Fire Prevention Week - 2025

During this Fire Prevention Week, October 5 - 11, 2025, Cambridge Fire reminds everyone to Practice Safety when using Lithium-Ion Powered Devices and Lithium-Ion Batteries!

The National Fire Protection Association's theme for Fire Prevention Week 2025 is "Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home." This year's focus on lithium-ion batteries works to educate everyone about how to buy, charge, and dispose of them safely.

Most of the electronics in our homes - smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, electric toothbrushes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few - are powered by lithium-ion batteries. If not used correctly or if damaged, they can overheat and start a fire or explode. "Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home" provides the information, guidance, and resources needed to use lithium-ion batteries with caution and care.

"Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they're just about everywhere," said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. "Making sure the public knows how to handle them safely is critical to minimizing the potential risks they present."

"Fire Prevention Week is the time of year to refocus on your home fire safety," says Cambridge Acting Fire Chief Thomas Cahill. "Lithium-Ion powered devices are in use every day. Use them safely for their intended purposes and always follow the manufacturer's instructions."

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 (such as UL or ETL) 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 cord & charger 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.
• It's never a good idea to use a cheap "knockoff" battery, cord, or charger.
• 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

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

• If the battery overheats or starts to disfigure, unplug it and safely remove it to the outside if possible.
• If the device or battery starts to release smoke or burn, call 911 from a safe area.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week 2025 and this year's theme, "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home," visit fpw.org . Additional Fire Prevention Week resources for children, caregivers, and educators can be found at sparky.org and sparkyschoolhouse.org .

For additional information about Lithium-Ion Battery Safety in MA, go to: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/lithium-ion-battery-safety or contact the Cambridge Fire Prevention Bureau at 617-349-4921.