Tay Township Fire urges residents to charge devices safely during Fire Prevention Week

04 October 2026

This year’s Fire Prevention week theme, "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on simple steps residents can take to charge their devices. Safe charging means making smart choices every time you plug in. 

Many devices used in our daily lives, including phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes and scooters, run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries store a lot of energy in a small space. If they are damaged or charged incorrectly, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. 

“The way you charge your lithium-ion battery devices can make a difference in helping prevent home fires,” said Fire Chief and Community Emergency Management Coordinator Shawn Aymer. “It comes down to using simple habits each time you plug in.” 

Tay Township Fire encourages residents to follow these safe charging practices: 

  • Use the correct cord and charger. Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire. 
  • Charge devices on a hard, flat surface. Do not charge devices on beds, couches, or under pillows. Devices and chargers produce heat during normal charging. Soft surfaces can trap heat and block airflow, causing the battery to overheat. 
  • Know the warning signs. Stop using your device if it becomes very hot, starts to swell or smoke, or develops an unusual smell. These are signs the battery may be damaged or failing. 
  • Unplug devices when they are fully charged. Do not leave devices plugged in longer than needed. Leaving a device plugged in can increase heat and stress on the battery. 
  • Take extra care with larger batteries. Charge larger items, such as e-bikes, scooters and power tools outside and away from exits. These batteries are larger and store more energy. If they fail, fires can grow and spread quickly. 

For questions about fire prevention and safety in Tay Township, contact the Tay Township Fire Department at 705-534-7248 x245 or mmoore@tay.ca. 

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org. 

Contact: 

Mike Moore Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Prevention Officer 
705-534-7248 ext. 245 
mmoore@tay.ca   

Scroll to top