Fire Prevention Week 2026
Fire Prevention Week takes place from October 4 to October 10, 2026. The Hamilton Fire Department is excited to share this year’s theme, “CHARGE into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower”.
This theme underscores the critical importance of staying safe from lithium-ion battery fires and following important tips to ensure the well-being of our city’s residents.
Charge into Fire Safety 3 steps include:
- Buy only listed products.
- Charge devices safety.
- Recycle batteries responsibly.
Fire Prevention Week is a vital opportunity for us to educate and engage our
community on good fire safety practices. We believe that by working together, we can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related incidents and enhance the overall safety of our neighbourhoods.
Lithium-ion batteries power many consumer products.
This includes phones, computers, power tools, vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, e-scooters, e-cigarettes, toys, e-bikes, and electric vehicles. These batteries are essential for modern electronics, but they also require proper care and handling. To stay safe from lithiumion battery fires, follow these important safety tips:
- Keep devices dry. Some devices, such as toys and power tools, often lack watertight seals, so exposure to moisture can allow water to seep into the battery, leading to dangerous chemical reactions.
- Inspect for damaged batteries before use. If defects are found, do not use and place them away from flammable and combustible materials.
- Only use batteries and chargers that have one of the recognized Canadian certification marks, such as CSA, ULC and cETL.
- Never attempt to modify, tamper with or build your own lithium-ion batteries.
- Charge your cell phone, tablet, laptop and electronics safely by following these tips:
- Keep your battery in sight when charging and unplug it when charging is complete.
- Use the charger that came with your device. If you need a replacement, buy from a trusted source and ensure it's compatible with your device.
- Remove batteries/devices from their charger when fully charged.
- Charge your device on a hard surface, not on soft surfaces like beds, couches, or under pillows.
- If possible, charge larger items (like e-bikes, electric scooters or wheelchairs) away from exit doors, in the event they catch fire.
- Charge your battery before it drops below 30% for better longevity and safety but avoid keeping it at 100% for long periods.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions when charging a battery.
- Immediately discontinue use of a battery that feels hot or shows damage.
For more information and great safety tips, visit:
https://www.hamilton.ca/homefiresafety
https://www.chargedforlife.ca/
Battery Recycling
Collect household batteries (single-use and rechargeable) in a shoebox, plastic container or glass jar and recycle them.
Dispose batteries safely. They should never be placed in the garbage. Drop
them off at a City of Hamilton Hazardous Waste Day
or check here for battery recycling locations: https://locations.call2recycle.ca/on/hamilton/
The following batteries should be placed separately in a plastic bag or cover both battery ends with tape to make sure the ends do not touch:
- Lithium-ion
- Coin (Button) cell
- Alkaline batteries that are 9 volts or higher
- Corroded or leaking batteries
Store all batteries in a cool and dry location before bringing them to a Community Recycling Centre or Municipal Service Centres for recycling.