Fire Prevention Week theme announced

June 18, 2025

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has sponsored Fire Prevention Week since 1922. The public health education campaign is observed annually the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed over 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed over 17,000 buildings, and burned 2,000 acres of land.

This year's Fire Prevention Week is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of using lithium batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach.

Buy only listed products.

• When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.
• Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.

Charge devices safely.

• Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
• If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
• 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 catch fire.
• Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

Download Fire Prevention Week resources