Fire Prevention Week focuses on lithium-ion battery safety in homes

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Oct. 5 marked the start of Fire Prevention Week, signaling homeowners to go over certain fire safety protocols.

This year's theme is 'Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.'

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the campaign emphasizes the importance of buying, charging and recycling safely when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.

Andy Peterson, inspector with St. Joseph Fire Department, said you should get out of your home quickly if a fire is caused by a lithium-ion battery.

“The thing about these fires is they burn fast and usually you can't put them out. So, the best thing is to get out and then call 911 as quick as you can,” Peterson said.

Peterson also suggested trying to charge electronic devices in a safe area that might not catch fire.

“You don't want to plug your phone in and then stick it under your pillow when you go to bed at night. A lot of times those will take off,” he said.

For the entire month of October, SJFD will be visiting local schools to meet with children and teach them about fire safety.

“We like to hit on the hot points -- call 911, have a safe place to meet outside your home when there's a fire so that everybody knows that the rest of the family is out," Peterson said.

Lowes and Home Depot in St. Joseph have bins to recycle any lithium-Ion batteries.