From Phones to Power Tools: The Virginia Beach Fire Department Urges Residents to Know the Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries

The Virginia Beach Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)—the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) for more than 100 years—to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” It highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.

 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. “Lithium-ion batteries are powerful and convenient, and they’re just about everywhere,” stated Fire Chief Ken Pravetz.” This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach.

 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 cables that come 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.

o    Virginia Beach residents can properly dispose of their rechargeable batteries and devices at the city’s Landfill and Resource Recovery Center, located at 1989 Jake Sears Rd, the landfill is open Tuesday-Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Or visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling location near you.

 The Virginia Beach Fire Department encourages all residents to be aware of their devices, follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach, and support this year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™.”

 For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit https://www.vbfdlifesafety.com/lithium-ion-batteries or www.fpw.org.