Central Coos Fire & Rescue (CCF&R) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ — to promote this year’s campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” It highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.

CCF&R is hosting an Open House Weekend on October 11th from 11am – 3pm at their Millington Station on Millington Frontage Rd and October 12th from 12pm – 3pm at their Sumner Station on Selander Rd. This is a free community event featuring a junior firefighter challenge with prizes, a free hot dog and hamburger lunch, and guest appearances by the CCF&R Fire Pup mascot. There will also be an auction and raffle featuring donated items from local businesses. To find out more about the Open House Weekend visit the Central Coos Fire & Rescue Facebook page.

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithiumion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery. If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, look around your home — it’s important to know which devices are powered by them. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach.”

Buy only listed products: Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.

Charge devices safely: Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it and charge your device on a hard surface.

Recycle batteries responsibly: Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.