October 5, 2026 — The Escondido Fire Department teamed is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to support Fire Prevention Week. This year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on the simple steps people can take to recharge safely. Safe charging means making smart choices every time you plug in.
Many devices used in our daily lives – 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. If they are damaged or charged the wrong way, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode.
“The way you charge your lithium-ion battery devices can make a difference in helping prevent home fires,” said Deputy Fire Chief, Tyler Batson. “It comes down to using simple habits each time you plug in.”
The Escondido Fire Department offers these key lithium-ion battery safety tips and guidelines:
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 fire risk.
Charge devices on a table, desk, or other hard, flat surface. 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.
Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, smokes, or smells strange. These are warning signs that the battery may be damaged or failing.
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 larger items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside and away from exits. These batteries are larger and store more energy. If they fail, fires can grow quickly and spread.
When on a plane, keep your device where you can see it while charging. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to respond quickly
The Escondido fire department encourages all residents to be aware of how to safely charge their devices, and support this year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™.”
As part of Fire Prevention Week, the Escondido Fire Department sponsors a poster contest for 3rd graders at four local Escondido Schools. The contest is centered around the importance of having a Home Fire Escape Plan. Even when charging in a safe manner, fires can still happen. Students were taught the importance of having working smoke alarms, knowing two ways out of every room in their home and having a safe meeting place. The Escondido Fire Department, the Firefighters Association Local 3842, and Tony Pepperoni provided prizes for 1st and 2nd place winners at each school. The winners will be recognized Wednesday, October 7th, during the Escondido City Council meeting at 5:00 p.m. during its Fire Prevention Week Proclamation.
For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and how to safely charge your devices, visit www.fpw.org. For fire safety fun for kids, visit sparky.org.
