From smartphones to power tools, lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices people use on a daily basis. But when those batteries are damaged damaged or improperly handled, they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode.
That risk is the focus of this year’s Fire Prevention Week, set for Oct. 5-11. The National Fire Protection Association, sponsor of the annual campaign for more than 100 years now, announced the 2025 theme as “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”
“Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of outreach and advocacy. “Making sure the public knows how to use them safely is critical to minimizing the potential risks they pose.”
While most devices powered by lithium-ion batteries operate safely, NFPA said fires and explosions involving the batteries have been rising in recent years. The weeklong campaign will provide tips and resources for buying, charging, and recycling batteries more safely.
Among the NFPA’s key recommendations:
- Buy carefully: Choose products with a mark from a recognized testing laboratory, signaling they meet safety standards.
- Charge correctly: Use the cables and chargers provided by the manufacturer, avoid charging devices on beds or couches, and unplug once the device is fully charged.
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Recycle responsibly. Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash; instead, bring them to safe recycling locations, such as those listed at call2recycle.org.
- Recycle responsibly: Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash; instead, bring them to safe recycling locations, such as those listed here.
Fire Prevention Week, the oldest U.S. public health observance, is marked each October across North America. Local fire departments, schools, and community groups use the campaign to share practical fire safety tips and prevention strategies.
