Fire Prevention Week 2026: Safe Charging is a Superpower™

"Charge into Fire Safety -- Safe Charging is a Superpower."

That's the theme of 2026 Fire Prevention Week -- Oct. 4-10 --, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced.

“Properly charging devices can significantly reduce the risk of fires and associated hazards. Making informed choices and practicing simple habits are critical to these efforts," said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. 

Many of the devices in our daily lives — phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes, and scooters, to name a few — run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store high amounts of energy in a small space. If the batteries are damaged or charged incorrectly, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode, NFPA officials wrote in a statement this week.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign works to better educate the public about how to safely use, store, and recharge lithium-ion powered devices, helping minimize risks at home and other locations.  

Among their suggestions:

• Use the cord and charger that came with your device or ones approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

• Charge devices on a table, desk, or other hard, flat surface. Do not charge them on beds, couches, or under pillows. Devices and chargers produce heat during normal charging. Soft surfaces can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause the battery to overheat.

• Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, is smoking, or has a strange smell. These are warning signs that the battery may be damaged or failing.

• Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Do not leave it plugged in longer than needed. Leaving a device plugged in too long can increase heat and stress on the battery.

• Charge larger items like 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 quickly and spread.

• When on a plane, keep your device where you can see it while charging. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to respond quickly.

Printable and digital information on the issue is available for fire prevention and life safety educators at NFPA.