Take Charge of Lithium-ion Battery Safety!

From the first sign of a problem, you could have less than one minute to escape a lithium-ion battery fire. But there are things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones. Follow these safety measures to Take C.H.A.R.G.E of Battery Safety:

• C - Choose certified products. 
  • When purchasing lithium-ion battery-powered devices, look for products that are listed or safety certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to ensure they meet important safety requirements. 
• H - Handle lithium-ion battery-powered devices with care
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Only use the charging equipment that comes with the product. 
  • Store batteries away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, exits, and anything flammable.
  • Do not modify the battery or the charger in any way. 
  • Charge larger devices (such as eBikes) outside the home – and never in your exit path. 
  • Do not charge larger devices overnight.
• A - Always stay alert for warning signs
  • Check battery-powered devices often for damage or abuse such as swelling or punctures.
  • Listen for unusual hissing or popping sounds.
  • Watch out for excessive heat or a strange odor.
  • If you notice any of these warning signs, stop using the lithium-ion powered devices.
  • White or gray wispy smoke indicates immediate danger of thermal runaway. 
• R - Recycle devices and batteries properly
  • Responsibly dispose of old or damaged batteries and devices by taking them to the nearest battery recycling center. 
  • Never discard batteries, chargers, or battery-powered devices in regular trash bins.
• G - Get out quickly if there’s a fire
  • Know the warning signs to look and listen for and get out if you see – or hear – one.
  • Follow your home fire escape plan to leave immediately and call 9-1-1
• E - Educate others on battery safety
  • Now that you know what actions to take, spread the word. Protect your friends and loved ones by sharing how they can Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety

For more information on battery safety, visit our Home Fire Prevention page, or the NFPA Lithium-ion Battery Safety page.

Home Fire Prevention

Whether at home, at work or on vacation, we all have a shared responsibility to keep our families safe from fire. Sadly, many of the fires that happen across Ontario every year were preventable, and most fatal fires are unintentional and could have been prevented. Over 10 years, OFMEM Fire Investigators have determined that 51% were unintentional/preventable.

It's your responsibility to keep your family and home safe from fires. There are three key areas to saving lives and your property, when it comes to fire in your home - prevention, detection and escape.

Prevention

Prevent fires before they start! The following information will help you spot the dangers so you can prevent a fire from happening. 

Learn about:

• Home fire prevention
• Workplace fire prevention
• Seasonal fire safety
• Seniors' safety

Detection

Most fatal fires occur at night when people are asleep. Often, victims never wake up. Working smoke alarms give you the precious time you need to escape a fire.

• Maintain working smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside every sleeping area
• Consider installing residential sprinklers when building a new home or doing major renovations

Learn more about:

• Smoke Alarms
• Carbon Monoxide

Escape

If a fire occurred in your home tonight, would your family be able to get out safely? It is important that everyone know what to do and where to go when the smoke alarm sounds.

• Plan and practice a home escape plan

Maintaining Fire and Life Safety in Buildings

Ensuring fire and life safety is paramount for all buildings, regardless of occupancy status. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to protect occupants and property. Below is a general guide to key areas that require attention: 

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of requirements, but rather a general guide.  All requirements can be found in the Ontario Fire Code. If you have any questions regarding these or any other fire code requirements, we can be reached at 905-883-5444 or by email.

Commercial Outdoor Patio Fire Safety Tips

Owners and operators of outdoor patios and dining areas are responsible for:

• the safe installation, operation and maintenance of their patio heating units
• abiding by all safety instructions outlined in the operating manual for their heating appliances
• ensuring staff understand how to safely operate the heating units and handle propane cylinders
• ensuring compliance with any municipal requirements and applicable codes, and shall not create a hazard eg. enclosures, obstructed exist, etc.
• ensuring all electrical installations are approved for outdoor use and comply with Canadian Electrical Code

Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services encourages all owners and operators to consult with TSSA's Patio Heater Safety Guidelines and NFPA's Outdoor Patio Heaters Fact Sheet.