Fire Prevention Month 2025: Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home

It’s that time of year again when Central County Fire Department honors National Fire Prevention Week during the entire month of October.

Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire – the tragic October 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres. Fire Departments all over the United States use the month of October to teach the community how to be fire-safe. Each year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) designates a campaign theme.

This year’s theme is, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” which is about learning how to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE these batteries safely so you can help prevent a fire in your home.

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.

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.

Buy only listed products.

  • When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. 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 cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
  • If you need a new charger, buy 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 fire.
  • Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
  • For more information about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, see below and visit fpw.org.

Click on a box below to get started!