Charge Into Fire Safety! is the theme for National Fire Prevention Week.
When it comes to lithium ion battery safety, it's important to buy, charge and recycle safely, according to Shawnee Township Fire Prevention Officer Matt Reaman. Reaman told us that lithium ion batteries are everywhere: in cell phones, power tools, e-bikes, laptops. They can cause fires that are very hard to extinguish if you're not careful. Reaman recommends using the correct charger, only charging on hard, flat surfaces, unplugging once fully charged and recycling batteries safety. They're seen a recent increase of fires in beds caused by people who fell asleep with their phone plugged in; the phones generate enough heat that they catch on fire. Other unusual causes of fires they see are electric vehicle fires, spontaneous combustion of oily rags, dishwasher and appliance fires, sunlight through glass or mirrors, spontaneous combustion of mulch, and squirrel who chewed through Christmas lights. Reaman recommends that every home have working smoke alarms on every level & inside bedrooms, that you close bedroom doors before sleeping and have a home escape plan. He also says fire departments generally provide free home safety inspections; you can call your local fire department for more information.
Also, American Township Fire Chief Tom Hadding told us about their new fire station under construction on Elida Road. It will replace the fire station in Elida which was built in 1968; the Edgewood fire station will remain open. The cost of the 33,000 square foot building is $8.1 million. Hadding says the department has been saving for the new station for six years. It should be completed in June of 2026.
