fire-prevention-week-2026-safe-charging
Fire Prevention Week runs October 4–10 this year, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has set the theme as “Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower” — a focus on the everyday charging habits that can help prevent lithium-ion battery fires.
Why lithium-ion batteries are this year’s focus
Phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, and scooters all run on lithium-ion batteries, and they’ve become common enough in Long Island homes that a few basic habits make a real difference: buying only listed/certified products, not charging devices overnight unattended, and keeping chargers away from anything flammable. It’s not about avoiding these devices — it’s about charging them the way they’re designed to be charged.
While you’re thinking about fire safety, check your smoke alarms
Fire Prevention Week is also a good yearly reminder to check the smoke alarms you already have. A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all — here’s how to keep yours reliable:
Battery-powered smoke alarm (9-volt)
- Test the alarm monthly.
- Replace the battery at least once a year.
- Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years.
10-year lithium (“long-life”) battery alarm
Since the lithium battery cannot (and should not) be replaced, replace the entire smoke alarm according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Hardwired smoke alarm
Replace the backup battery at least once a year.
If it’s been a while since your system was checked — or you’re not sure your current setup includes carbon monoxide detection alongside smoke and heat — this is a good week to find out. See our Fire Alarms page for what a full system includes, or get in touch for a free consultation.