Update on 10/10/25 - Due to expected inclement weather on Saturday, Oct. 11, NCFD and the Fire Museum have rescheduled the event for Nov. 1.
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The North Charleston Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week (FPW) for more than 100 years, to promote this year’s campaign: “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” The initiative highlights the importance of buying, charging and recycling lithium-ion batteries safely.
To educate the community, the fire department will host its Annual Fire Safety Fest on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North Charleston Fire Museum, 4975 Centre Point Drive. The event will feature apparatus displays from multiple agencies, a children’s activity area, educational booths, live demonstrations, free admission to the museum, food trucks and entertainment. More information is available on the department’s Facebook event page.
Lithium-ion batteries power many everyday devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, power tools and toys. If damaged or used improperly, they can overheat, catch fire or even explode.
NFPA Safety Tips for Lithium-Ion Batteries:
- Buy only certified products: Look for safety marks such as UL, ETL or CSA.
- Charge devices safely: Use the manufacturer-provided cord, follow instructions, charge on a hard surface—not under a pillow, bed or couch—and unplug or remove the battery when fully charged.
- Recycle responsibly: Never throw batteries in the trash or standard recycling bins. Take them to a certified battery recycling location. Visit Call2Recycle to find a nearby drop-off.
For additional fire safety tips, follow the North Charleston Fire Department on its website.