Fire Prevention Week (FPW™), October 4–10, 2026, Highlights Safe Charging Practices and Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and the City of Yonkers Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to support Fire Prevention Week (FPW), during the month of October, designated as Fire Prevention Month.
This year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on the simple steps people can take to recharge safely.
“Rechargeable devices are part of our everyday lives, but we can’t take their safety for granted,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week message is a simple one: charge into fire safety. A few simple precautions can make a big difference in keeping our families and our community safe. The more we educate our community, the safer everyone will be.”
In 2025, the Yonkers Fire Department responded to 10 fires sparked by batteries. To date, that number has been cut in half.
“Fire prevention is a year-round responsibility, and education is one of our most important tools,” said Yonkers Fire Commissioner William Fitzpatrick. “This year, we are putting a special focus on safe charging and the potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries. We want residents to understand how to charge and store these devices safely, while continuing to reinforce the basics of fire safety, including working smoke alarms, having an exit plan and knowing how to call 911.”
Many devices used in our daily lives – phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes, and scooters, run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store a lot of energy in a small space. If they are damaged or charged the wrong way, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode.
The Yonkers Fire Department is offering some simple tips:
- Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one 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.
Lithium-ion batteries can be recycled and disposed of at the Yonkers Recycling Center on 735 Saw Mill River Road.
The Yonkers Fire Department is also hosting a series of events in support of this year’s FPW campaign, including station house tours, curbside seminars at local schools, and a demonstration of the smoke trailer:
- Khalil Gibran School, 18 Rosedale Road (October 2 & 5)
- Annunciation School, 465 Westchester Avenue (October 5)
- Rosemarie Ann Sirgusa School, 60 Crescent Place (October 6)
- Westchester Hills School 29, 47 Croydon Road (October 7)
- Montessori School 27, 132 Valentine Lane (October 13)
- Casimir Pulaski School, 150 Kings Cross (October 22)
Lieutenant Devon Chisholm of the Yonkers Fire Prevention Bureau said, “Much of our attention is focused on school-age children to bring the message home. This way, families can plan together and learn together. We want fire prevention to become part of their daily routine. Safe charging means making smart choices every time you plug in.”
The Yonkers City Hall Clock Tower will also commemorate Fire Prevention Week on October 4 lighting up red and white.
About the City of Yonkers:
The City of Yonkers is the third largest city in New York State and Westchester County’s largest city. Yonkers serves as the gateway to the Hudson Valley with more than 40 vibrant and diverse suburban neighborhoods. First settled as a small farm town in 1646 settled by Dutchman Adriaen Van Der Donck, Yonkers evolved into a major trading and industrial center. Today, Yonkers hosts the largest film production studios in the Northeast, claiming the title Hollywood on Hudson. Yonkers is one of the safest cities of its size in the nation and is home to a vibrant arts district along with more than 80 local parks.
About Yonkers Fire Department:
The Yonkers Fire Department remains dedicated to protecting both the public and their property. As frontline responders to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, acts of terrorism, utility crises, and virtually every other form of assistance call, the Yonkers Fire Department ensures public safety and elevates it through proactive fire prevention, investigation, and fire safety education initiatives.