National Fire Prevention Week to Focus on Lithium-Ion Batteries

(KNSI) — This is National Fire Prevention Week, and the theme for the event is Charge Into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.

St. Cloud Fire Marshal Brian Kiffmeyer explains rechargeable batteries power our modern lives, but they also present serious fire hazards. “Lithium ion batteries are in everything we have in our homes and they have been the cause of many house fires. Most of them happen when the batteries have been damaged and or charging at the same time.”

This marks the first time the batteries have been spotlighted during the annual fire safety campaign. Most rechargeable electronics these days are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which store a lot of power in a small space. The batteries can overheat, catch fire or explode if overcharged or damaged. Learning how to safely buy, charge and recycle them can help prevent a tragedy.

On Wednesday, October 8th, the community is invited to the fire hall at 1201 University Drive Southeast to meet the men and women who staff it. The open house runs from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. The event will feature demonstrations, station tours, a children’s fun house with water spray activities, and free batteries, refreshments and cookies. The Red Cross will also be on hand, distributing safety items.

National Fire Prevention Week was established in 1922 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, which started on October 8th, 1871. Several hundred people were killed, and the blaze destroyed over 17,000 structures. More than 100,000 people were left homeless.

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