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For Fire Prevention Week this week, the National Fire Protection Association has chosen the theme of "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower," stressing safe practices for rechargeable batteries.
This has added resonance locally, as a house fire April 21 in Kingsford that killed 45-year-old Deanna Juranek is thought to have been caused when an electric bicycle recharging exploded on the enclosed front porch.
"Many devices used in our daily lives -- phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes and scooters -- run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store a lot of energy in a small space," the NFPA advised in a news release. "If they are damaged or charged the wrong way, they can overheat, start a fire or even explode."
The NFPA provided these tips for recharging devices safely --
-- Use the cord and charger that came with the device or one approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
-- 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 the 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 the device when it is fully charged. Do not leave it plugged in longer than needed. Leaving a device plugged in too long can increase heat and stress on the battery.
-- Charge larger items such as e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside and away from exits. These batteries are larger and store more energy. If they fail, fires can grow quickly and spread.
-- When on a plane, keep device where you can see it while charging. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to respond quickly.
To learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, go to fpw.org.
The American Red Cross of Wisconsin this week has advice on how to prevent home fires, along with how to set up an escape plan if one occurs.
"Home fires remain the most frequent disaster we respond to, both in Wisconsin and across the country," said Catherine Rabenstine, CEO of the Red Cross of Wisconsin, noting Red Cross disaster teams in the state have been at 606 home fires so far this year. "The good news is that many fires are preventable. Taking a few simple precautions, maintaining working smoke alarms and practicing a home fire escape plan can help save lives."
The top five things families can do, as provided by Red Cross of Wisconsin ─
-- Create and practice a home fire escape plan twice a year;
-- Install smoke alarms on every level and test them monthly;
-- Never leave cooking food unattended;
-- Keep anything flammable at least 3 feet from heat sources; and
-- Turn off space heaters when leaving a room or going to sleep.
"Those simple steps," Rabenstine said, "can make all the difference during an emergency."