Marquette Fire Department urges residents to ‘Charge into Fire Safety’
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MARQUETTE -- As Fire Prevention Week approaches, the Marquette City Fire Department is reminding residents that a simple everyday task -- charging a phone, laptop, tool or other electronic device -- can carry fire risks if not done safely.
This year's Fire Prevention Week, observed Oct. 4-10, centers on the theme "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower." The Marquette City Fire Department is joining the National Fire Protection Association in promoting safe charging practices for rechargeable devices.
"The way you charge your lithium-ion battery devices can make a difference in helping prevent home fires," said Ian Davis, Marquette fire chief. "It comes down to using simple habits each time you plug in."
Many common household products, including phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, toys, e-bikes and scooters, rely on lithium-ion batteries. The batteries store a significant amount of energy in a small space. But when damaged or improperly charged, they can overheat and potentially cause a fire or explosion.
Fire officials recommend using the charging cord and power adapter that came with a device or one approved by its manufacturer. An incompatible charger can damage a battery and increase the risk of fire. Devices should also be charged on hard, flat surfaces such as tables or desks. Fire officials advise against charging devices on beds, couches or under pillows because soft materials can trap heat and restrict airflow.
Residents should stop using a device if it becomes unusually hot, begins to swell, produces smoke or develops an unusual odor. Those signs can indicate a damaged or failing battery.
The department also recommends unplugging devices once they are fully charged rather than leaving them connected longer than necessary.
Special care should be taken with larger battery-powered items, including e-bikes, scooters and power tools. Fire officials recommend charging these devices outdoors and away from exits because their larger batteries store more energy and a battery failure can result in a rapidly growing fire.
Travelers should take precautions as well. When charging a device aboard an airplane, passengers should keep it where they can see it and should never charge devices in overhead compartments. E-cigarettes and vapes should not be charged on an airplane.
The Marquette City Fire Department will also host events as part of this year's Fire Prevention Week campaign. A firetruck static display is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, followed by a parade at 12:30 p.m. The static display has a rain date of Oct. 10.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week programs in Marquette, contact the Marquette City Fire Department at 906-225-8936.