“Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower!” is the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign that runs from October 4th to 10th. The key message focuses on safe charging practices that reduce the risk of overheating, smoke, fire, and failure of lithium-ion batteries.
Many of the devices we use in our daily lives—phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, battery-powered toys, e-bikes, and scooters, to name a few—run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store high amounts of energy in a small space. If the batteries are damaged or charged incorrectly, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode.
According to the AllFirefighter Editorial Team, “Most preventable battery-fire problems do not begin with dramatic abuse. They begin with shortcuts: the wrong charger, a damaged cable, charging on a bed, leaving large battery-powered equipment plugged in near an exit, or ignoring early warning signs like swelling, heat, or a strange odor.”
The convenience of lithium-ion batteries comes with a simple truth that firefighters already know well: when lithium-ion batteries fail, the fire problem can escalate fast. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) does not yet track data on the number of U.S. home fires involving lithium-ion batteries, but an increasing number of lithium-ion battery fires and explosions reported by fire departments, news outlets, and other sources underscores the potential hazards they present.
“Because lithium-ion batteries are a newer technology, not everyone is aware of the potential dangers they present, particularly when it comes to charging them safely,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “Our goal for this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is to help people make informed choices and practice simple habits that can help greatly reduce those risks.”
With these concerns in mind, the 2026 Fire Prevention Week theme aims to give people the following rules to remember:
Use the correct charger
- Use the cord and charger that came with your device or ones approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
Charge on a hard, flat surface
- 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.
Do not overcharge or leave devices plugged in unnecessarily
- Unplug your 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.
Pay attention to heat, swelling, smoke, or odd smells
- Stop using your 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.
Be extra careful with larger batteries
- Charge larger items like 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.
Charging During a Flight
- When on a plane, keep your 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.
About Fire Prevention Week
The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ since 1922. Fire Prevention Week is celebrated throughout North America every October and is the oldest U.S. public health observance on record. For more than 100 years, Fire Prevention Week has worked to educate people about the risk of home fires and ways to minimize them. Local fire departments, schools, and community organizations play a key role in bringing Fire Prevention Week to life in their communities each year, spreading basic but critical fire safety messages.
The Fire Prevention Week 2026 campaign aims to better educate the public about how to safely charge lithium-ion powered devices, helping minimize associated risks at home and other locations. To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” visit fpw.org. Additional Fire Prevention Week resources for parents and educators can be found at sparky.org and sparkyschoolhouse.org.
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