During this year’s Fire Prevention Week, running Sunday, October 5, through tomorrow, October 11, Newton County Fire Services is warning residents about the hidden dangers of lithium-ion batteries, which power many of the gadgets found throughout homes. The organization, alongside the National Fire Protection Association, is drawing attention to the theme "Charge into Fire Safety; Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home," instructing locals on the proper way to handle these power sources that energize our daily digital existence, from smartphones to lawn equipment, according to official news released by Newton County.
Lithium-ion batteries are inarguably convenient but can become dangerous under certain conditions such as incorrect use or if they suffer damage and there's a simple principle to curb the associated risks: Buy, Charge and Recycle Safely, so says James Franklin, Newton County's Fire Safety Educator, in their recent campaign, with a spotlight on purchasing listed items that sport a stamp from a recognized testing lab to avoid any mishaps that could spell fiery disaster.
The County advises residents to follow simple but important charging practices: use only original cords and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, place devices on hard surfaces instead of soft bedding or couches, and unplug once fully charged. Franklin also emphasizes proper battery disposal, cautioning against throwing lithium-ion batteries in regular trash and recommending safe recycling through facilities listed at call2recycle.org.
As Fire Prevention Week concludes in Newton County, residents are urged to stay aware of the devices in their homes. Residents wanting to catch up on Fire Prevention Week's programs or seek further lithium-ion battery safety instruction can reach out to James Franklin through the contact number provided or visit fpw.org for additional insights as highlighted by Newton County announcement.
