Fire Prevention Week (FPW™), October 4–10, 2026, Highlights Safe Charging Practices and Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
YONKERS, N.Y. — Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and the Yonkers Fire Department are joining the National Fire Protection Association for Fire Prevention Week, October 4–10, 2026, with this year’s campaign focusing on safe charging practices and the dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries.
The 2026 theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” highlights precautions residents can take when charging everyday devices such as cell phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, toys, e-bikes and scooters.
“Rechargeable devices are part of our everyday lives, but we can’t take their safety for granted,” Mayor Mike Spano said. “A few simple precautions can make a big difference in keeping our families and our community safe.”
According to the city, the Yonkers Fire Department responded to 10 battery-related fires in 2025. So far in 2026, that number has been cut in half.
Yonkers Fire Commissioner William Fitzpatrick said this year’s campaign places particular emphasis on lithium-ion battery safety while continuing to reinforce basic fire prevention measures such as maintaining working smoke alarms, creating an emergency exit plan, and knowing when to call 911.
Lithium-ion batteries store significant amounts of energy in a small space. When damaged, improperly charged, or exposed to excessive heat, they can overheat, catch fire, or, in some cases, explode.
Yonkers Fire Department Safety Tips
- Residents are being urged to:
- Use the charger and cord that came with the device or one approved by the manufacturer.
- Charge devices on a hard, flat surface such as a table or desk — not on beds, couches, or under pillows where heat can become trapped.
- Stop using a device if it becomes unusually hot, begins to swell, smokes or gives off a strange odor.
- Unplug devices once they are fully charged.
- Charge larger batteries, including those used in e-bikes, scooters, and power tools, away from exits and whenever possible in a safe outdoor location.
- Keep devices visible while charging during air travel and never charge e-cigarettes or vaping devices aboard an aircraft.
Lithium-ion batteries may be recycled or disposed of at the Yonkers Recycling Center, 735 Saw Mill River Road.
Fire Prevention Week Events
The Yonkers Fire Department is also holding a series of educational events, including firehouse tours, school-based seminars and demonstrations involving its smoke trailer.
Scheduled locations include:
- Khalil Gibran School, 18 Rosedale Road — October 2 and 5
- Annunciation School, 465 Westchester Avenue — October 5
- Rosemarie Ann Siragusa School, 60 Crescent Place — October 6
- Westchester Hills School 29, 47 Croydon Road — October 7
- Montessori School 27, 132 Valentine Lane — October 13
- Casimir Pulaski School, 150 Kings Cross — October 22
Lieutenant Devon Chisholm of the Yonkers Fire Prevention Bureau said much of the department’s outreach is focused on school-age children in hopes they will bring the message home to their families.
“We want fire prevention to become part of their daily routine,” Chisholm said. “Safe charging means making smart choices every time you plug in.”
The Yonkers City Hall Clock Tower will be illuminated red and white on October 4 in recognition of Fire Prevention Week. The City of Yonkers is also accepting applications for its 2026–2027 Firefighter Examination, with the filing deadline set for Wednesday, November 25, 2026.
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