Fire Prevention Week 2026: Safe Charging Is a Superpower!🔋
Protecting Industrial, Commercial & Residential Properties from Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
October 4–10, 2026 | Fire Prevention Week™
Plug in. Power up. Stay safe.
From smartphones and laptops to cordless power tools, electric vehicles, and industrial equipment, rechargeable batteries have become an essential part of everyday life. But as our reliance on battery-powered technology grows, so does the importance of understanding how to use, charge, and store these devices safely.
This year's Fire Prevention Week™, October 4–10, 2026, brings attention to this growing concern with the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) theme: “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower!”
At DANE Contractors, safety is more than a priority — it's a responsibility we take seriously.
Through our work in emergency disaster recovery and property restoration, we understand how quickly a fire can disrupt lives, damage property, and interrupt business operations.
Whether you manage an industrial facility, own a commercial property, or simply want to protect your family and home, understanding lithium-ion battery safety is an important step toward preventing disaster.
Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we depend on every day.
Understanding the Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we depend on every day. They're efficient, rechargeable, and capable of storing significant amounts of energy in relatively small spaces.
However, damaged, defective, improperly charged, or overheated batteries can present serious fire hazards.
Under certain conditions, a lithium-ion battery can experience thermal runaway, a dangerous chain reaction in which the battery rapidly overheats, potentially releasing flammable gases, igniting, or spreading fire to nearby materials.
These incidents can develop rapidly and create hazardous conditions for building occupants and emergency responders.
The good news? Many charging-related risks can be reduced through proper equipment selection, safe charging practices, and regular inspections.
Fire Prevention Tips for Industrial Facilities
Industrial operations often rely on battery-powered equipment, including forklifts, power tools, material-handling equipment, backup power systems, and specialized machinery.
With larger equipment and concentrated charging areas, battery safety deserves particular attention.
DANE Contractors encourages industrial property owners and facility managers to consider these important precautions:
Establish designated charging areas - Charge equipment in appropriately designed, well-maintained locations, away from combustible materials and with ventilation and fire protection suited to the equipment and battery type.
Inspect batteries and charging equipment regularly - Watch for damaged cables, swelling, overheating, leaks, unusual odors, or other signs of battery deterioration. Remove questionable equipment from service according to established safety procedures.
Use manufacturer-approved charging equipment - Chargers and batteries should be compatible and approved for their intended applications. Improper substitutions can create unnecessary hazards.
Train employees on battery safety - Ensure team members understand proper charging procedures, recognize warning signs, and know how to report potentially dangerous conditions.
Review emergency response plans - Coordinate with qualified fire protection professionals and local emergency responders to establish appropriate procedures for battery-related incidents.
For industrial operations, fire prevention is about more than protecting buildings. It's about safeguarding employees, expensive equipment, inventory, production schedules, and business continuity.
Commercial Property Owners: Protect Your Building and Business
Office buildings, retail establishments, warehouses, healthcare facilities, and other commercial properties contain an increasing number of rechargeable devices.
From employee laptops and mobile devices to maintenance equipment, backup power supplies, and customer electronics, charging activities may occur throughout a building.
A single battery-related fire can cause significant property damage, smoke contamination, operational interruptions, and costly repairs.
Commercial property owners and managers should focus on these essential safety practices:
Avoid overloaded electrical outlets - Use appropriate electrical infrastructure and have qualified electricians evaluate charging demands.
Keep charging stations clear - Maintain separation from paper, packaging, furniture, and other combustible materials.
Establish workplace charging policies - Provide clear guidelines for employees regarding personal devices, e-bikes, scooters, and other rechargeable equipment.
Maintain fire detection and protection systems - Inspect and service fire alarms, sprinklers, and other safety equipment according to applicable requirements.
Keep exits and evacuation routes accessible - Never allow charging equipment or battery storage to obstruct emergency exits, stairways, or corridors.
For commercial property owners, proactive fire prevention helps protect tenants, customers, employees, and the long-term value of the property.
