This week is Fire Prevention Week, and the theme is, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”. The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) and the National Fire Protection Association would like to remind you to charge into fire safety with 3 simple steps:

  • When purchasing any product powered by lithium-ion batteries, always look for safety certification marks such as UL, ETL, or CSA to ensure it meets important safety standards.
  • Charge devices safely by using only the cords and chargers provided or approved by the manufacturer, following all instructions, placing devices on hard surfaces, and unplugging or removing the battery once fully charged to avoid overheating.
  • Finally, recycle batteries responsibly- never throw them in the trash or regular recycling bins, as they can spark fires. Instead, take used devices and batteries to a safe recycling location. To find a drop-off spot near you, visit call2recycle.org.

The SFMO is dedicated to helping all residents of Washington State to Charge into Fire Safety™.