MTFD holding Fire Prevention Week open house

Jeff Mann, Captain, Manchester Township Fire Department

The Manchester Township Fire Department located at 275 South Macomb Street is hosting an open house on Sunday, October 11 from 1pm to 3pm to promote “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” simple steps people can take to recharge safely.

Many devices used in our daily lives – phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes, and scooters—run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store a lot of energy in a small space. If they are damaged or charged the wrong way, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode.

Use these simple habits each time you plug in:

• Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
• Charge devices on a table, desk, or other hard, flat surface. Do not charge them on beds, couches, or under pillows. Devices and chargers produce heat during normal charging. Soft surfaces can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause the battery to overheat.
• Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, is smoking, or has a strange smell. These are warning signs that the battery may be damaged or failing.
• Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Do not leave it plugged in longer than needed, that can increase heat and stress on the battery.
• Charge larger items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside and away from exits.  These batteries are larger and store more energy. If they fail, fires can grow quickly and spread.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit www.fpw.org.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.