The theme for Fire Prevention Week™, October 5–11, 2025, is “Charge into
Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”
The Chattanooga Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire
Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention
Week™ (FPW™) for more than 100 years — to promote this year’s FPW campaign,
“Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” It
highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion
batteries safely.
Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones,
tablets, power tools, lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, e-bikes,
e-scooters, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by
lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses
this type of battery.
If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat,
start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, look around your
home, it’s important to know which devices are powered by them.
“Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about
everywhere,” said Senior Firefighter Allen Green, the CFD’s Fire & Life
Safety Educator. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people
understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent
fires in your home and to follow the ‘Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely’
approach.”
The presence of lithium-ion batteries in many household devices introduces
unique fire risks. The NFPA reports an increase in battery-related fires,
underscoring the need for public education on the safe use of lithium-ion
batteries. Residents should follow three key calls to action: Buy only
listed products, charge batteries safely, and recycle them responsibly to
prevent battery-related fires.
Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small space, and
improper use such as overcharging, using off-brand chargers without safety
certification, or exposing batteries to damage can result in fire or
explosion. The proper disposal and recycling of lithium-ion batteries help
prevent environmental hazards and reduce fire risks in the home and
community.
Buy only listed products.
-When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to
research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on
the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety
standards.
-Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and
could increase the risk of fire.
Charge devices safely.
-Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the
instructions from the manufacturer.
-If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the
manufacturer has approved.
-Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a
bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
-Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s
fully charged.
Recycle batteries responsibly.
-Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins
because they could catch fire.
-Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is
the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling
spot near you.
The Chattanooga Fire Department is hosting a Fire Prevention Week Kick-Off
event in support of this year’s FPW campaign. It will be held Saturday,
October 4, 2025 from 1-3 PM at the Salvation Army’s East Lake Corps,
located at 2140 East 28th Street.
Follow @ChattFireDept on social media for the latest on Fire Prevention
Week and for other life-saving tips. For more information about Fire
Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.
Let’s use, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely to reduce the
risk of fires in Chattanooga!
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