Public Safety Officials Urge Battery Safety As Fire Prevention Week Begins

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — A hidden danger in your home could pose a fire risk.

Westchester County is using Fire Prevention Week to warn residents about the fire risks tied to lithium ion batteries in common household devices. County Executive Ken Jenkins and the Department of Emergency Services issued the reminder as the national observance begins Sunday.

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Jenkins pointed to this year's Fire Prevention Week theme, "Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is Your Superpower." He said, "The theme of Fire Prevention Week this year is 'Charge Into Fire Safety' and it serves as a great reminder of the need to safely use, store and charge devices that are powered by lithium ion batteries. Westchester has seen its share of serious fires caused by lithium ion batteries when the proper precautions were not taken."

Emergency Services Commissioner Susan Spear said lithium ion batteries are used in everyday items including cell phones, laptops, tablets, cordless power tools, cordless vacuums, e-bikes and e-cigarettes. She urged residents to charge devices only on a hard, flat surface, keep batteries at room temperature, store them away from flammable items, avoid leaving them unattended while charging, and use the battery and charging cord that came with the device.

Spear also said people should stop using any battery that starts emitting an unusual odor, leaking, changing shape or making unusual noises. "If you can do so safely, unplug the device if it is charging, move the device away from anything flammable and call 911," she said.

Douglas Stiller, the chief of special operations at DES, said lithium ion battery fires happen during a process known as thermal runaway. According to the county, that process can cause a battery to burst into flames and even explode, while emitting highly toxic and highly flammable gases. "If thermal runaway occurs, you need to leave that area as fast as possible," Stiller said.

The county also used the week to encourage residents to connect with their local fire departments. Spear noted that many departments host open houses during Fire Prevention Week and provide information on how to prevent fires, including lithium ion battery fires. She encouraged residents to attend, meet local firefighters and get guidance on keeping their families safe.

Louis Vetrone, first deputy commissioner of the Department of Environmental Facilities, said lithium ion batteries should never go out with household trash. Residents can make an appointment to dispose of them at the County's Hazardous Materials Recovery Facility in Valhalla by visiting environment.westchestergov.com. Vetrone said residents with questions about lithium ion and other batteries can call the County's recycling help line at 914-813-5425.