Fire Prevention Week is October 5 - 11 

This year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”

NEW CITY, NY, - The Rockland County Department of Health is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association, the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ for more than 100 years, to promote this year’s campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” The campaign highlights the importance of buying, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries safely.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, almost all rechargeable devices today use lithium batteries. 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.  

“Devices that use lithium-ion batteries must be used with care and safely charged. It is important to recognize the warning signs of potential failure, as this type of battery can easily overheat, fail, and start a fire. It is important to know what devices you may use that contain lithium-ion batteries. Although convenient, reliable, and have a long-life cycle, we must recognize them as a powerful source of energy that comes with a potential inherent risk,” said Christopher Kear, Fire Coordinator and Director of the Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services.

Follow these key "Charge into Fire Safety" tips and guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association:

Buy only listed products:

• When purchasing a product that utilizes a lithium-ion battery, take the time to research it thoroughly. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab 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, purchase 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 on fire.
• Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location.  This is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org/ to find a recycling spot near you.

The Rockland County Department of Health’s Healthy Neighborhoods Program (HNP)will be partnering again with the Rockland County YMCA After School Program, where children will learn about fire prevention by creating artwork that reflects this year’s theme – “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Rockland County’s HNP offers home visits to identify health and safety issues in the home for eligible residents, including low-income residents, seniors, and at-risk families, and discuss fire safety, carbon monoxide safety, and cooking safety,  as well as provide free products (as supplies last) to help address these issues, such as smoke alarms (including smoke alarms for those who are hard of hearing) and carbon monoxide alarms.  For more information, call 845-364-3290.

“Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility, and teaching children early helps build lifelong habits that can save lives. Getting children involved in fire prevention and preparedness goes a long way in keeping everyone safe,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit http://fpw.org. For fire safety fun for kids, visit www.sparky.org.

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