Mayor proclaims Fire Prevention Week, highlights lithium-ion battery safety

The Sierra Vista City Council received a proclamation Sept. 25 designating Oct. 5–11 as Fire Prevention Week and spotlighting safety guidance related to lithium-ion batteries.

A representative of Sierra Vista Fire Medical Service addressed the council and said this year’s theme is “Charge into Safety, Lithium Ion Batteries in Your Home” and urged residents to buy only products bearing a nationally recognized testing lab stamp, charge devices safely using manufacturer-recommended chargers on hard surfaces, avoid charging under pillows or on furniture and dispose of or recycle lithium-ion batteries at approved collection points rather than throwing them into household trash or standard recycling.

The presenter noted that many products sold online or in stores may not meet safety standards and recommended purchasing chargers from the device manufacturer or an approved replacement. The speaker also said local big-box home-improvement stores and the transfer station will accept batteries for safe recycling and urged residents to consult online resources for additional drop-off locations.

Mayor Clea McCaw read and signed a written proclamation at the meeting declaring Fire Prevention Week for the city. The proclamation referenced the National Fire Protection Association observing the week during the week that includes Oct. 9, the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, and cited an increase in battery-related fires as a reason for public education on safe charging and recycling.

Why it matters: The proclamation is a public-safety awareness measure urging specific, practical steps to reduce a recognized source of home fires. Fire department guidance emphasizes product selection, charging practices and safe disposal to lower household risk.

No enforcement or regulatory changes were announced; the item was a proclamation and educational presentation.