Ellis County Fire Marshal’s Office recognizes Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5-12
The Ellis County Fire Marshal’s Office is joining forces with the National Fire Protection Association, the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 100 years, to raise awareness during this year’s campaign: “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Fire Prevention Week runs Oct. 5-12.
Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices people use every day, from smartphones, tablets, and laptops to e-cigarettes, power tools, headphones, and even children’s toys. While these batteries are powerful and convenient, if damaged or misused, they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode.
“Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and found in almost every home,” said Tim Birdwell, Ellis County fire marshal. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is about helping people understand how to use these batteries safely, by following the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach to reduce the risk of fire.”
The Buy, Charge, Recycle Safely Approach
Buy Smart
• Purchase only products that show a mark from a nationally recognized testing lab, ensuring they meet safety standards.
• Be cautious of products sold online or in stores that may not meet these standards.
Charge Safely
• Use only the charging cables and adapters provided by the manufacturer.
• Replace chargers only with manufacturer-approved options.
• Charge on hard surfaces — never on beds, couches, or under pillows.
• Unplug devices when fully charged to prevent overheating.
Recycle Responsibly
• Never dispose of lithium-ion batteries in household trash or standard recycling bins, they can ignite.
• Take batteries to an authorized recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a safe drop-off site nearby.
The Ellis County Fire Marshal’s Office encourages everyone to look around their homes and identify devices powered by lithium-ion batteries, follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach, and support this year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety.”
For details about Fire Prevention Week activities in Ellis County, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 972-825-5555 or reach out to your local fire department. More resources are available at fpw.org.
