County of Brant Fire Highlights Battery Safety During Fire Prevention Week

This Fire Prevention Week, October 4 to 10, the County of Brant Fire Department is joining the National Fire Prevention Association® (NFPA®) in highlighting this year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower”, This campaign is reminding residents to take a closer look at how they charge and use their battery-powered devices.

From the phone beside your bed to the power tools in your garage, rechargeable batteries are everywhere. While these devices make life more convenient, lithium-ion batteries can become dangerous if they are damaged or used, charged or stored incorrectly. They can overheat, catch fire and, in some cases, explode.

“Lithium-ion batteries are convenient and are used in so many of the products we rely on every day,” says County of Brant Fire Chief Darren Watson. “It is important to understand that these batteries can become a serious fire hazard when they are damaged, improperly charged or not used as intended. Taking a few simple precautions can help keep your home and family safe.”

Residents are encouraged to keep the following safety tips in mind when charging and using battery-powered devices:

• Buy products with a safety certification mark. When buying a product with a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety mark such as UL, ETL or CSA. This means the product has been tested to meet safety standards. Be cautious when purchasing unfamiliar or unbranded products, particularly online.
• Choose the proper charger. Always use the charger and charging cable supplied with your device or one specifically approved by the manufacturer. The wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
• Charge safely and watch for warning signs. Charge your device on a hard, flat surface, like a table or desk. Don’t charge it on a bed, couch or under a pillow. Stop using it if it gets very hot, swells, smells strange or starts smoking. Once a device has reached a full charge, unplug it and follow the charging recommendations provided by the manufacturer.
• Be extra careful with larger batteries. E-bikes, e-scooters and power tools have larger batteries that store more energy. Charge them in a safe location away from anything that could catch fire and keep exits clear.
• Dispose of batteries properly. Do not put lithium-ion batteries in your garbage or regular recycling. Visit brant.ca/garbage to find out where you can safely dispose of batteries.

Fire Prevention Week in the County of Brant

Fire Prevention Week is an opportunity to take a closer look at everyday activities that can help reduce the risk of fire.

The County of Brant Fire Department will be sharing fire safety information throughout Fire Prevention Week and encourages residents to follow along on social media for tips, reminders and information from the Fire Prevention team.

Residents can also learn more about Fire Prevention Week and battery safety at www.fpw.org.

A few extra minutes of attention when charging a device can make a difference. Charge safely, know the warning signs and help keep your home fire safe.

To learn more about Fire Services in the County of Brant, visit www.brant.ca/Fire.