The St. John's Regional Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) - the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week^TM (FPW^TM) for more than 100 years-to promote this year's FPW campaign, "Charge into Fire Safety^TM: 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. 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 label from a nationally recognized testing lab, such as ULC, on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important 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 cables 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.ca to find a recycling spot near you.

The SJRFD encourages all residents to be aware of their devices, follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach, and support this year's FPW theme, "Charge into Fire Safety™."

Fire Prevention Week Events

The SJRFD Fire Department is hosting a series of events in support of this year's FPW campaign, including:

Open House:

• There will be an open house at West End Fire Station, 215 Blackmarsh Road on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
• Come meet Sparky the Fire Dog!
• Try a VR fire extinguisher simulator!
• Use a fire hose!
• Fire safety games!
• There will be various types of firefighting equipment on display for the general public.
• This will also provide a great opportunity for citizens to meet and speak to our Firefighters and Fire Prevention Staff who will be happy to provide any safety tips.

Fire Prevention Display Booth:

• Located at the Avalon Mall from October 6 - 11
• Hours are as follows:
  • Monday, October 6: 2:00 pm - 8:30 pm
  • Tuesday, October 7: 2:00 pm - 8:30 pm
  • Wednesday, October 8: 2:00 pm - 8:30 pm
  • Thursday, October 9: 2:00 pm - 8:30 pm
  • Friday, October 10: 2:00 pm - 8:30 pm
  • Saturday, October 11: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
• Fire safety information brochures are available, and Fire Prevention Staff will be there to answer all your safety questions.

School Visits and Fire Drills:

• Members of the SJRFD will be visiting schools in the region and talking with kids about fire safety as well as conducting and evaluating school fire drills.

Fire Chief for a Day:

• Children between the ages of seven and twelve years of age (Grades 4,5 & 6) are eligible to enter the "Fire Prevention Week Poster Contest." To enter, children must create an 8 ½ x 11 posters, using the theme "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home."

Completed entries can be dropped off October 6 to 10, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 8:30 pm, and October 11, 2025, from 10:00 to 2:00 pm at the Fire Prevention Booth located in the Avalon Mall, near Winners. You can also bring them to the St. John's Regional Fire Department Administration Office (entrance off Parade Street) between the hours of 9:30 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, before October 24, 2025. Please ensure that the child's name, school, age and telephone number are placed on the back of the poster.

To find out more about FPW programs and activities, please contact the St. John's Regional Fire Department at [email protected]. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit the Fire Prevention Week website.