Fire Prevention Week sparks warning about hidden danger in your devices
Fire Prevention Week is here, and this year’s campaign is shining a light on an often-hidden household hazard — lithium-ion batteries.
Observed nationwide every October, the campaign aims to raise awareness about fire safety and prevention.
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue is doing its part to help residents understand the risks and keep their homes safe.
This year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” and it focuses on devices we use everyday — from smartphones and laptops, to scooters and power tools.
Though convenient and common, these batteries can overheat, catch fire or even explode if handled improperly.
“The fires spread really quickly and they can be very difficult to extinguish because the batteries can even reignite hours later,” Division Chief and Fire Marshall Daniel Almaguer told the Pembroke Pines News. “And for families, this presents a real danger ... because we’re relying on these devices and we don’t really understand their full danger.”
Knowing how to buy, charge and recycle these batteries safely is one of the easiest ways to prevent fires.
“Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue has responded to several incidents involving lithium-ion batteries, especially in the most recent years— most involved in small household devices,” Almaguer said.
Almaguer, who has served with the department for four years, said that while none of these incidents resulted in a major injury or loss of life, they’ve still had lasting effects.
“These events have had a severe impact on residents and their homes, and some of them have been displaced because of it,” Almaguer said. “So we really want to remind that everybody, that battery safety is really everybody’s responsibility because of this.”
Here’s what to know:
Buy smart
When buying devices or replacement batteries, look for safety certifications such as UL or CSA.
Experts warn to avoid cheap knownoffs or uncertified chargers — they might save you a few dollars now but can pose serious fire hazards later.
Charge safely
Always use the charging cord that came with your device or one recommended by the manufacturer. Charge electronics on hard, flat surfaces — not on a bed, couch or under a pillow — and unplug once it’s fully charged.
Recycle properly
Once it’s time to properly dispose of old batteries, don’t toss them in the trash. Instead, make sure they are properly prepared for recycling.
One way is to place the batteries in a clear plastic bag, using bubble bags for pouch-style batteries.
Another method is to tape the positive (+) terminal with clear packing tape, electrical tape or duct tape. Avoid other types of tape that may come off during shipping, and be careful not to cover the battery’s brand name or chemistry if using non-clear tape.
Once properly prepared, the batteries can be dropped off at recycling locations.
To find a site near you, visit Call2Recycle.org.
Warning signs
If a battery smells odd, feels hot, changes shape or makes popping noises, stop using it immediately. These are signs the battery could catch fire.
For more information, tips and fire safety resources, visit the Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue website.
Prevention starts in the home
This week, the Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue is also engaging students in fire safety education through its annual poster contest.
The department sent out the campaign through Broward County Public Schools and local charter schools, reciving more than 1,200 submissions from students across Pembroke Pines, all focused on lithium-ion battery safety.
“Sometimes you try to get a target audience and for us to get over 1,200 kids that are sitting down doing posters with their families, it’s mass education for us,” Almaguer said.
Winners will be recognized at the Oct. 15 City Commission meeting.
This story was originally published October 7, 2025 at 4:15 PM.
