LFES warns of risks from lithium-ion batteries for Fire Prevention Week

3. Recycle batteries at an approved recycling location

“Lithium-ion batteries are in almost every home in Lethbridge, but the risks are not always obvious,” says Neill O’Grady, Fire Prevention Officer with LFES. “Pay attention to how you charge your devices and stop using batteries that are damaged or overheating.”

When damaged, overheated, or improperly charged the energy stored within a lithium-ion battery can be released quickly and cause a fire risk.

“We’ve seen first-hand the dangers when batteries end up in recycling or garbage loads,” says Jonathan Fitzgerald, Education and Outreach Analyst with the City of Lethbridge. “Fires have started inside our collection trucks, putting staff and residents at risk. Knowing how to properly get rid of batteries, like utilizing our curbside battery collection program, is a simple step that helps keep everyone safe.”

As part of Fire Prevention Week, anyone with questions can find LFES fire prevention officers at different locations throughout the city to get their answer and learn about battery safety, smoke alarms, and other ways to reduce the risk of a house fire.

The officers will be available:

October 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO)
October 7, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Park Place Mall
October 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre

Click here for more information about fire prevention week.

by Nathaniel Leigh

LFES warns of risks from lithium-ion batteries for Fire Prevention Week

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