Fire Prevention Month: Simple Steps for Safer Charging

October is Fire Prevention Month, a good time to review everyday habits that help keep our campus community safe. Phones, laptops, and other lithium-ion battery-powered devices are part of daily life. Choosing the right charger and recognizing warning signs can help reduce fire risk.

Helpful tips:

• Choose the right charger: Use the charging equipment supplied with your device or a replacement approved by its manufacturer.
• Watch for warning signs: Stop using a device if it becomes very hot, swells, leaks, develops an unusual odor, smokes, or makes hissing or popping sounds.
• Unplug after charging: Disconnect your device once its battery is full. 

Small actions can help protect you and those around you. For more information on fire safety, including safe charging tips, visit the National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Prevention Week website.