DID YOU KNOW?
With over 3,200 fire services operating throughout Canada, their responsibilities encompass more than emergency response. Regardless of the title—fire service, fire department, or fire rescue service—these organizations and their first responders play an essential role in community safety.
In addition, a comprehensive fire and life safety strategy for fire services is built upon and supported by two essential pillars: Public Education and Prevention, and Fire Safety Standards and Enforcement of provincial/territorial fire safety legislation and codes. This year, many fire services have aggressively pursued both public outreach and corrective inspections (“Inspect-to-Correct” initiatives) to actively mitigate risks and save lives.
Meanwhile, the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Charge into Fire Safety™️Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” This year’s campaign aims to educate the public on safe practices, focusing on three key actions for lithium-ion batteries: Safe BUYING, CHARGING, and RECYCLING.
Additionally, the rising number of lithium-ion battery fires throughout Canada is a serious concern. These fires typically begin with overheating. If the battery is damaged, tampered with, or charged incorrectly, this can initiate thermal runaway—a self-sustaining reaction where heat builds up faster than it can escape. The result is a fire or, in some cases, an explosion. What makes these fires especially hazardous is that they burn hotter and quicker and produce thick, toxic smoke.
In this week’s column, I’ll be sharing some invaluable information on ‘Lithium-Ion Batteries’ sourced from various resources such as chargedforlife.ca.
LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-ion batteries are used to power many different consumer products, such as tools, devices, and equipment. As well, most of the electronics we use in our homes every day are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this kind of battery such as:
- toys
- tablets
- drones
- laptops
- e-bikes
- cameras
- e-readers
- golf carts
- e-scooters
- e-vehicles
- headphones
- power tools
- hoverboards
- power banks
- portable fans
- smart watches
- baby monitors
- mobile phones
- lawn equipment
- mobility scooters
- e-cigarettes/vapes
- remote control vehicles
- cordless vacuum cleaners
DEVICE SAFETY ALERT: SIGN OF DANGER
If you notice any of the following problems with your device, take immediate action:
- Leaking
- Smoking
- An odour
- Odd noises
- Overheating
- Change in shape
- A change in colour
NOTE: Immediate action:
- STOP USE immediately.
- GET OUTSIDE away from the device.
- CALL 9-1-1.
If your device starts to produce ‘SMOKE’, get to fresh air immediately; this is called ‘OFF-GASSING’ and it contains many harmful chemicals that are extremely dangerous to breathe in.
LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES: A LOT OF ENERGY
It’s important to know to never modify or tamper with lithium-ion batteries—and never attempt to build your own. Lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy in a small place; these batteries can overheat, start a fire, or explode if overcharged or damaged. By learning how to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE these batteries safely, you can help prevent a fire in your home.
BUY ONLY LISTED PRODUCTS
- When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as CSA, cUL, or cETL; this means it meets important safety standards.
- Always read and follow the instructions or guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
CHARGE DEVICES SAFELY
- Always use the cables and charger that came with the product to charge, and follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
- Only buy new cables and chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved and is compatible with your device.
- Charge your device on a hard surface; don’t overcharge your device.
- Unplug it or remove the battery from the battery-charger when it’s fully charged.
- Get to know how long your devices take to charge, such as a lithium-ion battery for a cordless drill; set a timer to remind you to check on the device you are charging.
RECYCLE BATTERIES RESPONSIBLY
- Lithium-ion batteries are household hazardous waste and can cause dangerous fires.
- Never dispose of lithium-ion batteries in your garbage, recycling bin/container, or a recycling compactor.
- Throughout Canada, safe disposal of household hazardous waste—like batteries—is often limited to a community’s annual hazardous waste day, a restriction that highlights the need for more frequent or permanent disposal options.
- Recycle batteries at an approved drop-off location; go to locations.call2recycle.ca to find the locations within your community to recycle your SINGLE-USE or RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES.
NOTE: For more information, visit chargedforlife.ca.
BE ON THE BALL & INSTALL
- Make sure you have Working Smoke Alarms on each level, (including the basement) of your home or cabin/cottage/camp, and outside all sleeping areas (like a hallway).
- For added protection, install Working Smoke Alarms in all bedrooms.
- In the event of a fire, follow your home fire escape plan and call 9-1-1 once safely outside.
Remember, taking the time to learn and practice injury prevention costs you nothing. Failing to do so, could lead to the unthinkable … the loss of your life and the lives of those you hold dear.
Safety—it starts with you.
