| Fire Prevention Week 2026 is being observed October 4–10, with this year’s national theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.” The campaign focuses on the growing importance of battery and charging safety in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices people use every day, including cell phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, toys, e-bikes, scooters, and other electronic equipment. While these batteries are convenient and widely used, they must be charged, stored, and handled properly to reduce the risk of overheating, fire, or injury.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week message encourages residents to make safe charging part of their daily routine. Simple steps can make a meaningful difference: use the charging cord and equipment that came with the device, charge items on a hard, flat surface, keep batteries away from beds, couches, and other soft materials, and avoid charging devices under pillows or blankets. Residents should also unplug devices once they are fully charged and avoid using damaged cords, swollen batteries, or devices that feel unusually hot.
“Battery-powered devices are part of everyday life, but safety has to be part of how we use them,” said department officials. “Taking a few extra seconds to charge devices properly can help prevent fires and protect families, homes, and first responders.”
Residents are also reminded to purchase and use products that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and never place lithium-ion batteries in household trash. Damaged, unwanted, or expired batteries should be taken to an approved battery recycling or disposal location. If a battery begins smoking, making unusual noises, swelling, leaking, or giving off an odor, move away from the device if it is safe to do so and call 911.
Fire Prevention Week has a long history rooted in one of the most significant fires in American history. The observance commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which began on October 8 and caused widespread destruction. According to historical fire prevention materials, the fire killed approximately 250 people and destroyed more than 17,000 buildings.
The effort to formally recognize fire prevention grew in the decades that followed. The first National Fire Prevention Day was sponsored in 1911 by the Fire Marshals Association of North America, and Fire Prevention Week later became a national observance dedicated to teaching the public how to prevent fires and stay safe when emergencies occur.
Today, Fire Prevention Week remains one of the most important public safety education campaigns of the year. Each annual theme gives fire departments and communities an opportunity to focus on practical safety steps that address current risks. In 2026, that message is especially timely as more households rely on rechargeable batteries for transportation, work, communication, entertainment, and everyday convenience.
In addition to practicing safe charging habits, residents should make sure they have working smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside each sleeping area, and outside sleeping areas. Families should also create and practice a home escape plan so everyone knows two ways out and where to meet outside.
This Fire Prevention Week, take time to check your chargers, inspect your batteries, talk with your family about safe charging, and make fire safety part of your daily routine. Safe charging is a simple habit, and this year’s message reminds us that it can also be a superpower. |
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