Escambia County Fire Rescue Observes National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 4-10

Escambia County Fire Rescue invites residents to join in observing National Fire Prevention Week 2026, which runs from Oct. 4-10. This year's theme is "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower," focusing on everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires.

Everyday electronics, including smartphones, power tools, laptops, and toys, use lithium-ion batteries. If damaged or used incorrectly, these batteries can overheat, catch fire, or explode. Safe charging habits can help prevent battery fires.

Safe Ways to Charge

• It's important to charge your devices on a hard, flat surface, such as a table, desk, or floor. Devices and chargers generate heat while they are charging.
• Soft surfaces, such as beds, pillows, and couches, can trap that heat and block airflow, which can cause a battery to overheat.
• Power tools, e-bikes, and other large outdoor devices should be charged outside when possible. These batteries are larger and store more energy, which can lead to larger fires if a battery fails.

Buy and Use Tested Products

• Use the cord and charger that's approved by the device's manufacturer.
• Cheap or off-brand chargers may not meet important safety standards and could become fire hazards in your home.
• Look for a mark from a nationally recognized testing laboratory on the packaging and product. This means the item has met established safety standards.
• Nationally recognized testing laboratories include UL, ETL, or CSA.

Signs to Unplug

• When a device is fully charged, unplug it. Leaving a device plugged in can increase stress on the battery and the chances of it overheating.
• If you notice your device swelling, smoking, or smelling strange, immediately stop using it.

Disposing of or Recycling Old Batteries

• Lithium-ion batteries need to be recycled at a safe battery recycling location. You can find a nearby recycling location by visiting Call2Recycle.org.

The National Fire Protection Association has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week since 1922. According to the National Archives and Records Administration's Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest-running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation declaring a national observance during that week every year since 1925. Visit firepreventionweek.org for more safety information.