This Fire Prevention Week, SFD reminds residents to ‘charge into safety’

Lisa Walter, G. Ankenmann, A. Rogerson, S. Knischewsky, A. Mix and S. Core of the Stratford Fire Department stand beside a fire engine at the Fire Station Number 2.

CONNOR LUCZKA, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Oct. 4-10 is Fire Prevention Week, a time when fire departments across North America remind the public how to improve their fire safety – and why it is so important. This year, like last, the Stratford Fire Department is asking residents to look at the devices they use in their daily lives: phones, tablets and laptops to name only a few.

Lithium-ion batteries, a core part of nearly all electronic devices in modern life, store high amounts of energy in a small space. If the batteries are damaged or charged incorrectly, they can overheat, start a fire or even explode.

According to the U.S.-based National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), which spearheads much of the awareness and research for Fire Prevention Week globally, an increasing number of lithium-ion battery fires and explosions reported by fire departments, news outlets and other sources underscores the potential hazards they present.

In Stratford, that data is not publicly available; however, Lisa Walter, fire prevention and safety educator with the fire department, told the Times lithium ion batteries have started fires in Stratford before – and they present unique dangers.

There are a few things she recommended, in order to prevent such dangers.

“We really want to focus on how we're taking care of charging our devices,” Walter said. “… If something feels hot that you're charging, you would stop using it. If it's making weird noises or smoking or smells kind of strange, then you would just stop using it, and you'd only want to use cords that are with the device to charge the device. And with recycling, you wouldn't want to throw your batteries in the garbage. You'd want to recycle them, and there are some places you can drop them off around you in Stratford.”

According to Walter, residents can find a drop off point at Stratford City Hall, the landfill on Romeo Street and either of the fire departments.

In addition, the NFPA are remind the public to:

Unplug a device when it is fully charged. Do not leave it plugged in longer than needed. Leaving a device plugged in too long 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.

When on a plane, keep your device where you can see it while charging. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to respond quickly.

Aside from safety precautions related to lithium ion batteries, Walter recommends a few other measures to better secure residents’ homes and families.

“We all want to make fire safety a priority,” Walter said. “So, being sure to have working smoke alarms and (carbon monoxide) detectors on every level of your home, which you need to test once a month by pressing the test button. Also, having a family escape plan in place, being prepared with that, and how to call 911 if there was an emergency. These three things I just mentioned are simple steps that can make a significant difference when it matters.”

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” visit fpw.org.