Fire Prevention Week 2025

October 10, 2025

Fire Services

Fire Prevention Week is October 5 to 11, 2025!

Fire Prevention Week was a busy and rewarding time for our Fire Prevention Officer, Jayson. Throughout the week, he visited and presented at Season’s Retirement Home, Trillium Village, and Sprucedale Care Centre, with a visit to Strathmere planned for next week.

Jayson also connected with residents at the Sydenham Mall in Strathroy, sharing important fire safety information and answering questions from visitors. One of the week’s biggest successes was our annual Smoke Alarm Blitz, where firefighters visited more than 225 homes to raise awareness about smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

These efforts are all part of our ongoing commitment to keeping the community informed, prepared, and safe.

This year Fire Prevention Week focuses on “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home!”

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.

Charge into Fire Safety: 3 Steps

Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit RPRA to find a recycling spot near you.

Resources & Activities

Click here for activities and important fire safety tips for your home:

Visit our Fire Services webpage or contact our Fire Services staff with your questions.

Fire Prevention Safety Week 2025

The Strathroy-Caradoc Fire Department is teaming up with NFPA to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11, Charge Into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.

Help us spread the word about making smart choices when it comes to buying, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries—because the wrong move can lead to a fire.

For more info: https://www.fpw.org/

Charge Devices Safely

Anything with a lithium-ion battery—phones, laptops, e-bikes, power tools —can become a fire hazard if it’s not charged safely. Always use the charger that came with the device or one approved by the manufacturer. If the cord only works when you bend it just right, it’s time to replace it.

Buy Only Listed Products

Before you buy anything with a lithium-ion battery, do your homework.
Check the packaging and product for a mark from a nationally recognized testing lab—that stamp means it meets real safety standards. A lot of products sold online and in stores don’t, and that can seriously increase your risk of fire.

Unplug When Fully Charged

Charge any lithium-ion battery device on a hard surface—never on your bed, couch, or under a pillow. And don’t overcharge. Once it’s at 100%, unplug and move on.

Power Tools, Lawn Tools, E-Bikes

Charging something big like an e-bike, scooter, or power tool with a lithium-ion battery? Do it outside. Use a flat, dry area away from direct sunlight, anything wet, kids, or tripping hazards. And make sure your bike or device is secure—so it doesn’t fall while charging.

Safely Recycle Batteries

Don’t toss lithium-ion batteries or devices in the trash or regular recycling bins—they can start a fire. Drop them off at a legit battery recycling spot —it’s safer and way better for the planet.
Visit call2recycle.org to find a drop-off location near you.

52 Frank Street,
Strathroy ON N7G 2R4

Phone: 519-245-1070
Fax: 519-245-6353