Fire Safety Starts at Home

Charge Into Fire Safety:

Montco Fire Companies Put Battery Safety in the Spotlight
Fire companies across Montgomery County, Pennsylvania are gearing up for Fire Prevention Week, with community events designed to make fire safety practical, hands on and family-friendly.

This year, one big focus is something nearly every household uses every day: lithium-ion batteries. Phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes and other rechargeable devices can create a serious fire risk when they’re damaged, improperly charged or thrown away incorrectly.

A few smart habits can lower that risk: use the charger or cord recommended for the device, charge on a hard, stable surface rather than a bed or couch, stop using batteries that are swollen, cracked, leaking or unusually hot, and never place lithium-ion batteries in household trash or curbside recycling. Instead, take them to an approved battery recycling location. The NFPA also recommends choosing products that carry certification from a nationally recognized testing laboratory. 

Local fire companies are using Fire Prevention Week as a chance to help Montgomery County families learn these safety habits before an emergency happens.

Source: National Fire Protection Association and local Montgomery County fire-prevention coverage