The Lake Havasu City Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote Fire Prevention Week, scheduled from October 4 through October 10, 2026. This year's campaign, titled “Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” aims to educate residents on practical steps to safely charge lithium-ion battery-powered devices and help prevent home fires. The NFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for over a century, highlighting the long-standing importance of fire safety education.
Lithium-ion batteries are integral to many rechargeable devices used daily by residents, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, e-scooters, and children's toys. While these batteries offer significant convenience, they can present a considerable fire risk if they are damaged, misused, or charged improperly. Understanding these risks is crucial for maintaining household safety.
Gina Gutierrez, Public Education Specialist, emphasized the impact of these practices. She noted that "Safe charging really can be a superpower when it comes to preventing fires." Gutierrez further explained that seemingly minor habits, such as using the correct charger, charging devices on a hard, flat surface, and unplugging them when fully charged, can significantly enhance the safety of homes and families. The campaign seeks to empower residents with the knowledge to make these safer choices consistently.
The Lake Havasu City Fire Department specifically advises residents to always use the charging cord that originally came with a device or one explicitly approved by the manufacturer. This simple step helps ensure compatibility and proper power delivery. Furthermore, devices should be charged on hard, flat surfaces that allow heat to dissipate effectively. Charging devices on soft surfaces such as beds, couches, pillows, or other textiles can trap heat, increasing the risk of overheating and potential fire.
Residents are also urged to remain vigilant for warning signs while their devices are charging. If a battery or the device itself becomes unusually hot, begins to swell, changes shape, emits a strange odor, or displays any other indicators of damage, its use should be immediately discontinued. Damaged batteries and devices carry a heightened risk of overheating, which can lead to a fire or even an explosion, posing a serious threat to occupants and property.
Larger lithium-ion battery-powered devices, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, require additional precautionary measures due to their greater energy capacity. When feasible, the Fire Department recommends charging these devices outside the home and strategically positioning them away from exits. This precaution ensures that in the event of a fire, potential escape routes are not obstructed, allowing for safe evacuation. Once any device is fully charged, residents are encouraged to unplug it rather than allowing it to remain continuously connected to a charger.
Integrating safe charging practices into everyday routines is a key message from the Fire Department. Residents are encouraged to make these practices habitual and to ensure that all members of the household understand how to properly charge and care for rechargeable devices. This collective awareness and adherence to safety guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of battery-related fires within the community.
Lake Havasu City first responders are dedicated to reducing the incidence of fires through a comprehensive approach encompassing prevention strategies, ongoing safety education, and proactive community outreach efforts. Through this year's Fire Prevention Week campaign, the Fire Department reiterates its encouragement for all residents to recognize the personal power they hold to make a safer choice every time they connect a device to a charger.