Charge into Fire Safety: Plug In. Power Up. Stay Safe
A new program at the McDonough County Health Department (MCHD) is now being offered to area residents at 'no charge,' and thus far, the lithium-ion battery recycling initiative is receiving lots of 'positive' feedback, according to health department officials.
It's Fire Prevention Week this week, and the entire month of October is dedicated to National Fire Prevention, with this year's theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.' The month is focused on lithium-ion batteries and charging safety to reduce the risk of battery fires.
Residents can bring in batteries to the health department from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, at 505 E. Jackson Street in Macomb. We have a drop-off box in the lobby, and we also have a larger container set up for the larger batteries,' said MCHD Director Chris Adams. 'This new program was created out of the battery law that went into effect last year.'
The health department will take any of the following batteries:
• If it says “Lithium” anywhere: Lithium-ion (Liion), such as power tools, cellphones and power banks, and Lithium-primary such as small toys.
• Soft-sided batteries: Laptops, drones, medical devices
• Button or coin cells: Watches, hearing aids, key fobs.
• Rechargeable (Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, Ni-Zn) batteries over 9V: Power tool packs
• Alkaline or carbon zinc batteries over 12V: Garage door openers, wireless doorbells, medical devices
• Small sealed lead acid (SSLA): Emergency devices, ride-on toys, security systems Tips from the National Fire Protection Association for battery safety include:
• Cheap charger? Don't chance it. Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer.
• Fully charged? Time to unplug.
• Feels hot? Stop using. If your device feels very hot, starts to swell, smells odd, leaks, smokes or makes popping or hissing noises, stop using.
• On a flight? Keep it in sigh. When on a plane, keep devices where you can see them while charging. Report any issues to a flight attendant.
MFD Fire Prevention Month Events According to Macomb Fire Department (MFD) Chief Dan Meyer, his department will visit Macomb's elementary schools to provide fire prevention education, conduct school fire drills and host station visits throughout the month.
The MFD is also participating in the statewide BE Alarmed Smoke Alarm Blitz Oct. 18-24. Residents should sign up for their free smoke alarm checks and installations by calling (309) 836-7800 or completing the form at tinyurl.com/MFDSmokeAlarmCheck.