Residential Fire Safety: Small Habits Make a Big Difference
At home, lithium-ion batteries are practically everywhere.
Smartphones, tablets, laptops, cordless vacuums, power tools, e-bikes, scooters, and rechargeable household devices all require safe charging practices.
While these conveniences make life easier, improper charging and storage can increase fire risks.
DANE Contractors recommends these simple habits to help keep your home and family safe:
Charge Devices on Hard, Stable Surfaces - Avoid charging devices on beds, couches, pillows, or other soft materials that can trap heat. Follow the manufacturer's charging instructions and keep devices away from combustible items.
Use the Correct Charger - Use the charger and battery supplied by the manufacturer or a replacement specifically approved for your device. Look for products certified by a recognized testing laboratory.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs - Stop using a battery or device if it becomes unusually hot, swells, leaks, emits strange odors, makes unusual noises, or changes shape. If a device is smoking or showing signs of imminent fire, move away, evacuate, and call 911.
Be Mindful of Charging Locations - Avoid charging e-bikes, scooters, or other battery-powered equipment near doorways, stairways, or primary escape routes. Never block an exit with charging equipment.
Protect Batteries from Extreme Temperatures - Avoid exposing batteries to excessive heat, direct sunlight, or temperatures outside the manufacturer's recommended operating range.
Maintain Working Smoke Alarms - Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home. Test them monthly and replace alarms according to manufacturer recommendations.
Remember, fire safety doesn't require extraordinary effort. It starts with consistent, everyday decisions.
What to Do If a Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Occurs
Even with proper precautions, emergencies can happen.
If you notice smoke, flames, popping sounds, or other indications of a battery fire, prioritize personal safety over property protection.
Evacuate the area immediately and alert others.
Call 911 from a safe location.
Do not attempt to handle, move, or disconnect a burning or dangerously overheating battery.
Do not reenter the building until emergency personnel declare it safe.
Follow the instructions of responding firefighters and emergency personnel.
Lithium-ion battery incidents can involve intense heat, toxic gases, and the possibility of reignition. Professional emergency response is essential.
When Prevention Isn't Enough: DANE Contractors Is Ready to Help
Despite the best prevention efforts, fires can still occur.
And when they do, the damage often extends well beyond the flames.
Smoke and soot can spread throughout a building. Water used during firefighting efforts can damage structural materials, electrical systems, equipment, and personal property. Businesses may face extended downtime, while homeowners confront the challenge of restoring their living spaces.
At DANE Contractors, we understand the urgency and complexity of disaster recovery.
Our focus on emergency disaster recovery, renovation, and construction helps industrial, commercial, and residential property owners navigate the challenges that follow unexpected property damage.
From assessing damage and planning restoration to rebuilding affected spaces, our goal is to help property owners move forward safely, efficiently, and confidently.
This Fire Prevention Week, Make Safety Your Superpower
Fire Prevention Week is an important reminder that protecting people and property begins long before an emergency occurs.
As battery-powered technology continues to evolve, our safety practices must evolve with it.
Whether you're responsible for an industrial facility, managing a commercial building, or protecting your family at home, taking a few moments to evaluate your charging habits could make a meaningful difference.
This October 4–10, join DANE Contractors in supporting Fire Prevention Week 2026.
Inspect your equipment. Review your safety procedures. Share what you learn with coworkers, tenants, friends, and family.
Because when it comes to fire prevention, safe charging really is a superpower.
Plug in. Power up. Stay safe.
“Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower!”
Learn More About Fire Prevention Week 2026
For additional resources and official lithium-ion battery safety recommendations, visit the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or review its 2026 Fire Prevention Week Safety Tip Sheet.
DANE Contractors | Emergency Disaster Recovery • Renovation • Construction
Helping property owners recover, rebuild, and move forward.
At DANE Contractors, we’ve helped homeowners, business owners, and facility managers recover from devastating fire incidents — many caused by preventable risks.