Ames Will Promote Battery Safety This October

Mayor John Haila proclaimed Fire Prevention Week to emphasize risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Safety

Isometric editorial illustration of a single lithium-ion battery cell on a flat surface, representing battery safety education. — Ames Mayor John Haila has designated Fire Prevention Week to educate city residents on proper charging safety for lithium-ion battery devices. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Is now a good time for you to review your home's lithium-ion battery charging habits?

The City of Ames officially kicked off Fire Prevention Week to educate residents on the dangers of lithium-ion batteries. The campaign highlights proper charging habits for devices ranging from laptops to electric bicycles.

Why it matters

Lithium-ion batteries carry high energy density, which can lead to fires or explosions if the batteries are damaged, overheated, or charged with incompatible equipment.

The Ames Fire Department will host an open house at 1300 Burnett Ave. on October 10. The event features a sensory-friendly hour from 8 to 9 a.m., followed by general admission from 9 a.m. to noon.

The players

John Haila

John Haila serves as the Mayor of Ames, Iowa.

Ames Fire Department

The Ames Fire Department is the municipal agency responsible for fire suppression, emergency medical services, and public safety education in Ames.

The details

To prevent fire risks, officials advise that residents charge devices only on hard surfaces to avoid trapping heat. Users should also strictly utilize the specific charger and battery combinations designed for their individual electronic devices.

October 10, 2026: Annual fire department open house.
October 2026: Firefighter school visits.

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Seasonal Patterns

This local awareness campaign follows the guidelines established by the National Fire Protection Association's lithium-ion battery safety standards. It marks a shift toward addressing specific household fire risks posed by the ubiquity of modern rechargeable technology.

Residents should inspect all charging cables and power bricks to ensure they are compatible with their specific devices. During the open house on October 10, visitors can learn firsthand about fire prevention strategies and safe storage practices for battery-powered equipment.

The takeaway

Adopting careful charging habits is a simple but vital step for preventing home fires caused by modern electronics. Always prioritize using manufacturer-approved chargers to maintain the integrity of your lithium-ion batteries.