Fire Prevention

Fire Prevention Week 2026

Fire Prevention Week runs October 4–10, 2026. This year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.”

Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use every day, including phones, laptops, toys, power tools, e-bikes and scooters. When batteries are damaged or charged improperly, they can overheat and start a fire.

Use your charging superpowers

A few simple habits can help prevent lithium-ion battery fires:

  • Use the right charger. Use the charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer.
  • Choose a hard surface. Charge devices on a table, desk or bare floor and not on beds, couches or pillows.
  • Unplug when fully charged.
  • Watch for warning signs. Stop using a battery if it becomes very hot, swells, leaks, smells strange, smokes or makes unusual sounds.
  • Charge larger batteries carefully. Charge e-bikes, scooters and power tools outside when possible and keep exits clear.

Buy and recycle safely

Look for products that meet recognized safety standards, such as UL, ETL or CSA certification.

Lithium-ion batteries should not go in the garbage or regular recycling, as they can create a fire risk. Take used batteries and devices to an appropriate battery recycling location instead. Parkland County transfer stations accept lithium-ion batteries, find the location closest to you.

 

Does your family have a home safety plan?

Make the first Saturday of each month “Smoke Alarm Saturday”! A working smoke alarm will clue you in that there is a fire and you need to escape. Fire moves fast. You and your family could have only minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds.

  • Smoke alarms should be installed in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement

  • Test all of your smoke alarms by pushing the test button. If it makes a loud beep, beep, beep sound, you know it’s working. If there is no sound or the sound is low, it’s time to replace the battery. 

    Hear a Chirp, Make a Change! A chirping alarm needs attention. Replace the batteries or the entire alarm if it is older than 10 years old. If you don’t remember how old it is, replace it.

  • Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the alarm and what to do when it sounds.

Having a home fire escape plan will make sure everyone knows what to do when the smoke alarm sounds so they can get out safely

  • Draw a map of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors.
  • Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure they are part of the plan.
  • Make sure all escape routes are clear and that doors and windows open easily.
  •  Pick an outside meeting place (something permanent like a neighbor’s house, a light post, mailbox, or stop sign) that is a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet.
  • Everyone in the home should know the fire department’s emergency number and how to call once they are safely outside.
  • Practice! Practice! Practice! Practice day and night time home fire drills. Share your home escape plans with overnight guests.

REMEMBER:

When You Hear a Beep, Get On Your Feet! Get out and stay out. Call 9-1-1 from your outside meeting place.

Contact Us

Parkland County Centre
53109A HWY 779, Parkland County, AB T7Z 1R1

General Office: 780-968-8888
Toll Free: 1-888-880-0858
After hours: 780-968-8400
Email: hello@parklandcounty.com

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