October 04, 2026
The Chambersburg Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to recognize Fire Prevention Week™, October 4–10, 2026. This year’s theme,
“Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on the simple steps everyone can take to safely charge the devices we rely on every day.
Phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, toys, e-bikes, scooters, and many other devices are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries store a significant amount of energy in a small space. When batteries are damaged, improperly used, or charged with the wrong equipment, they can overheat and potentially cause a fire or explosion.
“Safe charging is something we can all practice every day,” said Fire Chief & EMS Director Dustin Ulrich. “Taking a few simple precautions when charging our devices can help reduce the risk of battery-related fires and keep our homes and families safe.”
The Chambersburg Fire Department encourages residents to follow these important safety tips:
- Use the right charger. Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one specifically approved by the manufacturer. Using an incompatible charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
- Charge on a hard, flat surface. Charge devices on a table, desk, or other hard surface where heat can dissipate. Avoid charging devices on beds, couches, under pillows, or other soft surfaces that can trap heat and restrict airflow.
- Know the warning signs. Stop using a device if it becomes unusually hot, begins to swell, produces smoke, or develops an unusual odor. These can be signs that the battery is damaged or failing.
- Unplug when charging is complete. Once your device is fully charged, unplug it when practical. Avoid leaving devices connected to chargers longer than necessary.
- Be especially careful with larger batteries. E-bikes, scooters, and other devices with larger lithium-ion batteries store more energy and can present a greater fire hazard if the battery fails. Follow the manufacturer's charging instructions and keep charging equipment and batteries away from exits and areas that could prevent you from safely leaving your home.
- Follow airline safety rules. When traveling by air, keep rechargeable devices where you can see them while charging and never charge devices in an overhead compartment. E-cigarettes and vapes should not be charged on an aircraft. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important that the flight crew can respond quickly.
Fire Prevention Week is an opportunity for the Chambersburg Fire Department to remind residents that fire safety starts with everyday choices. Understanding how to safely use and charge lithium-ion battery-powered devices is an important part of preventing fires in our homes and community.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, contact the
Chambersburg Fire Department at 717-263-5872 or visit the
www.chambersburgfire.com and
www.fpw.org websites.
