Chambana Sun

This year’s Fire Prevention Week in Champaign will focus on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in homes. The campaign, titled “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” aims to inform residents about best practices for buying, charging, and recycling these batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries are found in many household electronics such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, power tools, headphones, and toys. Improper use or damage to these batteries can result in overheating, fires, or explosions. The campaign emphasizes three key safety steps: purchasing only listed products, charging devices safely, and recycling batteries responsibly.

Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen is scheduled to begin the week’s activities with a Mayoral Proclamation at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 5 at Fire Station 1 (307 S. Randolph Street). The event will include an Open House and Resource Fair. Additional opportunities to visit neighborhood fire stations and meet local firefighters will be available throughout the week. Residents are encouraged to check the City calendar for more details.

"Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home," works to educate everyone about using these batteries safely. The campaign stresses how important it is to Buy, Charge, and Recycle safely when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, headphones, and toys — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery. If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach.

• Buy only listed products.

• Charge devices safely.

• Recycle batteries responsibly.

Mayor Feinen will kick off the Fire Prevention Week activities in the City of Champaign at 1pm on Sunday, October 5 at Fire Station 1 (307 S. Randolph Street) with a Mayoral Proclamation followed by an Open House and Resource Fair. Throughout the week there will be opportunities to visit neighborhood fire stations and meet your neighborhood firefighters. Please visit the City calendar for additional information.