Leduc County proclaims Oct 4-10 "Fire Prevention Week"

LEDUC COUNTY -- Leduc County is proclaiming Oct. 4-10 as "Fire Prevention Week".

For this year's theme, "Safe Charging is a Superpower", the focus will be on public education relating to the safe use and charging of lithium-ion batteries. Protective Services Director Tylor Bennett notes that fire remains a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and the presence of lithium-ion batteries in many household devices introduces unique fire risks.

"This theme works to educate everybody about using and the safe charging of these batteries," said Bennett. "The campaign stresses how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle ion-lithium batteries safely."

As part of this year's "Fire Prevention Week", staff with Leduc County Fire Services will be making appearances at local schools across Leduc County, including Thorsby Elementary, Calmar Elementary, New Humble Community School, Covenant Christian and New Sarepta Elementary. This will see firefighters make presentations to an estimated 1,200 children to teach them about fire safety.

Lithium-ion batteries can cause severe fires, explosions, and toxic gas releases when damaged, overcharged, or overheated. Some of the prominent dangers include over-charging, or using cheap, incompatible, or faulty chargers. Some of the signs of a damaged lithium-ion battery include bulging or cracking, hissing, popping, snapping sounds, or a strange chemical smell.