Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower
Today, rechargeable batteries power many of the devices we use every day, including cell phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, scooters, and toys. While these batteries are generally safe, damaged batteries or improper charging practices can cause overheating, fires, or explosions.
Simple Steps to Charge Safely
Residents can reduce fire risk by following a few important safety practices:
- Use the charger and cord provided by the manufacturer or an approved replacement.
- Charge devices on hard, flat surfaces such as tables or countertops.
- Avoid charging devices on beds, couches, under pillows, or other soft furnishings where heat can become trapped.
- Unplug devices once they are fully charged.
- Stop using a device immediately if the battery becomes unusually hot, swells, leaks, smokes, or produces an unusual odor.
- Charge larger devices such as e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside and away from exits whenever possible.
Fire Prevention Starts at Home
While battery safety is the focus of this year’s campaign, Fire Prevention Week is also a good opportunity to review your family’s overall fire safety plan:
Test Smoke Alarms
Working smoke alarms provide critical early warning during a fire. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries as recommended by the manufacturer.
Create and Practice an Escape Plan
Every household should have a home escape plan with two ways out of every room when possible. Practice the plan regularly and designate a meeting location outside.
Be Careful While Cooking
Unattended cooking remains one of the leading causes of home fires. Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
Use Heating Equipment Safely
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, and other heating equipment.
Wildfire Preparedness Matters Too
For residents of Gallatin County, fire safety extends beyond the home. Living in and near wildland areas means taking steps to reduce wildfire risk around your property. Community wildfire planning efforts emphasize public education, preparedness, defensible space, and participation in programs such as Firewise USA and Ready, Set, Go! to help residents prepare for wildfire season.
Creating defensible space around homes, maintaining access routes, preparing evacuation plans, and staying informed about local fire conditions can improve safety for your family and first responders.
Take Action This Week
Fire Prevention Week is an opportunity to spend a few minutes making your home safer:
✅ Test your smoke alarms
✅ Review your home escape plan
✅ Check chargers and battery-powered devices for damage
✅ Remove charging devices from beds and furniture
✅ Discuss fire safety with children and family members
✅ Evaluate your property’s wildfire preparedness
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
Benjamin Franklin
For additional preparedness information, wildfire resources, and emergency planning tools, view more here at ReadyGallatin.com.