Each October, Fire Prevention Week raises awareness about fire safety across North America. From October 5–11, 2025, the focus will be on a timely theme: “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” This year’s campaign encourages Canadians to look closely at the devices they charge daily and learn how to buy smart, charge safely, and recycle responsibly to reduce fire risks at home and at work.
Powering Everyday Life Safely
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are now essential to modern living. They power our phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, and even e-bikes. But with that convenience comes a serious safety concern.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), improper charging, physical damage, or using low-quality or counterfeit batteries can cause overheating and, in extreme cases, explosions or fires. Fire Prevention Week 2025 is all about helping Canadians understand these risks and take practical steps to prevent them.
1. Buy Smart
When purchasing new electronics or replacement batteries, look for recognized safety certifications such as CSA, UL, or ETL. Avoid cheap knock-offs or uncertified products—they often lack the built-in protections that prevent overheating or short circuits.
Tip: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Counterfeit chargers and batteries can fail without warning, turning a simple recharge into a dangerous situation.
2. Charge Safely
Always use the charger designed for your device. Avoid charging on soft surfaces like beds or couches, which can trap heat, and never leave devices charging unattended or overnight.
Once a device reaches 100%, unplug it to prevent overcharging. Regularly check your batteries for any signs of swelling, discoloration, or damage—and replace them immediately if you notice anything unusual.
Pro tip: Store chargers and devices in well-ventilated areas and away from flammable materials such as bedding, curtains, or paper.
3. Recycle Responsibly
Lithium-ion batteries should never be thrown in household garbage or blue bins. When crushed or punctured, they can ignite and start fires during transport or sorting.
Instead, use a certified recycling program such as Call2Recycle Canada, which offers convenient drop-off locations at major retailers and local depots. Recycling keeps harmful materials out of landfills and prevents avoidable fires.
A Growing Concern Across Canada
Fire departments nationwide—from Ontario to British Columbia—are seeing an increase in fires linked to lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes, scooters, tools, and personal devices. These incidents often happen during charging and can spread quickly if flammable materials are nearby.
The good news? Most of these fires are preventable. Simple habits—like charging during waking hours, using certified products, and keeping batteries cool and dry—can make a big difference in preventing tragedy.
How to Get Involved
Fire Prevention Week is an opportunity to refresh your household or workplace fire safety routine:
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Review and practice your fire escape plan.
- Check fire extinguishers and replace expired ones.
Local fire departments often host open houses, demonstrations, and educational events during Fire Prevention Week. Businesses and community groups can also participate by promoting safe charging practices, organizing recycling drives for old batteries, or sharing safety tips on social media.
Fire Safety for a Modern World
The 2025 theme—“Charge into Fire Safety™”—reminds us that today’s fire risks aren’t just about open flames or cooking hazards; they’re also about the technology we use daily.
By choosing certified products, charging devices safely, and recycling old batteries responsibly, we can all help prevent fires and protect our homes, families, and communities.
This October, take a moment to review your home’s safety—and if you’d like to strengthen your protection further, consider upgrading to a monitored smoke and CO detection system from Security ONE. With 24/7 monitoring and smart alerts, you’ll have peace of mind knowing help is always within reach.
📞 Call 1-800-265-5317 to learn more about protecting your home this Fire Prevention Month.
