From Phones to Power Tools: St. Marys Fire Department Urges Residents to Know the Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries this Fire Prevention Week
October 5 to 11, 2025 is Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”.
The St. Marys Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® to promote 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.
“Everyday devices in our homes, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, power tools, lawn equipment and toys, often rely on lithium-ion batteries. Almost anything that can be recharged uses this type of battery. If they are damaged or handled improperly, these batteries can overheat and may cause a fire or even explode,” says St. Marys Fire Chief Phil West.
Key messages for this year’s Fire Prevention Week include the following:
- 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.
- Always use the cables that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
- Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch.
- Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
- 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. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
The St. Marys Fire Department has organized a variety of events for Fire Prevention Week:
· Fire Truck Visit and Swag Bag Booth: October 9, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Your Independent Grocer
· Fire Department Open House: October 11, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Look for the ad in this week’s paper for full details about these events!
For more information on Fire Prevention Week 2025, visit fpw.org. Additional Fire Prevention Week resources for children, caregivers, and educators can be found at sparky.org and sparkyschoolhouse.org.
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For media inquiries:
Phil West, Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief
519-284-2340, ext. 201 | pwest@town.stmarys.on.ca