MTFD to host Fire Prevention Week open house on Sunday

Image from MTFD Fire Prevention Week Open House flyer.

submitted by Jeff Mann, captain, the Manchester Township Fire Department

The Manchester Township Fire Department is hosting an open house on Sunday, October 12, from 1pm to 3pm to promote “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA® ) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) for more than 100 years — is promoting this year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” It highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power tools and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery. If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, look around your home — it’s important to know which devices are powered by them.

Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach.

Buy only listed products.
 When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.
 Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.

Charge devices safely.
 Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
 If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
 Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
 Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

Recycle batteries responsibly.
 Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
 Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery-recycling location is the best way to dispose of them.

Please be aware of your devices and follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach. The Manchester Township Fire Department is located at 275 S Macomb St. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit www.fpw.org.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.