Fort Knox, Ky. — Every year, Fort Knox brings fire prevention to the forefront of safety during Fire Prevention Month in October.
This year in accordance with the National Fire Prevention Association theme “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” The Fort Knox Fire Department is focusing on lithium-ion battery charging safety during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10.
According to association officials, many devices– phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes, scooters and more – run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store high amounts of energy. If damaged or charged incorrectly, these small devices can overheat and become fire hazards.
Officials said the campaign’s goal is to better educate the public about how to safely use, store and recharge lithium-ion powered devices to help minimize risks.
The following key messages support this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme:
- Use the cord and charger that came with your device or ones approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase fire risk.
- Charge devices on a table, desk or other hard, flat surface. Do not charge them on beds, couches or under pillows. Devices and chargers produce heat during normal charging. Soft surfaces can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause the battery to overheat.
- Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, is smoking or has a strange smell. These are warning signs that the battery may be damaged or failing.
- Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Leaving a device plugged in too long can increase heat and stress on the battery.
- Charge larger items like e-bikes, scooters and power tools outside and away from exterior walls. These batteries are larger and store more energy. If they fail, fires can grow quickly and spread.
Editor’s note: To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, visit https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week. Additional Fire Prevention Week resources for children, caregivers and educators can be found at https://sparkyschoolhouse.org/.
Fort Knox Fire Prevention Week events and learning opportunities include:
- Static displays for viewing at the Main Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Oct. 5
- Static displays for viewing at U.S. Army Human Resources Command from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7
- Portable Fire Extinguisher Training at Bldg. #4555 from 12:15 to 2:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9 – interested parties may call 270-272-5612 for more details.
Visit Fort Knox News at www.army.mil/knox for all of Central Kentucky's latest military news and information.
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