Westfield Fire Department invites community to Fire Prevention Month open houses

Everyone has a responsibility to learn about fire safety prevention, and Westfield Fire wants to help. (Photo provided by Westfield Fire Department)

Posted By: The Reporter October 8, 2025

“Charge into Fire Safety” highlights battery charging risks & life-saving skills

Submitted by Westfield Fire Department 

As Fire Prevention Month kicks off, the Westfield Fire Department urges residents to prioritize safety amid rising concerns over lithium-ion battery hazards and overcharging electronics.

Aligning with the National Fire Protection Association’s 2025 theme, “Charge into Fire Safety,” the department is hosting a series of community open houses at its stations. These events offer families an opportunity to connect with local firefighters, discuss fire prevention tips, and learn essential skills like Hands-Only CPR.

“Fires involving batteries in electronics, e-bikes, scooters, and garden tools are on the rise, but they’re preventable with simple awareness and precautions,” Westfield Fire Marshal Ryan Flora said. “Our open houses are designed to empower our community to ask questions and walk away with practical knowledge for keeping your home safe.”

Photo provided by Westfield Fire Department

Event schedule

  • Saturday, Oct. 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Fire Station 382, 1920 E. 151st
  • Saturday, Oct. 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Fire Station 383, 17944 Grassy Branch Road.
  • Saturday, Oct. 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Fire Station 381, 17001 Ditch Road

All events are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. Bring your curiosity and questions.

Photo provided by Westfield Fire Department

For adults

Batteries power everything from smartphones to cordless lawnmowers, and mishandling them can lead to fires or explosions. These tips focus on lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries, commonly used in devices and tools, emphasizing safe use, charging, and storage. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for specifics.

  1. Use the Correct Charger: Stick to the original or manufacturer-approved charger. Mismatched chargers can cause overheating or short-circuiting, especially in gardening tools like hedge trimmers where high-drain batteries are common.
  2. Do NOT Overcharge: Unplug batteries once fully charged, don’t leave them plugged in overnight. For gardening tools, use smart chargers with auto-shutoff to prevent lithium-ion swelling or thermal runaway from prolonged charging.
  3. Charge in a Cool, Ventilated Area: Keep charging stations away from flammable materials, direct sunlight, or enclosed spaces. Ideal temperature is 50 to 77°; heat buildup in tool batteries during charging can ignite nearby combustibles.
  4. Inspect for Damage Before Use: Check batteries for dents, leaks, or bulging casings. Discard damaged ones immediately. Cracked batteries in power tools can fail under vibration, leading to sparks.
  5. Store at Partial Charge: For long-term storage (off-season gardening tools), keep batteries at 40 to 60 percent charge in a cool, dry place (below 77°. Full or empty batteries accelerate degradation and fire risks.
  6. Don’t Mix Old and New Batteries: In multi-battery devices like drill kits, use matching batteries of the same age and type. Mismatched voltages can cause uneven discharge and overheating.
  7. Keep Away from Water and Extremes: Avoid moisture exposure during use or storage. Electronics and tools aren’t waterproof unless specified. Extreme cold (below 32°) can crack casings; heat above 104°F risks explosion.
  8. Dispose Properly, Don’t Trash: Recycle used batteries at: Hamilton County Hazardous Waste Center, 1717 Pleasant St. #200, Noblesville, never in regular waste. Lithium batteries can leach toxins or catch fire in landfills, including those from garden equipment.
  9. Monitor Temperature During Use: Stop using if a battery gets unusually hot (above 113°) High-vibration tools like chainsaws stress batteries; built-in thermal sensors in modem ones will often shut down safely.
  10. Carry and Store Safely: Use protective cases for transport: to prevent shorts from metal contact (e.g., coins in pockets). For storage, keep batteries separate from chargers and in fire-resistant bags, especially bulky ones for outdoor tools.

Photo provided by Westfield Fire Department

For kids

  1. Never use a charging cord that has tears or is broken.
  2. Never leave your electronics charging in your bed or lying on something that can burn.
  3. Never leave your cord plugged into the socket when not charging your device.
  4. Charge your wheeled devices outside the house.
  5. When your device is charged, unplug it.
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