Fire officials urge lithium-ion battery safety ahead of National Fire Prevention Week

This year’s National Fire Prevention Week will focus on an increasingly relevant issue: lithium-ion battery safety. These rechargeable batteries power many devices we use daily — smartphones, tablets, laptops, e-bikes, power tools, and toys — and while convenient, they also pose fire risks when misused.

Metro ServicesThis year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign emphasizes the critical importance of safely using lithium-ion batteries to help prevent fires in our homes.

CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – This year’s National Fire Prevention Week will focus on an increasingly relevant issue: lithium-ion battery safety. These rechargeable batteries power many devices we use daily — smartphones, tablets, laptops, e-bikes, power tools, and toys — and while convenient, they also pose fire risks when misused.

“This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign emphasizes the critical importance of safely using lithium-ion batteries to help prevent fires in our homes,” said Acting Illinois State Fire Marshal Allen Reyne. “By following the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach, we can reduce risks and protect our communities.”

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) offers several key safety tips for battery use:

Purchase only batteries listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
Stop charging once the battery is full.
Use only the charger supplied with your device or one recommended by the manufacturer.
Stop using any battery that smells odd, feels hot, makes popping noises, or shows visible damage.
Have all repairs completed by qualified professionals.

For more information and resources, visit nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week.