State Fire Marshal’s Office Marks Fire Prevention Week with Battery Safety Focus

The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is highlighting lithium-ion battery safety during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5–11. This year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” reminds Tennesseans to:

• BUY only certified products (UL, ETL, CSA).
• CHARGE safely with manufacturer-approved cords, avoid overcharging, and charge on hard surfaces.
• RECYCLE batteries properly — never in household trash.

Lithium-ion batteries power many common devices but can overheat or catch fire if damaged or misused. The SFMO also stresses the importance of working smoke alarms, which cut the risk of dying in a house fire by more than 60%. Since 2012, the state’s “Get Alarmed, Tennessee!” program has saved over 500 lives by installing free smoke alarms. For more safety tips or to request free smoke alarms, visit tn.gov/fire.