The Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service is teaming up with the US National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to support Fire Safety Awareness Week, which takes place from October 5-9, 2026.
This year’s FSAW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on the simple steps people can take to recharge safely. Safe charging means making smart choices every time you plug in.
Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Dana Lovell, said: “The way you charge your lithium-ion battery devices can make a difference in helping prevent home fires. It comes down to using simple habits each time you plug in.
“Lithium-ion batteries are now part of everyday life, so we want residents to understand the warning signs and develop safe charging habits that can reduce the risk of a fire.
As part of Fire Safety Awareness Week, the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service will host a series of activities designed to increase public awareness, provide practical fire safety information and give residents opportunities to engage directly with firefighters.
The week will begin with an opening ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 5. From Monday through Thursday, pre-scheduled station tours and demonstrations will also be held for schools between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the Hamilton Fire Station and Clearwater Fire Station, allowing students to learn more about fire safety and the work of the BFRS.
On Wednesday, 7 October, the BFRS will host free giveaways outside the Hamilton Fire Station from 8:00 a.m. as part of Welch’s Wednesday with Bruce Barritt.
Members of the public are also encouraged to attend an electric vehicle Safety Panel Talk at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, at the Hamilton Fire Station Recreational Hall. Spaces are limited. Those interested in attending should email bfrsinfo@gov.bm.
The session will provide an opportunity to learn more about electric vehicle safety, the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and the precautions that can be taken to help prevent fires.
Residents will also hear directly from those involved in fire safety and ask questions about an area that is becoming increasingly relevant as the use of electric vehicles and battery-powered devices grows.
In addition to the week’s activities, the BFRS is sharing the following useful tips to help residents charge their devices safely and recognise potential warning signs:
• Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
• Charge devices on a table, desk, or other hard, flat surface. Do not charge them on beds, couches, or under pillows. Devices and chargers produce heat during normal charging. Soft surfaces can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause the battery to overheat.
• Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, is smoking, or has a strange smell. These are warning signs that the battery may be damaged or failing.
• Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Do not leave it plugged in longer than needed. Leaving a device plugged in too long can increase heat and stress on the battery.
• Charge larger items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside and away from exits. These batteries are larger and store more energy. If they fail, fires can grow quickly and spread.
• When on a plane, keep your device where you can see it while charging. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to respond quickly.
CFO Lovell added: “Fire Safety Awareness Week gives us an important opportunity to remind the community that simple precautions can make a significant difference.
“We encourage residents to take part in the week’s activities, ask questions and use the information being shared to make their homes and families safer.”
For more information about FSAW programs in Bermuda contact the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service at 292-5555 or bfrsinfo@gov.bm. To learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.
