Coquitlam Fire/Rescue educates on the safe use and disposal of rechargeable batteries.
The theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week, running from October 5 to 11, focuses on the importance of lithium-ion battery safety, with Coquitlam Fire/Rescue urging residents to handle, charge, and dispose of these batteries correctly to prevent fires.
Lithium-ion batteries are found in various household items, including smartphones, laptops, smoke alarms, toys, e-cigarettes, e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric cars. These batteries present a risk of fire or explosion if damaged or improperly used.
To minimize fire risks, consumers are advised to buy batteries with recognized Canadian certification marks, adhere to manufacturers’ guidelines, use the appropriate battery for each device, and utilize the original or compatible charging cords.
Warning signs such as strange odors, discoloration, excess heat, shape changes, leaks, or unusual noises indicate battery issues. Charging devices on flammable surfaces should be avoided, and once fully charged, the device should be unplugged.
Proper disposal is crucial as batteries are not suitable for curbside recycling or garbage collection. Resources like Recycle Your Batteries, Canada, and local services like Coquitlam’s WasteWizard offer guidance on recycling locations.
By adopting these practices, individuals can significantly decrease the chances of a fire. Additional fire prevention tips and information on the major causes of house fires are available at coquitlam.ca/SeasonalSafety.
Coquitlam Fire/Rescue’s mission encompasses emergency response, fire protection, and educational programs to safeguard lives and property from fires, medical emergencies, and hazardous conditions.
Further details about Coquitlam Fire/Rescue can be found at coquitlam.ca/FireRescue.
For media inquiries, contact Bryan Eberle, Fire Prevention Chief, at 604-927-6400 or email FireRescue@coquitlam.ca.
We gratefully acknowledge that Coquitlam derives from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, meaning ‘Red Fish Up the River,’ and are honored to be located on these traditional lands shared with other Coast Salish Peoples.