St. Catharines Fire Services is urging residents to take care when buying, charging and disposing of lithium-ion batteries, as the city marks Fire Prevention Week from Oct. 4 to Oct. 10.
This year's campaign theme — “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower! Plug in. Power up. Stay safe.” — focuses on the batteries found in smartphones, laptops, power tools, lawn equipment, headphones, toys and many other household devices.
"This year's Fire Prevention Week theme, 'Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower' is timely and important," said St. Catharines Fire Chief Dave Upper in a city news release. "As we all increasingly rely on rechargeable devices such as, phones, laptops, and power tools, we need to be aware of the hidden fire risks lithium-ion batteries can pose when not used or charged properly."
Three simple safety steps
Chief Upper highlighted three main actions residents can take to reduce the risk of a lithium-ion battery fire.
"Before buying any items that use lithium-ion batteries, check for a symbol from a nationally recognized testing laboratory that certifies it meets safety standards," he told the City of St. Catharines. "Charge lithium-ion products safely using the charging cord and equipment provided by the manufacturer and unplug it once it's fully charged. And never place lithium-ion batteries in household garbage or regular recycling bins as they can easily ignite."
The city advises shoppers to look for the logo of a qualified testing laboratory, such as UL, ULC or CSA, on packaging and battery products before purchasing.
When charging, residents should follow manufacturer instructions, use only cords and batteries approved by the manufacturer, and unplug devices once they reach a full charge. Devices should never be charged under a pillow, or on a bed or couch.
Used batteries are hazardous household waste and should never go in the garbage, Blue Bin or Green Bin, where they could start a fire. Instead, residents can drop off old batteries free of charge at a Niagara Region recycling depot or at participating nearby stores.
Events throughout October
Fire Services is extending the usual week-long campaign through the entire month of October, with several community events planned.
Lithium-ion battery and safe charging education sessions are being held at the Kiwanis Aquatics Centre on Monday, Oct. 5, and at Seymour Hannah Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
On Thursday, Oct. 8, Fire Services will be at a Niagara IceDogs game, where mascots Sparky and Bones are set to rappel from the ceiling.
The department will also bring a fire truck to Pumpkinville at Happy Rolph's Animal Farm, 650 Read Rd., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to promote fire safety.
In addition, Fire Services is partnering with Brock University to teach students about lithium-ion battery safety in residences and rental housing.
More safety tips are available at www.stcatharines.ca.
