The Norfolk County Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to promote Fire Prevention Week.
This year’s campaign is called “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower” and focuses on preventing fires involving lithium-ion batteries.
Fire officials are reminding residents that everyday choices when charging phones, laptops, e-bikes, scooters, power tools and other devices can help prevent battery fires.
Residents are encouraged to use the charger and cord that came with their device, or one approved by the manufacturer, rather than using cheap or incompatible chargers.
Devices should be charged on a hard, flat surface such as a table, desk or bare floor, rather than on soft surfaces.
Fire officials also recommend unplugging devices once they are fully charged.
Larger items such as e-bikes, scooters and power tools should be charged outside when possible, and charging equipment should never block an exit.
Residents are also being reminded to stop using a device if it becomes unusually hot, starts to swell, smells strange, leaks, smokes or makes popping or hissing sounds.
The campaign also includes a reminder for air travellers to keep devices where they can see them while charging on a plane. E-cigarettes and vapes should not be charged on board, and passengers should alert a flight attendant if they notice a problem with a device.
The Norfolk County Fire Department says making smart choices every time a device is plugged in can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires.
