This year’s Fire Prevention Week (October 5–11, 2025) is all about something many of us use every day — lithium-ion batteries. From phones and tablets to toys and tools, these powerful batteries keep our lives running — but when used or stored improperly, they can pose serious fire risks.
Why This Year's Theme Matters
The 2025 theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” reminds us to Buy, Charge, and Recycle these batteries safely.
Whether you’re a dayhome provider, a parent, or both — this week is the perfect time to take a closer look at the devices and batteries around your home and program to ensure everyone stays safe.
Lithium-ion batteries are found in countless household items:
- Tablets and cell phones
- Ride-on toys and scooters
- Cameras and baby monitors
- Laptops and cordless tools
When these batteries are damaged, overcharged, or used with the wrong equipment, they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode. In a dayhome setting — where devices are often left charging or used throughout the day — awareness is key.
The 2025 Focus: Buy, Charge, Recycle
BUY Smart
- Only purchase batteries and devices from reputable manufacturers and retailers.
- Check for UL, CSA, or ETL safety certification marks on packaging.
- Avoid cheap or unbranded replacements, especially for high-powered items like scooters or tablets.
CHARGE Safely
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Charge devices on hard, flat surfaces, away from beds, couches, or soft materials.
- Unplug devices when fully charged — don’t leave them plugged in overnight.
- Keep chargers out of reach of children, especially when plugged in.
- Never use a device that’s swelling, leaking, or overheating.
RECYCLE Properly
- Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash.
- Use municipal battery recycling programs or electronic waste drop-offs.
- Store old or damaged batteries in a non-metal container until disposal.
These small steps prevent big problems — and protect your home, children, and community.
Fire Safety Tips for Dayhomes
- Inspect cords and chargers weekly. Replace frayed or bent cables right away.
- Designate a safe charging area — a single location out of children’s reach.
- Post your evacuation map near exits and review it with children regularly.
- Test smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries yearly.
- Practice a fire drill this week to keep children confident and prepared.
Check Out Some Our Fire Safety Resources
Final Thoughts
Fire Prevention Week is the perfect reminder that fire safety isn’t just about alarms and drills — it’s about the small, everyday actions that prevent emergencies before they start.
By learning how to Buy, Charge, and Recycle batteries safely, you’re protecting not just your dayhome, but every child and family you serve.
Let’s all Charge into Fire Safety™ this October and make Alberta’s dayhomes safer together.
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