By Stephanie Maniaci, Director of Marketing
Fire Prevention Week has been recognized in the second week of October since 1925, when it was first officially proclaimed by President Calvin Coolidge to memorialize the Great Chicago Fire of 1911.
Since then, the National Fire Protection Association has been its international sponsor to raise awareness for fire safety around the world. As personal technology continues to evolve, lithium-ion battery fires are becoming increasingly common.
That’s why this year Fire Prevention Month is about “Charging Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower.”
Charging Into Fire Safety
The initiative focuses on how people can safely charge, handle, and use devices with lithium-ion batteries, and how to recognize the warning signs when a potentially dangerous situation is developing.
The real danger with lithium-ion batteries is thermal runaway, which occurs when a fire becomes self-sustaining. When lithium-ion batteries fail, they produce flammable gases and lots of heat, making them nearly impossible to extinguish.
That’s why as part of this year’s Fire Prevention Month, the NFPA has published guidelines for their safe use.
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Tips
According to the NFPA, there are six guidelines consumers should follow to mitigate any potential risks when using electronics that contain lithium-ion batteries.
The first is to ensure you use the correct charger for your device. Third-party chargers or cheaply made equipment can conduct the incorrect voltage into the battery, placing stress on the device and increasing the risk of failure.
The second is to make sure you charge your devices on a hard, level surface. Charging on uneven or soft surfaces can pose additional risks.
Third, avoid overcharging your device or leaving them on the charger unattended. Overcharging batteries is one of the most common causes of degradation, especially in the long term.
Fourth, larger devices or those using more energy, like e-scooters or power tools, should always be charged outside and away from entrances or exits. This is because these devices tend to have more potential energy for a fire if they do fail, and can block exits.
Fifth, don’t ignore warning signs. If your device is hot, starts to swell, leak, smoke, or emit a strong chemical smell, these can be indicators the battery is failing. Discontinue use and place the device in a safe place away from flammable materials.
Finally, these devices pose additional risks on flights, and as such, are required to be kept in carry-on bags so they can be monitored. Avoid charging devices like e-cigarettes on planes and inform staff of any potential issues immediately.
For more information on fire safety, and how the right fire detection systems can protect your business, schedule a consultation with one of our fire alarm specialists today.
