This holiday season, Surrey Fire Services is making the public aware of the appropriate use of battery-operated products. Here are several important safety precautions to protect against lithium-ion battery fires.
This holiday season, Surrey Fire Services is urging locals to exercise even greater caution while utilizing battery-operated products. The department will concentrate on the dangers of lithium-ion batteries as part of its public safety initiatives. These are present in a wide range of devices, including popular holiday toys and cellphones.
As newer types of gift batteries continue to grow in popularity, the gifts in this instance being toys, electronics, and even external lighting, the fire brigade would like to remind everyone that they should store or recharge them safely in order not to cause any fires associated with overheating by excessively used lithium-ion types, among others. It seems Surrey Fire Service is getting concerned about the upward trend on incidents where house interiors have been burnt off partly or wholly with misbehaving batteries in this context.
Key Safety Tips during the Holiday Season:
Only Use Certified Chargers: According to Surrey Fire Services, one should only use certified and compatible chargers when it comes to battery-driven appliances. Overcharging and substandard chargers will make the batteries overheat and catch fire.
Store the batteries correctly: Never keep it in direct sunlight or heat. For unused batteries, keep in a cool, dry location. Never keep a loose battery in a drawer. Batteries should be kept inside a battery case to eliminate the possibility of short circuits.
Inspection Period: Before using holiday lights or any battery-powered decoration, inspect for any signs of damage, such as exposed wires or bulging batteries. If the appliance is damaged, discard it carefully and replace it.
Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets: This holiday season, pay heed to avoid overloading power strips or outlets, which can lead to electrical fires. Surrey Fire Services recommend limiting the number of items plugged into each outlet and using power strips with built-in circuit breakers.
Dispose of Damaged Batteries Properly: Never throw damaged or old batteries into regular trash. Always follow local recycling guidelines for proper disposal.
Surrey Fire Services also encourages residents to check their smoke alarms and sign up for their HomeSafe program, which offers free inspections to ensure families are prepared and have working smoke alarms should a fire occur.
As the holiday season is at hand, Surrey Fire Service reminded everyone to be more careful regarding fire safety in the home, especially when using battery-operated devices, which carry a lot of happiness in these holidays.
