BE SAFE! WIN PRIZES! As part of National Fire Prevention Week, Mt. Lebanon Fire Department’s Smoke Alarm Challenge could net you a swell prize. During Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11, take a photo or video of someone testing the smoke detector in your home, post it to social media and tag @mtlebanonfire, or email it to firecontest@mtlebanon.org, for your chance to win a personal firehouse tour, a ride in a fire truck and a swag bag. Two winners will be chosen: one random, one for most creative submission. Must be a Mt. Lebanon resident to win, but anyone is encouraged to take part. Winners cannot be a current Mt. Lebanon staff or volunteer firefighter or be related to one.

LITHIUM-ION BATTERY SAFETY This year’s NFPA Fire Safety month theme is lithium-ion battery safety. They power e-bikes and other electronic forms of mobility.

The batteries can catch fire if you use an incompatible charger. Also, some cheaper brands of batteries are prone to starting a fire, as are batteries that have been damaged in some way, such as being crushed or exposed to water.

Here are some suggestions for safely using and storing lithium-ion batteries:

• Buy batteries that are certified by Underwriter Laboratories.
• Do not store batteries in extremely hot or cold locations.
• Use charging equipment that is only compatible with your device. To be safe, use only the charging equipment that is supplied with your device.
• Charge the batteries in your garage, away from your main living space and out of the path of your egress from the home. Garages generally carry a higher fire safety rating than the rest of the house.
• Stop charging a battery once it is full.
• Stop using your device if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odor, excessive heat, popping sounds, swelling, or change in odor.
• If your battery is smoking, call 911. The battery can go from smoking to fully engulfed in a short time.
• If you see a fire, get out and call 911. Do not try to put it out yourself.

CLEAN RAGS The National Fire Prevention Association estimates about 1,700 house fires per year are caused by spontaneous combustion or chemical reactions, and another 900 are the result of oily rags catching fire. If you’re doing a project with oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes, be sure to properly dispose of any rags you use to wipe up spills or clean brushes.

• Never leave cleaning rags in a pile. At the end of the day, take the rags outside to dry.
• Hang the rags outside or spread them on the ground. Weight them down so they do not blow away. Keep them away from buildings.
• Put dried rags in a metal container. Make sure the cover is tight. Fill the container with a water and detergent solution. This will break down the oils.
• Keep containers of oily rags in a cool place. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from other heat sources.