Safe Charging is Focus of Fire Prevention Week

National Fire Prevention Week kicks off this Sunday, Oct. 4, with the theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower.”

The campaign focuses on everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer. The National Fire Protection Association offers these tips:

• Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer.

• Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk or bare floor.

• Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, smells strange, leaks, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds.

• Unplug your device when it’s fully charged.

• Charge large items like e-bikes, scooters and power tools outside when possible. Do not block exits when charging.

• When on a plane, keep devices where you can see them while charging. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane.