Prairie State Wire

The focus for this year's National Fire Prevention Week is on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries, which power many household electronics such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Acting Illinois State Fire Marshal Allen Reyne highlighted the importance of safely using these batteries to prevent fires in homes. He stated, "This year's Fire Prevention Week campaign emphasizes the critical importance of safely using lithium-ion batteries to help prevent fires in our homes." Reyne added that by following the "Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely" approach, risks can be reduced.

Reyne expressed anticipation about collaborating with partners to spread this safety message beyond Fire Prevention Week throughout the year. The goal is to foster a safer and more fire-resilient Illinois.

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) has provided several safety tips for using lithium-ion batteries. Consumers are advised to purchase only those batteries listed by nationally recognized testing laboratories and properly labeled. It is also important to stop charging once a battery is full and ensure compatibility between devices and charging equipment. If a battery shows signs of damage such as unusual odor or excessive heat, users should cease its use immediately.

Further details about Fire Prevention Week and additional resources can be accessed at https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week.