This week is Fire Prevention Week in Sicamous, and this year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety”.
The District of Sicamous said this theme will highlight the dangers of lithium-ion batteries in homes and will “promote the buy, change, and recycle safety approach.”
Lithium-ion batteries are a type of battery found in cellphones, e-cigarettes, laptops, tablets, headphones, power tools and many other rechargeable devices.
“If used incorrectly or damaged, they can overheat, catch fire or even explode,” the District said in the release.
They recommended to choose products that have been tested and to avoid purchasing and using cheap and untested products online or in store.
The District also listed some ways to charge and recycle batteries safely. They suggest that people use chords and chargers that came with the device, to charge electronics on hard surfaces, not on soft or restrictive places, and to unplug once devices are fully charged.
They also urge people to recycle batteries property, to never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or recycling bin as they can cause fires.
Instead, take the batteries to an recycling drop-off where batteries are accepted.
The CSRD FireSmart Team, as well as their mascot Ember, will be visiting schools, as well as educating people on fire safety at some events this weekend in the North Shuswap.
