October is Fire Prevention Month
Fire Prevention Month is an annual observance in October dedicated to raising awareness about fire safety and preventing fires in homes and communities, commemorating the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Goals of Fire Prevention Month
- Focus: The campaign aims to provide the public with knowledge and guidance to handle lithium-ion batteries safely to prevent overheating, fires, and explosions.
- Relevance: With devices like smartphones, laptops, power tools, and toys increasingly powered by these batteries, the campaign addresses a critical need for public awareness.
- Key Message: The campaign promotes three messages; BUY only listed products, CHARGE them correctly, and RECYCLE them safely.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sponsors Fire Prevention WeekTM during the 2nd week of October, which has evolved into a month-long observance that focuses on educating the public on topics like smoke alarms, escape plans, safe cooking practices, with different themes chosen each year.
The NFPA’s theme for 2025 is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”
(Note: from this point on, this is additional info from what was included in the October 2025 Newsletter)
This year’s focus is on educating the public about the safe purchase, use, charging, and disposal of lithium- ion batteries, which power many common household devices but pose fire risks.
Key aspects of Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home:
- Focus: The campaign aims to provide the public with knowledge and guidance to handle lithium-ion batteries safely to prevent overheating, fires, and explosions.
- Relevance: With devices like smartphones, laptops, power tools, and toys increasingly powered by these batteries, the campaign addresses a critical need for public awareness.
- Key Message: The campaign promotes three messages; BUY only listed products, CHARGE them correctly, and RECYCLE them safely.
- Importance: The NFPA highlights that mishandled or damaged lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous, making public education on safe handling essential to minimize potential risks.
Our Fire Marshal addressed the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in his January 2024 tipsheet.
Information from the October 2025 Newsletter:
