Safe Charging Is a Superpower! Fire Prevention Week theme stresses safety when buying, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries.

St. Catharines Fire Services is sharing a reminder with the community about the importance of 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: Safe Charging Is a Superpower! Plug in. Power up. Stay safe.” ─ aims to educate everyone on lithium-ion battery safety and safe charging practices, with the goal of bringing practical, easy-to-remember fire safety information directly into the community. Fire Prevention Week begins this Sunday, Oct. 4 and runs through Oct. 10.

“This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower” is timely and important,” said St. Catharines Fire Chief Dave Upper. “As we all increasingly rely on rechargeable devices such as, phones, laptops, and power tools, 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,” said Chief Upper. “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.

Only buy 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.

Fire Services will once again extend its traditional week-long campaign throughout the month of October. Residents can come out to the following Fire Services’ events this month:

Monday, October 5 – Kiwanis Aquatics Centre

4 to 8 p.m.

-       Interactive fire safety board

-       Fire Prevention Week Giveaways

-       Safe charging/ lithium-ion battery education

-       Community draw for IceDog tickets

Tuesday, October 6 – Seymour Hannah Arena

4 to 8 p.m.

-       Interactive fire safety board

-       Fire Prevention Week Giveaways

-       Safe charging/ lithium-ion battery education

-       Community draw for IceDog tickets

Wednesday, October 7 – Brock University

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

-       Interactive fire safety board

-       Giveaways

-       Safe charging and lithium-ion battery education

Thursday, October 8 - Niagara IceDogs Game

7 p.m.

-       Fire Prevention Week activation

-       Fire Prevention Week giveaways

-       Sparky and Bones rappel from the ceiling!

-       Community engagement and education

Saturday, Oct. 17: 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 www.stcatharines.ca for more information on safety tips when using lithium-ion batteries.