Thomasville Fire Rescue to celebrate Fire Prevention Week

THOMASVILLE, Ga. – October 1, 2025 – Thomasville Fire Rescue (TFR) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week (FPW) for more than 100 years, to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” The campaign stresses how important it is to buy, charge, and safely recycle lithium-ion batteries.

According to NFPA, most of the electronics we use in our homes every day – smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, headphones, and toys, to name just a few – are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.

If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, look around your home – it’s important to know which devices are powered by them. “Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere,” said Thomasville Fire Rescue Captain Michael Mann.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of buying, using, and recycling these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home.

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 cables that come 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.

TFR encourages all residents to be aware of their devices, follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely

approach, and support this year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™.” Be sure to visit

Facebook.com/OfficialThomasvilleFireRescue for TFR’s weeklong educational series in support of Fire

Prevention Week.

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