Fire Prevention Week for 2025 runs from October 5 – 11!

From phones and headphones to scooters, e-bikes, and power tools, lithium-ion batteries power much of our daily life. But when handled or charged improperly, they can overheat, spark, or even catch fire. During Fire Prevention Week, Margate Fire Rescue would like to highlight ways to stay safe when using and storing these batteries at home.

BUY THE RIGHT PRODUCTS

When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.

CHARGE SMARTLY

Always use the cables that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS

STOP using your device right away if the battery smells weird, gets too hot, makes popping noises, changes in shape or color. If it is safe, move the device away from anything that can catch fire. Call 9-1-1.

DISPOSE THE RIGHT WAY

Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Lithium-ion batteries should be taken to hazardous waste collection sites, such as the North Residential Drop-Off Center located at 2780 N. Powerline Road, open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can also hold onto them until January 11, 2026 when the City of Margate hosts its Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics disposal event! Learn more at margatefl.com/HHW.

For questions or more information, contact the Margate Fire Department at 954-304-6660.