City Urges Residents to Know the Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries ›

For Fire Prevention Week, St. Albert Fire Services is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) - the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ for more than 100 years - to promote this year's Fire Prevention Week campaign, "Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home." It highlights how important it is to buy, charge and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day - smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones and toys, to name just a few - are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that's rechargeable uses this type of battery.

If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, look around your home - it's important to know which devices are powered by them. "Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they're just about everywhere," said Mike Bos, Fire Marshal. "This year's Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge and Recycle Safely approach."

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 important safety standards.
• Some products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.

Charge devices safely.

• Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
• 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.

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 call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
• St. Albert Fire Services encourages all residents to be aware of their devices, follow the Buy, Charge and Recycle Safely approach, and support this year's Fire Prevention Week theme, "Charge into Fire Safety™."

St. Albert Fire Services will be at the St. Albert Farmers' Market on Saturday, October 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 5 St. Anne Street. The Fire Marshal and Fire Prevention Officers look forward to talking about lithium-ion battery safety and fire prevention. Be sure to stop by their booth to pick up a free battery storage box and ask all your questions.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.

For helpful fire prevention strategies for in and around your home, visit stalbert.ca/fire-prevention.

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