Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower! 
Fire Prevention Week 2026 (October 4–10) is all about the portable power in our pockets, tools, and homes. Lithium-ion batteries give us the convenience of long-lasting comfort, entertainment, and connection. However, that power comes with a trade-off. If these batteries are damaged, misused, or overcharged, they pose a significant fire risk.
When a lithium-ion battery fails, it can enter a dangerous state called Thermal Runaway. This is an uncontrollable chemical reaction where the battery rapidly heats up, expands, and consumes its own internal contents. If it catches fire, it can actually generate its own oxygen—creating a fast-moving, self-feeding fire that is incredibly difficult to put out.
Our goal isn’t to create worry, but to build awareness! You can protect your device, your home, and your family by using your charging “superpowers”:
• Match your gear. Always use the original cord and charger that came with your device, or a manufacturer-approved replacement with safety seals like UL.
• Give it air. Charge your devices on hard, flat surfaces like desks or tables. Avoid charging on soft surfaces like beds, couches, or under pillows, which trap heat.
• Don’t overdo it. Unplug your devices once they hit 100%. Avoid leaving items plugged in unattended or charging overnight.
• Watch for warning signs. Stop using a device immediately if it feels excessively hot, begins to swell or bloat, emits a strange smell, or starts smoking.
• Recycle responsibly. Never throw damaged or old lithium-ion batteries in the household trash. Store them safely away from metal and drop them off at a designated battery recycling location.
Let’s work together to spot the signs of damaged equipment and practice safe habits before a problem ever starts!
#FirePreventionWeek#ChargeIntoFire Safety #BatterySafety#westpulaskifire
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