Kindersley Fire Department kicks off Fire Prevention Week with safe charging message
KINDERSLEY – The Kindersley Fire Department kicked off Fire Prevention Week with an open house on Saturday, Oct. 3. The event ran from 4 to 7 p.m. and included a barbecue, activities, hall tours and information packets for attendees.
The department has teamed up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to support Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 4 to 10. This year's theme, "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower," focuses on simple steps people can take to recharge safely.
Many everyday devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes and scooters, run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries store a lot of energy in a small space. If they are damaged or charged the wrong way, they can overheat, start a fire or even explode.
"The way you charge your lithium-ion battery devices can make a difference in helping prevent home fires," said Selena Edmunds, public education officer with the Kindersley Fire Department. "It comes down to using simple habits each time you plug in."
The department offers the following safe charging tips:
Use the cord and charger that came with your device, or one approved by the manufacturer. The wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
Charge devices on a table, desk or other hard, flat surface, not on beds, couches or under pillows. Devices and chargers produce heat during normal charging, and soft surfaces can trap that heat and block airflow.
Stop using a device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, smokes or has a strange smell. These are warning signs the battery may be damaged or failing.
Unplug devices once they are fully charged. Leaving them plugged in longer than needed adds heat and stress to the battery.
Charge larger items such as e-bikes, scooters and power tools outside and away from exits. These batteries store more energy, and if they fail, fires can grow and spread quickly.
On a plane, keep your device where you can see it while charging. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments, and do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on board. If a battery overheats or fails, the flight crew needs to respond quickly.
Fire Prevention Week activities continue through the week. Department members will visit story time at the Kindersley Library on Tuesday, Oct. 6, to read books and give a fire truck tour. A colouring contest also runs all week. Contest pages are available for pickup at the Kindersley Library and are being handed out to students at local schools, with entry instructions included.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week programs in Kindersley, contact the Kindersley Fire Department at firepubed@kindersley.ca. To learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.