Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association, the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety, Safe Charging Is a Superpower.” The campaign aims to educate children about the potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries and teach them how to play an active role in staying safe when using or charging everyday devices.
MCFR will conduct outreach programs from Oct. 5-9 in six schools and daycares within Monroe County Fire Rescue’s jurisdiction. The firefighters will teach children about fire prevention and safety tips, give them tours of the fire trucks, and introduce them to a fan favorite, Sparky the Fire Dog.
“Lithium-ion batteries are in so many devices that we use every day,” said Fire Chief R.L. Colina. “Monroe County Fire Rescue is highlighting safe handling and awareness that these batteries can overheat, start a fire, or explode.”
Mayor Michelle Lincoln will be officially proclaiming Fire Prevention Week 2026 at the Oct. 21 Board of County Commissioners’ meeting.
Some lithium-ion battery safety tips:
- Purchase batteries that are only listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and labeled accordingly.
- Stop charging a battery once it is full.
- Use charging equipment that is only compatible with your device. To be safe, use only the charging equipment that is supplied with your device.
- Stop using your device if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odor, excessive heat, popping sounds, swelling, or change in color.
- Lithium-ion batteries should not go in household garbage or recycling bins. Take the batteries to separate recycling or household hazardous waste collection points. Locally, you can bring them to transfer stations. The Home Depot also has a recycling box for smaller items, like tools. To find the transfer station or collection dates nearest you, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/solidwaste or, if in Key West, visit www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/366.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit www.fpw.org. For more information on MCFR, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/firerescue.
