Every year, NES recognizes Fire Prevention Week, an initiative by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) to raise awareness and help protect homes and families. Did you know that installing reliable detection systems and being proactive are crucial steps to keeping your loved ones safe from fire or carbon monoxide emergencies?
- Almost 3 of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
- Carbon monoxide is a leading cause of accidental poisoning in the US.
- Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of cooking fires.
- A fire department responds to a fire every 24 seconds in America.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week, celebrated from October 5–11, focuses on the theme “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home!” The campaign aims to educate everyone on the safe use of these batteries. It emphasizes the importance of using lithium-ion batteries correctly to prevent fires, with a simple message: Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely.
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.
For more than 100 years, Fire Prevention Week has worked to educate people about the risk of home fires and ways to minimize them. Local fire departments, schools and community organizations play a key role in bringing Fire Prevention Week to life in their communities each year and spreading basic but critical fire safety messages.
To learn more about fire prevention, click here.
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