National Fire Prevention Week

Every October, National Fire Prevention Week provides an opportunity to learn something new, review home safety, and reduce fire risks. This year, October 5-11 is National Fire Prevention Week, and the NFPA theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”  As a trusted name in chimney services, Twin City is committed to helping our community protect their home, family, and property.

Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Are in the Spotlight

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere and we may not even know it. They’re in phones, tablets, e-bikes, electric tools, portable chargers, and more. They are popular for their convenience and power, but they can unfortunately also pose serious fire hazards if not handled properly. Defective or damaged batteries, improper charging practices, or using the wrong charger can lead to overheating, short circuits, or thermal runaway. 

Because these batteries store so much energy, fires involving them can spread fast, generate very high heat, and produce toxic smoke. Because of all of this, NFPA thinks it’s a good topic to cover for Fire Prevention Week 2025. We will help by sharing some safe use, storage, charging, and disposal tips. 

What You Can Do: 5 Key Safety Tips

At Twin City, we believe that fire safety is something every household can learn about. Here are some simple, actionable steps to help reduce the risk of battery-related fires:

1. Use the Right Battery & Charger
   Always use the charger designed for your device. Mismatched voltage or incompatible chargers can overload a battery. Also avoid modifications or cheap chargers that may not be the safest.
2. Protect Batteries from Physical Damage
   Don’t drop or crush batteries. Punctured battery casings or bent cells can lead to short circuits. Store devices in places where they won’t get stepped on, crushed in bags, or struck by other objects.
3. Watch How You Charge
   Avoid overcharging. As tempting as it may be, don’t charge lithium-ion batteries overnight. This unattended charging could be a recipe for disaster. Also make sure to avoid flammable materials (bedding, curtains). Keep charging devices on hard, flat, non-combustible surfaces.
4. Keep Batteries Cool
   Heat is one of the worst enemies of lithium-ion batteries. Don’t leave devices in hot cars or near heat sources. Proper ventilation helps keep batteries cool.
5. Dispose of Batteries Properly
   Do not throw lithium-ion batteries into your regular trash. Follow local guidelines for recycling or take them to appropriate hazardous waste or electronics collection sites. 

Twin City’s Role: Supporting Fire Prevention

“Charge into Fire Safety” is a call to action for households too. As lithium-ion batteries become more common in everyday life, understanding how to use them safely is vital. A few preventative steps can make a big difference. During Fire Prevention Week, Twin City encourages every person to take inventory of battery-powered devices in their home, check for damage, ensure safe charging practices, and plan for proper disposal. Together, we can reduce risk and protect what matters most. 

While it is Fire Prevention Week, it’s also a great time to make sure your fireplace or stove is in good shape for the winter ahead. Make sure to call Twin City if you’re the need of any service.