• DFD to highlight lithium-ion battery safety and safe charging habits this Fire Prevention Week
• Know the warning signs of thermal runaway
• Fire Marshal Don Thomas available for interviews to promote the October 4 kickoff event, educate residents

The Detroit Fire Department is gearing up to “Charge into Fire Prevention Week” with an important message for Detroit residents: the everyday devices that keep us connected, entertained and working can also pose serious fire risks when lithium-ion batteries are damaged, improperly charged or misused.

Fire Prevention Week™, observed October 4–10, 2026, is organized by the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®). This year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on the simple steps residents can take to safely charge and use devices powered by lithium-ion batteries.

From smartphones and tablets to laptops, power tools, toys, e-bikes and electric scooters, lithium-ion batteries are part of everyday life. They can store a significant amount of energy in a relatively small space, allowing devices to operate for longer periods without being plugged in. But when a battery is damaged, defective, overheated or improperly charged, that stored energy can be released rapidly and cause a fire.

“Knowledge is power when it comes to fire safety, and we want to make sure Detroiters have the information they need to protect themselves and their families,” said Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. “Lithium-ion batteries are part of our everyday lives, so knowing how to charge them safely and recognizing the warning signs of a battery problem can make a real difference. Fire Prevention Week is a great opportunity for us to get that information directly into the hands of the people we serve.”

Detroit Fire Marshal Don Thomas said understanding how lithium-ion batteries work — and knowing when something is wrong — is an important part of preventing battery-related fires.

“The first step is understanding that lithium-ion batteries are designed to store a lot of energy, and when something goes wrong, that energy can be released very quickly,” said Thomas. “Residents should know what their batteries normally look, feel and smell like so they can recognize when something has changed. If a device or battery becomes unusually hot, begins to swell or bulge, produces an unusual odor, makes strange noises, smokes or otherwise appears damaged, stop using it and take the appropriate next steps. Those warning signs should never be ignored.”

Charge safely

The Detroit Fire Department encourages residents to follow these basic precautions whenever charging a lithium-ion battery-powered device:

• Use the right charger. Use the charging cord and power adapter that came with the device or one specifically approved by the manufacturer. Using an incompatible or counterfeit charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
• Charge on a hard, flat surface. Keep phones, laptops, tablets and other devices on a table, desk or other hard surface while charging. Avoid charging devices on beds, couches or under pillows, where heat can become trapped and airflow can be restricted.
• Keep charging devices where you can see them. Avoid charging devices in places where a potential battery failure could go unnoticed. Do not charge devices under blankets or in other enclosed areas.
• Pay attention to warning signs. Stop using a device if the battery becomes unusually hot, swells or bulges, produces an unusual odor, makes unusual sounds, leaks, smokes or shows other signs of damage or failure.
• Do not use damaged batteries or devices. A device that has been dropped, crushed, punctured or otherwise damaged may have an internal battery problem that is not immediately visible.
• Keep larger batteries away from exits. E-bikes, electric scooters and other devices with larger battery packs can store significantly more energy. Charge and store them in locations that do not block doors, hallways or other escape routes. Whenever possible, charge them in a location that provides a safer path out of the home if a fire occurs.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Every device is different. Read and follow the manufacturer's guidance for charging, storage and use.

If a lithium-ion battery catches fire

Lithium-ion battery fires can develop rapidly and can be difficult to control. Residents should not attempt to fight a battery fire themselves.

If a battery begins smoking, catches fire or shows signs of an active failure, get everyone out of the home or building and call 911. Do not put yourself at risk trying to move the device outside or retrieve belongings.

Residents should also make sure everyone in their household knows two ways out of every room and has a working smoke alarm on every level of the home.

Fire Prevention Week in Detroit

The Detroit Fire Department will celebrate Fire Prevention Week with activities designed to give Detroiters an opportunity to learn about fire safety while connecting with the firefighters who serve their neighborhoods.

The DFD invites Detroit residents to join us for a Fire Prevention Week kickoff event from 12 – 3 p.m. Sunday, October 4 at Engine 42, located at 6324 W. Chicago, for a day of fun, family activities and hands-on fire safety education as we officially “Charge into Fire Prevention Week”.

The kickoff event October 4 will include free smoke alarm installation signups, free food and drinks, mobile fire safety house, fire safety house inflatable, Hands-Only CPR training, fire extinguisher training and live entertainment.

Smaller fire department open houses will be held later in the week, where residents can tour their fire house and sign up to have smoke alarms installed in their homes by DFD for free:

• Wednesday, October 7 from 4-7 p.m., Engine 56, 18601 Ryan Road, Detroit
• Friday, October 9 from 4-7 p.m., Engine 54, 16825 Trinity Street, Detroit

“We encourage everyone to come out on October 4 to have some fun with the Detroit Fire Department while learning how to keep your family and your home safe,” said Simms.

For additional information about lithium-ion battery safety and Fire Prevention Week, visit fpw.org.