Overview
Fire Prevention Week TM (FPW™) is October 4-10th, 2026, and the Office of the Fire Marshal would like to remind Northwest Territories (NWT) residents about safe charging practices for household devices used in our daily lives – such as phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes, scooters, etc. These devices 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.
This year’s FPW™ theme is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.” Fire and life safety educators in the NWT will be promoting the simple steps people can take to recharge safely and help prevent home fires. It comes down to using simple habits each time you plug in.
Safe Charging Tips (for lithium-Ion battery devices)
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Use the cord and charger that came with your device - or one approved by the manufacturer.
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Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
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Charge devices on a table, desk, or other hard, flat surface.
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Do not charge them on beds, couches, or under pillows.
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Devices and chargers produce heat during normal charging.
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Soft surfaces can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause the battery to overheat.
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Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, is smoking, or has a strange smell.
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These are warning signs that the battery may be damaged or failing.
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Unplug your device when it is fully charged.
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Do not leave it plugged in longer than needed.
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Leaving a device plugged in too long can increase heat and stress on the battery.
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Charge larger items in a safe location away from exits – like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools.
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These batteries are larger and store more energy.
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If they fail, fires can grow and spread quickly.
Resources for Schools and Families*
Resources for Fire Departments*
To learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.
* Reproduced from NFPA's Fire Prevention Week website. © 2025 NFPA.