Addressing lithium-ion battery risks and ways to minimize them…
September 29, 2025 – – – As the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ for more than 100 years, the National Fire Protection Association announces “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” as this year’s theme
Most of the electronics in our homes — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. However, if not used correctly or damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat and start a fire or explode. In response to these potential risks, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) – the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ for more than 100 years – has announced “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11, 2025.
“Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “Making sure the public knows how to use them safely is critical to minimizing the potential risks they pose.”
According to NFPA, devices powered by lithium-ion batteries are largely used without incident. However, reports of fires and explosions involving lithium-ion batteries have been on the rise in recent years, reinforcing the importance of better educating the public about how to use, handle, and recycle them safely.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” provides the information, guidance, and resources needed to buy, charge, and dispose of/recycle lithium-ion batteries safely, with a focus on the following messages:
BUY only listed products
- When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets established safety standards.
- Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.
CHARGE devices safely
- Always use the cables that come with the product to charge it. Also, charge the device in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
- Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
- Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
DISPOSE OF/RECYCLE batteries responsibly
- Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
- Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit www.call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
Fire Prevention Week is celebrated throughout North America every October and is the oldest U.S. public health observance on record. For more than 100 years, Fire Prevention Week has worked to educate people about the risk of home fires and ways to minimize them. Local fire departments, schools, and community organizations play a key role in bringing Fire Prevention Week to life in their communities each year and spreading basic but critical fire safety messages.
To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” visit fpw.org. Additional Fire Prevention Week resources for children, caregivers, and educators can be found at sparky.org and sparkyschoolhouse.org.
For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research, and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.
About Fire Prevention Week™
NFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ since 1922. According to the National Archives and Records Administration’s Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation declaring a national observance during that week every year since 1925. Visit www.firepreventionweek.org for more safety information.
About the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)
Founded in 1896, NFPA® is a global self-funded nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information, visit nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at nfpa.org/freeaccess.
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