Fire Prevention Week to address lithium-ion battery risks and ways to minimize them

Most of the electronics in our homes — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries.

However, if not used correctly or damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat and start a fire or explode. In response to these potential risks, the National Fire Protection Association — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 100 years — has announced  “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5-11, 2025.

“Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “Making sure the public knows how to use them safely is critical to minimizing the potential risks they pose.”

According to NFPA, devices powered by lithium-ion batteries are largely used without incident. However, reports of fires and explosions involving lithium-ion batteries have been on the rise in recent years, reinforcing the importance of better educating the public about how to use, handle, and recycle them safely.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” provides the information, guidance, and resources needed to buy, charge, and dispose of/recycle lithium-ion batteries safely, with a focus on the following messages:

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 established 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 cables that come with the product to charge it. Also, charge the device in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• 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.

DISPOSE OF/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. Visit www.call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

Fire Prevention Week is celebrated throughout North America every October and is the oldest U.S. public health observance on record. For more than 100 years, Fire Prevention Week has worked to educate people about the risk of home fires and ways to minimize them. Local fire departments, schools, and community organizations play a key role in bringing Fire Prevention Week to life in their communities each year and spreading basic but critical fire safety messages.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” visit fpw.org. Additional Fire Prevention Week resources for children, caregivers, and educators can be found at sparky.org and sparkyschoolhouse.org.