From Phones to Power Tools: Hillsborough Fire District Urges Residents to Know the Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries this Fire Prevention Week

The theme for Fire Prevention Week™, October 5–11, 2025, is “Charge into Fire Safety™:
Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”

The Hillsborough Fire District is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association ®
(NFPA ® ) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) for more than 100 years —
to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your
Home.” It highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.
Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn
tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — 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. To reduce these risks, look around your home — it’s important to know which devices
are powered by them. Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about
everywhere. 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.
 When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a
stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which
means that it meets important safety standards.
 Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could
increase the risk of fire.

Charge devices safely.
 Always use the cables that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions
from the manufacturer.
 If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer
has approved.
 Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a
couch. This could cause a fire.
 Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
Recycle batteries responsibly.
 Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could
catch fire.
 Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to
dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

The Hillsborough Fire Distrct encourages all residents to be aware of their devices, follow the
Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach, and support this year’s FPW theme, “Charge into
Fire Safety™.”

To find out more about FPW programs and activities in Hillsborough Township, please contact
the Hillsborough Fire District at 908-271-5140. For more information about Fire Prevention
Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.