The Janesville Fire Department, in close collaboration with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), is gearing up for Fire Prevention Week™. Slated for October 5 to 11, the focus this year zeroes in on the ubiquity and potential hazards of lithium-ion batteries with a campaign titled "Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home," according to the City of Janesville.
With lithium-ion batteries becoming increasingly common in many personal electronics, Janesville Fire Marshal Nathan Simmons stresses the importance of proper handling. He notes that these batteries are powerful and widely used, highlighting the campaign's focus on safe purchasing, charging, and recycling to prevent fire risks in homes. The message serves as a reminder that everyday devices, if not handled correctly, can pose serious dangers.
As smartphones, tablets, and laptops become essential in daily life, the Janesville Fire Department highlights important guidelines to reduce the risk of fires caused by batteries. Consumers are encouraged to buy only products that are certified and carry approval from nationally recognized testing laboratories, ensuring they meet vital safety standards. Since many devices on the market may not meet these requirements, the risk of fire increases.
Charging electronic devices comes with potential risks, but following a few basic safety practices can significantly reduce the danger. "Always use the cables that came with the product to charge it," and "Charge your device on a hard surface" are pieces of advice from the Department's safety tips, as noted in the city's announcement.
Moreover, the safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries is not just an environmental concern, but also a safety imperative. The City’s website guides residents to suitable e-waste acceptance locations while emphasizing that batteries shouldn't be tossed into the trash or regular recycling bins to avoid the peril of fires. Recycling spots can further be discovered through the call2recycle.org initiative, ensuring batteries are handled with care post-consumption.
Additional fire safety information is available at fpw.org and sparky.org. The Janesville Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau is also available to assist and can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by phone at (608) 755-3056.
