the everyday choices we make at home and in the workplace," said Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson according to Yahoo News.
