| By Fire Prevention Team | |
| October 4, 2026 | |
| Fire Prevention Week 2026 takes place from October 4 through October 10. Day 1 of the Fire Prevention Safety Memo for the community highlights important information about lithium-ion battery safety. Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in many everyday devices, can catch fire if they are damaged, overheated, or charged improperly. Always use the charger that is specifically made for your device. Do not charge batteries while you are sleeping or if you are not there to supervise. Keep batteries away from heat sources and flammable materials. Do not use batteries that are swollen, cracked, leaking, or unusually hot. Lithium-ion batteries should not be disposed of in regular household trash. Instead, recycle them at approved battery recycling locations such as the Westchester County H-MRF Household Material Recovery Facility. Devices like electric scooters, e-bikes, hoverboards, and other rechargeable items can be a significant fire risk if their batteries or chargers are damaged or not used properly. To charge these devices safely, always use the charger recommended by the manufacturer. Plug the charger directly into a wall outlet and avoid overloaded power strips or extension cords. Do not charge devices while you are sleeping or away from your home. Keep charging devices away from exits, doorways, beds, couches, and other items that might catch fire. Use a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space for charging. Never use any batteries that are swollen, cracked, leaking, damaged, or too hot. If you see smoke, hear hissing or popping, or smell something strong from a charging device, leave the area right away and call 911. If you are concerned about a battery, stop using it and move away from the device. If a battery starts to smoke, spark, or burn, evacuate and call 911 immediately. The Montrose Fire District encourages everyone to prevent battery fires before they start. If you have questions or concerns about fire safety, please contact us at info@montrosefire.com. For emergencies, dial 911. Stay tuned for the Day 2 Safety Memo. |
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