PELHAM MANOR, NY (October 3, 2025) — The Pelham Manor Fire Department (PMFD) is collaborating with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW), to promote this year’s campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” The initiative, marking over 100 years of FPW, emphasizes the importance of safely buying, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries.
Most electronics used daily in homes, including smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, rely on lithium-ion batteries, according to the PMFD. “In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses a lithium-ion battery,” the department noted. However, if these batteries are used incorrectly or damaged, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. “There have been several incidents in the past few years where fires did start from lithium-ion batteries here in Pelham Manor,” the PMFD reported.
To reduce these risks, the department advises residents to look around their homes, identify devices powered by lithium-ion batteries, and follow a “Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely” approach. “Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere,” said Michael Greco, Chief of Department. This year’s FPW campaign aims to help people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent home fires.
The PMFD recommends buying only listed products, researching items for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on packaging, as many online and store products may not meet safety standards. For charging, residents should use cords that come with the product, follow manufacturer instructions, and buy approved chargers if needed. Devices should be charged on a hard surface, not under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch, to avoid fire hazards. Overcharging should be avoided by unplugging or removing the battery when fully charged.
Recycling is also critical. “Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire,” the PMFD warned. Instead, residents are encouraged to use safe battery recycling locations, with details available at https://environment.westchestergov.com/residents/recycling-guidelines/household-batteries.
The PMFD is engaging the community with educational efforts, including visits to Prospect Hill and Siwanoy Elementary Schools for fire prevention education, and planned tours to fire headquarters from nursery schools. For more information, contact the Fire Department at 914-738-8825 or visit their website. Additional resources on FPW and lithium-ion battery safety are available at www.fpww.org and the PMFD’s Fire Prevention page at pelhammenor.gov/246/Fire-Prevention.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
