Las Vegas Fire & Rescue is launching Fire Prevention Week from October 4 to 10 in partnership with the National Fire Protection Association, focusing on safe practices for charging rechargeable lithium-ion batteries found in everyday devices.
The campaign, titled "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower," targets growing risks from batteries in phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes and scooters. When damaged or charged incorrectly, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire or explode.
"The way you charge your lithium-ion battery devices can make a difference in helping prevent home fires," Fire Chief Fernando Gray said. "It comes down to using simple habits each time you plug in."
The agency recommends using manufacturer-approved chargers, charging devices only on hard flat surfaces, and unplugging them once fully charged rather than leaving them plugged in. Larger batteries for e-bikes, scooters and power tools should be charged outside, away from exits. Any device showing warning signs—extreme heat, swelling, smoke or unusual odors—should be unplugged immediately.
Las Vegas Fire & Rescue is offering three free public events during Fire Prevention Week. A kickoff event October 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Chick-fil-A, 1991 N. Rainbow Blvd., offers free sandwiches to youth ages 13 and under who complete home safety training. A Safety Night on October 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cimarron Rose Community Center features learning activities. Fire Station 43 will host an open house October 10 from 9 a.m. to noon with Mayor Shelley Berkley and Councilwoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong, along with a pancake breakfast prepared by fire personnel.