Fire Prevention Week 2025 to focus on lithium-ion battery safety in the home
Iain Hoey
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NFPA announces battery safety theme for Fire Prevention Week 2025
The National Fire Protection Association has named lithium-ion battery safety as the focus of Fire Prevention Week 2025, according to a statement issued by the organisation on 10 June.
The official theme will be “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”, and will run from 5 to 11 October 2025.
NFPA explained that lithium-ion batteries are used in everyday household products, including phones, tablets, e-bikes, and power tools.
The campaign aims to raise public awareness of fire risks when batteries are purchased, charged, or disposed of incorrectly.
Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA, said: “Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere.”
She added: “Making sure the public knows how to handle them safely is critical to minimizing the potential risks they present.”
Public advised to buy only listed and tested battery products
NFPA stated that consumers should prioritise safety when purchasing battery-powered devices by checking for a listing mark from a recognised testing laboratory.
It said some products sold in stores or online may not meet basic safety standards.
This could increase the risk of fire or explosion.
NFPA advised consumers to research battery-powered products carefully and avoid those lacking certification.
The organisation noted that using devices that meet safety standards can reduce the likelihood of overheating or ignition.
Guidance on safe charging practices at home
NFPA outlined safe charging instructions to reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery incidents in domestic settings.
It recommended using only the manufacturer’s provided or approved charging cables.
Devices should be charged on hard surfaces, not on beds, couches, or other soft materials, which could trap heat and lead to fire.
Overcharging was also identified as a hazard.
The organisation advised unplugging or removing batteries once fully charged to reduce overheating.
Following manufacturers’ instructions is a key part of preventing battery-related fires, NFPA stated.
Proper disposal and recycling of batteries
NFPA cautioned against disposing of lithium-ion batteries in household waste or standard recycling bins.
It said batteries discarded in this way may ignite and cause fires during handling or transport.
Instead, NFPA directed the public to use designated battery recycling facilities.
The organisation pointed to www.call2recycle.org as a tool for finding nearby drop-off locations.
Safe recycling helps prevent incidents and supports broader efforts to reduce fire risk linked to battery waste.
Fire Prevention Week remains longest-running fire safety campaign in the US
According to NFPA, Fire Prevention Week has been observed each October for over a century and is the oldest public health campaign of its kind in the United States.
The campaign involves fire departments, schools, and community groups sharing safety messages nationwide.
Each year, Fire Prevention Week highlights one theme relevant to reducing household fire risk.
The 2025 focus on lithium-ion batteries reflects their widespread use and associated hazards.
NFPA provides resources at fpw.org, sparky.org and sparkyschoolhouse.org to support outreach efforts to families, educators and local services.
Fire Prevention Week 2025: lithium-ion batteries in your home: Summary
The National Fire Protection Association has announced the theme for Fire Prevention Week 2025.
The theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”.
The campaign will run from 5 to 11 October 2025.
The focus is on helping the public understand how to use lithium-ion batteries safely.
NFPA said many everyday items are powered by lithium-ion batteries.
It warned that incorrect use can lead to overheating, fire, or explosion.
Consumers are advised to buy only listed and tested battery products.
Charging devices on hard surfaces and following instructions is recommended.
Overcharging should be avoided to prevent fire.
NFPA said batteries must not be disposed of in regular bins.
It directed the public to use battery recycling facilities.
Further information is available at fpw.org, sparky.org and sparkyschoolhouse.org.