AUSTIN (KXAN) — Folks at Travis County Emergency Services District 12 (TCESD12) are leading the charge to promote Fire Prevention Week in October. It’s a joint safety campaign put on by Travis County’s 12 Emergency Services Districts.
This year’s theme, chosen by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), focuses on lithium-ion battery safety.
Lithium-ion batteries are one of the most convenient ways to keep everyday items charged. It’s how many of us charge phones, laptops, electric cars and power tools.
However, first responders caution about the potential risks associated with everyday battery use, particularly when batteries are overcharged, damaged, or improperly disposed of.
Kassidy Buth, public information officer for District 12, said the batteries are widely used because they’re user-friendly.
“We all know how to charge our phone and plug our laptop into the outlet, and then it’s just ready for us whenever we’re ready to use it,” Buth said. “But most people don’t realize that as advanced and fun as those things are, lithium-ion batteries still have a fire danger to them.”
So, what can you do to lower the risks of lithium battery fires in your home?
TCESD12 has four tips to reduce fire incidents:
- Only use the charger that came with your device.
- Don’t charge your device near an exit.
- Never charge your battery on beds, pillows, or couches.
- Don’t leave your device charging overnight.
“We all live closer to fire danger than we even realize,” Buth said. “It’s something that always needs to be thought about. But, really needs to be focused on.”
According to the NFPA, they do not have data yet on the number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries because it is a newer technology.
“We do know from reporting (news stories, anecdotally from municipalities, etc.) that there has been an increase in these types of fires, which is why it’s the focus of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign,” a spokesperson for NFPA said.
Fire Prevention Week runs from October 5-11.
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