Fire department advises Calgarians to be aware of lithium battery dangers
Calgary fire officials are reminding residents to be aware of the risk posed by lithium-ion batteries and the "large amount of energy they contain in a small space."
The CFD says while the power cells are safe if used properly, they are prone to overheating and catching fire if they're misused. Officials say the number of lithium battery-caused fires has increased by 150 per cent since last year.
Fire officials say those dangerous circumstances occur when they are not used, charged or stored properly.
"CFD is reminding all Calgarians to buy, store and charge items with lithium-ion batteries safely," said Chief Steve Dongworth in a release.
"Please ensure that you are aware of the safety tips and that you know how to charge and dispose of these batteries properly."
Other advice includes:
- When buying a new device, make sure it has been properly tested by a qualified laboratory;
- Only use the batter designed for the device and install the batteries properly;
- Use only the charging cord that came with the device;
- If the device is damaged, have it inspected by a qualified professional before charging or using it;
- Never charge a device under your pillow, on your bed or on a couch – airflow must be allowed around the device during charging;
- Store batteries out of direct sunlight and keep them at room temperature. They must not be left in hot vehicles either;
- Keep batteries away from heating equipment or anything else that can catch fire;
- Never crush, bend or drop a device and its charger; and
- If you are charging a lithium-ion battery in a mobility device, ensure it is done away from doors, exits and narrow hallways where it could block your escape in the event of an emergency.
More information about lithium battery safety can be found online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.