OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is recognizing Fire Prevention Week with the theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”
The SFMO, in partnership with the National Fire Protection Association, is reminding residents to practice safe habits when using lithium-ion batteries. The agency recommends three key steps to reduce fire risks:
• Purchase safely. Look for safety certification marks such as UL, ETL, or CSA when buying products powered by lithium-ion batteries.
• Charge correctly. Use only cords and chargers provided or approved by the manufacturer, follow instructions, place devices on hard surfaces, and unplug or remove batteries once fully charged.
• Recycle properly. Do not throw batteries in household trash or recycling bins, as they can cause fires. Instead, take them to a safe recycling location. Drop-off sites can be found at call2recycle.org.
The SFMO stated that it is dedicated to helping residents across Washington “charge into fire safety” by following these precautions.
For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 596-3904.
