Fire Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility!

Knowing the top causes of fires is a good way to start learning how to prevent fires. Did you know that cooking is the number one cause of fires in the home? Heating, electrical, smoking and candles are also among the top five causes.

You can also help prevent fire damage and injury by ensuring your family is prepared for a fire emergency by developing a home fire escape plan, and installing and regularly inspecting both smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide detectors.

Fire Prevention Week, October 4 – 10

Charge Your batteries safely to Prevent Fires!

Rechargeable, lithium-ion batteries  power many devices found in your home. Use and charge lithium batteries properly to reduce the risk of fire.

Safe Charging is a Superpower

• Make smart choices every time you plug in. Safe charging habits can help prevent lithium-ion battery fires. Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the chance of fire. Cheap or no name brand chargers may not meet important safety standards. 

• Charge on a hard, flat surface. Devices and chargers create heat during normal charging. Soft surfaces like beds, pillows, and couches can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause a battery to overheat. 

• Always charge on a table, desk, or bare floor. Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, smells strange, leaks, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds. A damaged battery can overheat and start a fire.

• Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Leaving a device plugged in can increase heat and stress on the battery. 

• Charge large devises outdoors. Charge large items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside when possible. These batteries are larger and store more energy. Fires can grow quickly if the battery fails so do not block exits near large device where you are charging.

Visit coquitlam.ca/WasteWizard and use the Waste Wizard tool for recycling locations.