Fire Prevention Week: Charge into fire safety
October 5 to 11 is Fire Prevention Week. This year, the focus is on lithium-ion batteries and how important it is to store, charge and recycle safely:
Store batteries correctly
- Keep batteries at room temperature and away from moisture.
Charge devices safely
- Always use the cords that came with the product to charge.
- Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
- Charge your device on a hard surface and don’t overcharge.
- Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
Recycle batteries responsibly
- Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the garbage or regular recycling because they could start a fire.
- Recycle your device or battery at a recycling station such as St. Michael Landfill.
Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home Tip Sheet
Lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy in a small place. These batteries can overheat, start a fire, or explode if overcharged or damaged. By learning how to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE these batteries safely, you can help prevent a fire in your home.
TIP SHEET
Lithium-ion battery fires are becoming increasingly common in Canada. These fires are often caused by improper charging or mishandling of batteries and are notoriously difficult to extinguish.
To help raise awareness and promote safe battery use, Health Canada in collaboration with Transport Canada, has developed educational materials. To learn more about lithium-ion batteries visit: Battery safety: Lithium-ion batteries. See additional posters under Resources.
Fire Safety Tips:
1. Install Smoke Alarms
Ensure smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly, and replace batteries at least once a year.
2. Plan and Practice Your Escape
Create a home fire escape plan with two exits from each room. Practice your fire drill twice a year with your family and make sure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
3. Stay in the Kitchen
Stay in the kitchen while cooking. If you must leave, turn off the stove to avoid accidental fires. Keep flammable items, such as towels and paper, away from the stove.
4. Space Heaters & Candles
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from space heaters, and never leave candles unattended. Always extinguish them before leaving the room.
5. Fire Extinguishers
Keep a fire extinguisher in an accessible location. Make sure family members know where it is and how to use it safely. In case of a small fire, knowing how to react quickly can prevent it from spreading.
Did you know?
- Fire spreads fast! You may only have two minutes to escape safely from a home fire.
- Half of all home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11:00 pm and 7:00 am.
Be Prepared:
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Install carbon monoxide detectors in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.
Know Your Resources
Lamont County Emergency Services is here to help. For fire safety inspections or questions, contact us at 780-895-2233.
Stay Connected:
Sign up for Lamont County Alerts to receive emergency notifications and updates directly to your phone. Fire safety isn’t just a one-time effort — it’s a year-round priority.
Learn More:
For more detailed fire safety information and resources, see the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website.