Fire Prevention Week began on Monday and officials across Jonesboro are highlighting a danger that most people carry in their pockets every day: lithium-ion batteries. As of Friday, Oct. 3, Arkansas has recorded 50 fire deaths this year, according to Jonesboro Fire Marshal Captain John White.
The statistic underscores the importance of this year’s fire prevention message, which focuses specifically on the risks posed by the lithium-ion batteries found in countless everyday devices.
White explained that these potentially dangerous power sources are more common than many people realize. He shared a personal example to illustrate the point.
“Like I have hearing aids, and my hearing aids have a lithium-ion battery in it, and when they charge, I have to make sure that I use the right charger for my little thing or it will have a runaway, and that was one of the things they told me when I got it,” White said.
The key to preventing lithium-ion battery fires lies in following proper charging protocols, White emphasized. “You need to use the right charger, you need make sure it’s a UL-listed charger, you don’t need to use one that’s damaged, because when these, when they go up, they go up quick, and they cause big fires, and they cause fires to get out of hand very quickly,” White said. For disposal, White recommends following manufacturer instructions to ensure safe handling of spent batteries.
While lithium-ion battery safety takes center stage this year, White stressed that traditional fire prevention measures remain vital. “Smoke alarms are the cheapest life insurance policy you can have, because it gives you some early notification there is a fire, and gives you a little bit of time to get out,” White said. “Sleep with your bedroom doors closed. The closed bedroom door gives you time. Time is your enemy in a house fire.”
Jonesboro has implemented an additional safety tool to help first responders during emergencies. The Smart 911 system, available as a mobile app or through the city’s website, allows residents to pre-register important information about themselves and their families.
“Sometimes you are not able to answer questions, and it will just pop up and tell us a lot of information about you that you might not be able to verbally tell us, and it just makes things a little bit easier on our end,” said Jonesboro 911 Center shift supervisor Cameron Jackson.
The system allows users to upload photos of themselves, their pets, and their homes or vehicles to better assist first responders during emergencies. Whether it’s properly charging a lithium-ion battery or signing up for Smart 911, taking proactive steps can make all the difference in protecting lives and homes from fire.
