National Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 5-11, 2025. This year's campaign theme is "Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”
The Indianola Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to educate our community about the importance of buying, charging and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely. Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.
If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire or even explode. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign aims to help people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge and Recycle Safely approach.
Buy Only Listed Products
- When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally-recognized testing lab on the packaging and product. That means it meets important safety standards.
- Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.
Charge Devices Safely
- Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
- If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
- Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
- Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
Recycle Batteries Responsibly
- Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
- Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Learn more about hazardous waste disposal in Indianola.
For more tips and resources during National Fire Prevention Week, please visit: www.nfpa.org/fpw.
If you ever have any questions or require support, please don’t hesitate to contact the Indianola Fire Department at 515-961-9405 or visit our website at www.indianolaiowa.gov/fire.
In the event of an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Watch: Fire Prevention Week 2025 Awareness Video
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Join Us! Public Safety Open House Thursday, Oct. 9
Join the Indianola Fire Department, as well as the Warren County Attorney’s Office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Carlisle Police Department and Indianola Noon Lions Club, for an exciting evening of fun, education and community spirit at the annual Public Safety Open House!
It’s scheduled for 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, and will take place outside Indianola City Hall at 110 N 1st Street.
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