Bay Roberts chief lays out the reason behind this year’s fire prevention message
By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Olivia Bradbury
Firefighters across North American are hoping to educate the public this Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 4 to 10, on how to safely charge all those devices that have become such a big part of our daily lives.
Michael Murphy, chief of Bay Roberts Fire Rescue, explained the goal of this year’s theme, ‘Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,’ is to bring awareness to safely charging lithium-ion batteries. They are the batteries found in cell phones, laptops, electric scooters, e-bikes, and cordless power tools.
“It’s basically in everything we use this day and age now,” said Murphy.
There is a push for awareness about safe charging because North America has seen an uptick in fires originating from charging lithium-ion batteries, he added.
Murphy shared some tips for reducing the risk of a battery fires, including using the approved equipment to charge them.
“Use the cord that came with it,” Murphy advised. “Don’t put aftermarket batteries in it. And follow manufacturer instructions.”
Murphy also suggested that people charge devices with lithium-ion batteries on a hard surface such as a table or desk. Charging them on soft surfaces such as bedding or a couch attracts heat and can cause a fire.
Murphy said you can reduce risk by avoiding overcharging — in other words, unplug your devices once they are fully charged. He also suggested people charge large devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters and power tools outdoors. Murphy cautioned people not to charge devices in front of an exit as this can hinder escape if a fire occurs.
Some warning signs Murphy said to watch for when charging a device with a lithium-ion battery is extreme heat, swelling, smoke, and strange odours. If any of these things occur, Murphy said, unplug the device and take it outdoors to a safe location.
Murphy also shared some tips for general fire prevention. These include: making sure cords are not frayed; making sure outlets are not overloaded; making sure cigarette butts and the like are properly disposed of; keeping combustibles away from heat sources; making sure you have working fire alarms in your home; and speaking to your children about general fire safety.
Bay Roberts Fire Rescue is hosting an open house at the fire hall on Water Street on October 5. Firefighters will demonstrate some of their equipment, talk about fire safety, distribute pamphlets, and hold a barbecue. During the week, they will be giving fire safety talks at local schools. They will also be holding a talk and a fire drill at a local retirement home.