Fire Prevention Week stresses safety when buying, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries

St. Catharines Fire Services is reminding residents of the importance of fire safety when using lithium-ion batteries found in smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, headphones, toys and more.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign theme ─ “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” ─ aims to educate everyone on the critical importance of safely buying, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries.

Fire Prevention Week begins this Sunday, Oct. 5 and runs through Oct. 11.

“This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” is timely and important,” said St. Catharines Fire Chief Dave Upper. “As we all increasingly rely on rechargeable devices ─ whether e-bikes, phones, laptops, power tools, even scooters ─ we need to be aware of the hidden fire risks lithium-ion batteries can pose when not used or charged properly.”

Chief Upper urged everyone to be mindful of and adopt three main calls to action to ensure lithium-ion battery safety.

“Before buying any items that use lithium-ion batteries, check for a symbol from a nationally recognized testing laboratory that certifies it meets safety standards,” Chief Upper said. “Charge lithium-ion products safely using the charging cord and equipment provided by the manufacturer and unplug it once it’s fully charged. And never place lithium-ion batteries in household garbage or regular recycling bins as they can easily ignite.”

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign provides further guidance related to buying, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries.

Buy only listed products.

• Check the packaging and lithium-ion battery product for the logo of a qualified testing laboratory, such as UL / ULC or CSA, which means it meets real safety standards. Only buy products listed by a qualified testing laboratory.

Charge devices safely.

• Follow manufacturer instructions for charging devices. Only use batteries and charging cords designed and approved by the manufacturer. Unplug the device when it reaches a 100 per cent charge. Never charge a device under your pillow, or on your bed or couch.

Recycle batteries responsibly.

• Batteries are hazardous household waste and should not be placed in a Garbage Bin, Blue Bin or Green Bin; they could start a fire. Drop off used batteries for free at your local Niagara Region recycling depot or nearby store for disposal.

Again this year, Fire Services is extending its traditional week-long campaign throughout the month of October.

Residents can come out to these Fire Services’ events this month:

• Sunday, Oct. 5: Niagara IceDogs’ game

See Sparky the Fire Dog and the Niagara IceDogs’ mascot Bones rappel from the ceiling as the IceDogs host the Barrie Colts at 2 p.m. at the Meridian Centre, 1 David S. Howes Way. Fire Prevention officers will be there to educate and promote fire safety around lithium-ion batteries.

• Wednesday, Oct. 8: Niagara Pen Centre

Stop by and chat with our Fire Prevention Team at Niagara Pen Centre, 221 Glendale Ave.

• Saturday, Oct. 18: Pumpkinville

Fire Services will be at Pumpkinville from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a fire truck promoting fire safety at Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm, 650 Read Rd.

Fire Services will also be partnering with Brock University to educate students on lithium-ion battery safety in their residences and rentals.

Visit stcatharines.ca/FirePreventionWeek for more information on safety tips when using lithium-ion batteries.