HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Base officials will recognize Fire Prevention Week here from Oct. 5 to 11.
This year’s campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” works to educate and communicate the importance of safely using lithium-ion batteries.
“Most of the electronics we use in our homes such as smartphones, tablets and laptops are powered by lithium-ion batteries,” said Casey Videtto, 66th Civil Engineering Division Fire Emergency Services fire prevention and life safety inspector. “Most everything that is rechargeable uses this type of battery.”
Local fire departments play a critical role in communicating the importance of only buying products with lithium-ion batteries and safely charging and recycling lithium-ion batteries.
“If not used correctly, lithium-ion batteries can overheat and start a fire,” said Videtto. “It is important to reduce risk in your home and research products before purchasing them online or in the store. To confirm authenticity, look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the product packaging, which means that it meets important safety standards.”
Fire department officials have planned events and activities to promote fire prevention throughout the week.
- Proclamation signing at the Hanscom Fire Station, Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m.
- Fire Prevention Team with Sparky at the Ruiz Gate, Monday, Oct. 6 from 6:45-7:45 a.m.
- Fire extinguisher simulator and booth at the Hanscom AFB Exchange, Monday, Oct. 6 from 10:30-noon.
- Fire Prevention Team at the Sartain Gate, Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 6:45-7:45 p.m.
- Fire Safe Trailer and Touch-A-Truck at the Hanscom Middle School, Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 8-12:35 p.m.
- Fire extinguisher simulator and booth at the Hanscom AFB Exchange, Thursday, Oct. 9 from 10:30-noon.
- Sparky to visit the Child Development Center, Thursday, Oct. 9 at 3:30 p.m.
- Story time with Sparky and a friendly fire fighter at the Hanscom Primary School, Friday, Oct. 10 from 8-9 a.m.
- 3rd and 4th grade obstacle course at the Hanscom Primary School, Friday, Oct. 10 from 9-10 a.m.
For more information, contact the Hanscom Fire Department at 781-225-5600.