Public Safety, Rockville Reports

Charge Smart, Stay Safe: Rockville to Mark Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 5-11 with the theme of “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” The National Fire Protection Association and the City of Rockville’s Fire Marshal’s Office are reminding the community how important it is to buy, charge and recycle safely when it comes to lithiumion batteries.

Remember: Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards. Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge.

Follow instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge the device. Unplug it or remove the battery when fully charged. Recycle batteries responsibly.

Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins. They could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot nearby.

Visit rockvillemd.gov/firemarshal to learn more about Rockville’s fire marshal.