Power Up Safely During Fire Prevention Week

Beaumont Fire Services is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association^® (NFPA^®) to support Fire Prevention Week, which is October 4-10 this year. This year’s theme is Charge into fire safety: Safe charging is a superpower. The theme focuses on simple steps residents can take to recharge devices and batteries safely.  

Many devices used each day, like phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, toys and mobility devices, 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 explode. 

“The way you charge your lithium-ion battery devices can make a big difference in protecting your home and preventing fires,” says Jay Melvin, Fire Chief for Beaumont Fire Services. “It comes down to being mindful and keeping simple habits in mind each time you plug in.” 

To help spread awareness for fire prevention, Beaumont Fire Services is hosting a Fire Prevention Open House on Saturday, October 3 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Beaumont Fire Hall. All residents are welcome to come enjoy free, family-friendly fun and a barbecue while meeting the local heroes who protect our community. 

Fire prevention starts with you 

Here are some ways residents can help protect their homes and property from lithium-ion battery fires: 

• Use the cord or charger that came from your device or one that is approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can cause battery damage and fire risk. 
• Charge devices on a hard, flat surface, like a table or desk. Never charge them on soft services, like a couch or a bed. Soft surfaces traps heat and blocks airflow, which can cause the battery to overheat. 
• Stop using a device if it becomes very hot, starts to swell, is smoking or has a strange smell. These can be warning signs that your battery is damaged or failing. 
• Unplug devices once they are fully charged. Leaving a device plugged in too long once it’s charged can cause it to overheat. 
• Charge larger items like power tools and e-bikes outside and away from home exits. These batteries are larger, store more energy and can cause fires to grow quickly. 
• Keep your device with you on planes when it’s charging, and do not charge devices in overhead or luggage compartments. If the battery overheats, crews need to be able to respond quickly to avoid fires. 

To learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, follow Beaumont Fire Services on Facebook and Instagram for daily safety tips during Fire Prevention Week or visit the Fire Prevention Week website.