This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “Charge info Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.” Lithium-ion batteries are found in everyday items including smart phones, e-bikes, cordless vacuums, laptops and power tools, etc. While generally safe, these batteries can overheat, start a fire or even explode if damaged, overcharged or misused.
Tips to Stay Safe:
Buy Smart
Choose products with safety certification marks such as UL, ETL, or CSA. These indicate the product meets important safety standards.
Charge Safely
- Use the charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer
- Charge on a flat, hard surface
- Unplug your device when fully charged
- Charge large items (e-bikes, power tools, etc.) outside when possible
- Stop using devices if they get hot, swell up, smell strange, leak or smoke
- Keep charging devices in sight when possible
Recycle Right
Never toss lithium-ion batteries in the garbage or regular recycling bins – they can start fires. Visit Recycle Your Batteries Canada to find a drop-off location near you.
Bike & Battery Safety Rodeo
Visit The Shipyard Commons on Saturday, October 10 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for the North Vancouver City Fire Department's Bike & Battery Safety Rodeo. The BCAA Evolve E-Bike Share team, HUB Cycling and The Shipyards' own Reckless Bike Shop will be on site to showcase safe riding practices and proper battery charging. Stop by to test-ride an e-bike and test your skills on the custom obstacle course!
Learn more about Fire Prevention Week at the National Fire Protection Association website.
For fire safety tips and information, visit the City's Fire Safety and Prevention webpage.