Fire Prevention Week – October 4-10, 2026

Fire Prevention Week is observed annually during the week of October 9 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It is the longest-running public health observance in the United States.

 

Every year, there’s a designated theme and for 2026, it’s “Charge Into Fire Safety – Safe Charging is a Superpower.” The focus is on every day charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires to keep homes and communities safer.

Here are six charging safety tips to Use Your Charging Superpower:

-) Cheap charger? Don’t chance it. Use the cord and charger that come with your device or one approved by the manufacturer.

-) Soft surface? Hard pass. Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, a desk, or bare floor.

-) Fully charged? Time to unplug. Unplug your device when it is fully charged.

-) For tools and rides, charge outside. Charge large items such as bikes, scooters, and power tools outside when possible. Do not block exits when charging.

-) Feels hot? Stop using it. Stop using your device if it feels hot starts to swell, smells strange, leaks, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds.

-) On a flight. Keep it in sight. When on a plane, keep devices where you can see them while charging. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on the plane. Tell a flight attendant if you notice a problem with your device.