The Arlington County Fire Department is urging residents to stay vigilant and educate themselves about risks associated with lithium-ion batteries during Fire Prevention Week.
This year’s safety campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety,” focuses on the possibility of rechargeable batteries overheating, starting fires or even exploding if people treat them improperly or dispose of them the right way.
This has happened multiple times in Arlington over the last few years. This spring, for instance, an e-scooter’s lithium-ion batteries were named as the likely cause of a fire at a Bluemont apartment building.
“Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere,” Fire Chief David Povlitz said.
ACFD and the National Fire Protection Association are encouraging people to double-check the sourcing of products that contain lithium-ion batteries, which include everything from smartphones and tablets to power and lawn tools.
“When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it,” the department advises. “Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.”
After buying a product, ACFD encourages consumers to avoid off-market chargers, avoid charging devices on pillows or on soft surfaces like beds or couches, and avoid overcharging devices by unplugging them when they reach full battery.
When the time comes to dispose of a lithium-ion battery, the fire department warns against throwing them in the trash or in regular recycling bins, where they could catch fire. Instead, people should take their batteries to a household hazardous waste center or leave them in the red battery disposal boxes outside most Arlington County firehouses.
“We use lithium batteries every day,” ACFD Capt. Rob Bowen told ARLnow. “It’s important that you’re charging them safely and disposing of them at the appropriate site. That’s kind of my bottom line.”
Fire Prevention Week began yesterday (Sunday) and runs through Saturday, Oct. 11. On Saturday, ACFD plans to host a free open house at all of its firehouses from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Visitors will have the chance to meet local first responders, see where firefighters live and train, use a fire hose and see the inside of an ambulance, Bowen said.
More ACFD guidance on proper handling of lithium-ion batteries is below.
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,” said Fire Chief David Povlitz. 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.
- Recycle your device or non-alkaline batteries at a household hazardous waste center, or in a red battery disposal box outside of most Arlington County firehouses.
The Arlington County Fire Department encourages all residents to be aware of their devices, follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach, and support this year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™.”
