FORT MCMURRAY — Fire Prevention Week runs Oct. 4 to 10 this year, with a focus on the growing fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and the devices people charge every day.
The 2026 theme is “Charge Into Fire Safety. Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” highlighting simple habits that can reduce the risk of battery fires in homes and communities.
Locally, Fire Inspector Balducci will join several library programs during the week to talk with children and families about safe charging.
Balducci will take part in Kid Create and the Fiero Coding Club on Oct. 4, followed by Techy Kids and Techy Tweens on Oct. 7.
The National Fire Protection Association says safe charging starts with using products that meet recognized safety standards and using the charger supplied with a device or one approved by the manufacturer.
The organization warns cheap or off-brand chargers may not meet the same standards and can damage batteries or increase the risk of fire.
Devices should also be charged on hard, flat surfaces such as tables, desks or bare floors.
Beds, couches and pillows can trap heat and block airflow around a device while it is charging, increasing the risk of overheating.
People are also advised to stop using a device if the battery becomes very hot, begins to swell, smells unusual, leaks, smokes or makes popping or hissing sounds.
Fully charged devices should be unplugged rather than left connected unnecessarily, as continued charging can increase heat and stress on the battery.
Larger battery-powered items, including e-bikes, scooters and power tools, should be charged outside when possible.
The NFPA also advises people not to block exits while charging those devices because larger batteries store more energy and a fire can grow quickly if a battery fails.
For air travel, charging devices should remain visible and passengers should alert flight crews if a device becomes unusually hot, begins swelling, smokes or develops a strange smell.
The NFPA says working smoke alarms and a home fire escape plan remain important parts of household fire safety.
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