SEPTA and the Philadelphia Fire Department have teamed up to observe Fire Prevention Week (Sunday, 10/4 thru Saturday, 10/10) for the 27th consecutive year!
Look for these 22” x 11” informational car cards in 2,000 SEPTA vehicles. The cards were unveiled by SEPTA Assistant General Manager for System Safety Brad Okoniewski and Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson at Philadelphia Fire Department Engine #8 in Old City on Tuesday, October 6.
This year’s campaign theme is “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower” which focuses on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer.
Plug in. Power up. Stay safe.
Many devices used in our daily lives including phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes, and scooters run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries which store a lot of energy in a small space. They can overheat, start a fire, or even explode if they are damaged or charged the wrong way.
Here are a few simple steps people can take to recharge safely. Safe charging means making smart choices every time you plug in.
Cheap charger? Don’t chance it.
Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
Soft surface? Hard pass.
Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or bare floor. Do not charge them on beds, couches, or under pillows. Devices and chargers produce heat during normal charging. Soft surfaces can trap heat and block airflow which can cause the battery to overheat.
Fully charged? Time to unplug.
Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Do not leave it plugged in longer than needed. Leaving a device plugged in too long can increase heat and stress on the battery.
Charge tools and rides outside.
Charge large items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside when possible. Do not block exits when charging. These batteries are larger and store more energy. Fires can grow quickly and spread.
Feels hot? Stop using it.
Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, smells strange, leaks, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds. These are warning signs that the battery may be damaged or failing.
On a flight? Keep it in sight.
Keep devices where you can see them while charging when on a plane. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on the plane. Tell a flight attendant if you notice a problem with your device. This rule also applies to buses and trains!
And remember if you don’t own a smoke detector and you can’t afford one please call 311. The Philadelphia Fire Department will come to your house to install it FREE of charge.