DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — The Houston County Health Department is joining agencies nationwide in recognizing Fire Prevention Week, observed Oct. 5–11, with this year’s theme: “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”
The campaign aims to educate residents on how to safely use lithium-ion batteries, which are common in everyday items such as smartphones, e-bikes, and power tools. Officials are urging the public to remember three key steps: buy, charge, and recycle safely.
Buy only listed products. When purchasing items that use lithium-ion batteries, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA—indicating the product meets key safety standards.
Charge devices safely. Always use the manufacturer’s cords and chargers, follow all provided instructions, and avoid overcharging. Devices should be charged on a hard surface and unplugged or powered down once fully charged.
Recycle batteries responsibly. Lithium-ion batteries should never be thrown into household trash or standard recycling bins, as they pose a fire hazard. Instead, batteries and devices should be taken to a designated recycling location. Safe disposal sites can be found at call2recycle.org.
Fire Prevention Week™ is an annual public safety campaign sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to raise awareness about fire hazards and promote preventive practices in homes and communities.
