Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association has sponsored Fire Prevention Week™, the longest-running public health observance in the United States. President Calvin Coolidge officially recognized FPW in 1925, and it is now a cornerstone of national fire safety education– mobilizing educators, fire departments, and communities to minimize fire-related injuries and fatalities through public outreach.
With a focus on safer lithium-ion battery use, this year's theme, "Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home," highlights the significance of appropriate battery-powered device purchasing, handling, charging, and recycling. The Fire Safety Research Institute, part of UL Research Institutes, will take the lead in lowering the rising danger of lithium-ion battery incidents by providing timely, practical advice to the public and the fire service.
FSRI is expanding its Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety campaign to provide the general public and firefighters with preventative and protective techniques for reducing the danger of lithium-ion battery fires and explosions. In its first year, the campaign centered on micro-mobility devices. In year two, it expanded to include consumer electronics powered by lithium-ion batteries. Now, in its third year, the campaign will build on previous momentum by reminding the public to Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety, at home, as well as including battery safety messaging for people on-the-go.
Building on this phase of the Take C.H.A.R.G.E. campaign, this year's Fire Prevention Week will feature new instructional toolkits designed to help the fire service strengthen local outreach efforts around battery safety. Expanded materials are now available. These toolkits include the following to help the fire service support local outreach:
- Battery safety fact sheets
- Battery safety infographic
- Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety door hangers
- Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety stickers
- Fire safety magnets
“Lithium-ion battery-powered devices surround us, and while most devices are safe, they can become a fire hazard if not handled correctly,” said Nicole Sanders, public education lead, at the Fire Safety Research Institute. "Managing the fire risk of lithium-ion batteries requires us to work together to Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of battery safety.”
—Nicole Sanders, public education lead, Fire Safety Research Institute
To learn more about how you can Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety this fire prevention week, visit the campaign website for more resources.
