This year’s Fire Prevention Week (October 4–10, 2026) is all about charging safely.
With the theme “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower™,” NFPA is highlighting simple steps we can take to safely charge the lithium-ion battery-powered devices we use every day.
Why This Year's Theme Matters
The 2026 theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower™,” puts the focus on something we do every day without giving it much thought — charging our devices safely.
Whether you’re a dayhome provider, a parent, or both, Fire Prevention Week is a good reminder to look at what is plugged in and charging throughout your home and program, and whether you’re doing it as safely as possible.
Lithium-ion batteries are found in so many of the things we use every day:
Tablets and cell phones
Ride-on toys and scooters
Cameras and baby monitors
Laptops and cordless tools
Rechargeable toys and electronics
Lithium-ion batteries can become a fire hazard when they are damaged, improperly charged, or used with incompatible charging equipment. In a dayhome, where there may be multiple devices, toys, and electronics charging throughout the week, small habits can make a big difference.
This week, take a few minutes to look around your dayhome. What’s plugged in? Where is it charging? Are cords and chargers in good condition? Are rechargeable devices being charged somewhere safe and away from children? Fire safety isn’t just about having an evacuation plan — prevention starts with the everyday choices we make before an emergency ever happens.
The 2026 Focus: Charge Safely
This year, Fire Prevention Week is putting the spotlight on how and where we charge our devices. Lithium-ion batteries power so many things in our homes and dayhomes, and a few simple charging habits can help reduce the risk of a fire.
USE the Right Charger
Use the charging equipment recommended by the manufacturer for your device.
Avoid mixing chargers and devices just because the plug happens to fit.
Replace chargers or cords that are damaged, frayed, cracked, or unusually hot.
Look for signs that a battery may be damaged, including swelling, leaking, unusual odours, excessive heat, or changes in shape.
CHARGE in the Right Place
Charge devices on a hard, stable surface where heat can escape.
Keep charging devices away from beds, couches, blankets, pillows, and other combustible materials.
Never charge a device underneath something that could trap heat.
In a dayhome, keep charging devices, batteries, cords, and outlets out of children’s reach.
Consider creating a designated charging area so you always know where devices are being charged.
PAY Attention While Charging
Follow the device manufacturer’s charging instructions.
Don’t continue charging a device that becomes extremely hot, starts swelling, changes shape, leaks, or gives off an unusual smell.
Keep an eye on rechargeable toys, tablets, phones, cordless tools, and other battery-powered items while they charge.
Once charging is complete, disconnect the device when recommended by the manufacturer.
Small changes to our everyday charging habits can help prevent a serious fire — especially in a dayhome where you are responsible for the safety of several children at once.
Fire Safety Tips for Dayhomes
Fire Prevention Week is also a great opportunity to look beyond batteries and do a quick check of your overall fire safety practices.
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and make sure they are working properly.
Check your exits and evacuation routes to make sure they are clear and accessible.
Review your evacuation plan, including how you would safely evacuate infants, toddlers, or children who need additional assistance.
Practice a fire drill with the children so they become familiar with what to do and where to go.
Inspect cords, power bars, outlets, chargers, and electrical equipment for damage.
Make sure emergency information and evacuation plans are current and easy to access.
Fire safety isn’t something we only think about during Fire Prevention Week. The goal is to build simple routines
Check Out Some Our Fire Safety Resources
Final Thoughts
Fire Prevention Week is a reminder that fire safety isn’t only about being prepared for an emergency — it’s also about preventing one from happening in the first place.
Taking a few extra seconds to use the right charger, choose a safe place to charge, and recognize the warning signs of a damaged battery can make a real difference. In a dayhome, those everyday habits are part of creating a safe environment for every child in your care.
This October, let’s Charge into Fire Safety and make safe charging part of our everyday routines in Alberta’s dayhomes.
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