October kicks off Fire Prevention Month, but every month is a good one to practice fire safety.

This year's National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) theme is "Charge Into Fire Safety", highlighting the importance of battery safety in the home. Lithium batteries can be found in almost every household product we use. From electronics to appliances, we often don't think twice about the proper usage of these small-but-mighty batteries. 

When using Lithium Batteries, remember:

-Only purchase products with a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. These marks ensure products are meeting important safety standards.

-Only use the cords that came with the product or ones approved by the manufacturer.

-Charge devices on a hard surface & unplug when device is fully charged.

-Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins, as they can spark fires.

-Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you. 

Charge into Fire Safety this October!