Preventing Fires Before They Start: Fire & Life Safety in Statesville

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries power daily life, but they also introduce a growing fire risk that many households do not recognize. Statesville’s Fire and Life Safety Educator/Community Risk Reduction, Heather Gessler, explains how incidents can start with something as small as a cell phone battery left on the floor. The key term is “thermal runaway,” a chain reaction where a damaged or overheated battery rapidly escalates, vents, and can ignite. These fires can look like fireworks because a lithium-ion pack contains multiple internal cells, so one failure can trigger the next. That is why battery safety education and community risk reduction are now central parts of modern fire prevention.

A major problem is how easily lithium-ion batteries end up in the trash stream. People assume a battery is harmless when it is “dead,” then toss it into a bin where a sanitation truck compactor can crush it and cause ignition. That puts sanitation workers, trucks, transfer stations, and landfills at risk. The safer approach is straightforward: recycle any battery that recharges. That includes cell phones, hearing aids, vapes, power tools, e-bikes, hoverboards, scooters, and even electric toothbrushes. By contrast, single-use household batteries for remotes and similar devices can typically go in the trash when they are not rechargeable. Clear labeling and habits at home reduce confusion and prevent the most common disposal mistakes.

Safe charging habits matter just as much as recycling. Many of us leave devices plugged in overnight or keep chargers running in garages, basements, and sheds, especially for power tool packs and personal mobility devices. Heat is a warning and a signal to pay attention, not to ignore. A practical tip shared for safer charging is using a simple timer to limit charge time, since most devices do not need constant charging. If a battery becomes extremely hot, starts swelling, or makes a hissing sound, treat it as urgent. Move it away from people and combustibles if you can do so safely, and call 911. One critical “do not” is adding water in a sink, which can worsen certain battery fire conditions and create additional hazards.

Fire prevention is also about making safety feel accessible for families, kids, and older adults. Heather uses hands-on school programs and a kid-friendly character, Fire Marshal Pete, to teach concepts like good fire versus bad fire and basics like stop, drop, and roll. For families, the biggest life-saving message is working smoke alarms and a practiced fire escape plan with a meeting place outside. “Closed before you doze” is a simple reminder that sleeping with bedroom doors closed can buy precious time during a fire. For residents who need assistance, the fire department can help with smoke alarm battery changes, especially for older adults who should not climb ladders. The department also introduces a rescue alert window cling placed low on the front or side door to help firefighters quickly identify pets, children, older adults, or people with disabilities inside.

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Welcome to "Front & Center," the podcast that pulls back the curtain on government operations, offering you an exclusive glimpse into the inner workings of one of North Carolina's bustling cities. This show is hosted by April Nesbit, Public Information Officer, with co-host Nakayla Griffin, Community Resource Officer. We invite you to join us as we navigate the corridors of government in Statesville, revealing the processes, policies, and people that drive the city forward. Expect exclusive interviews with key officials, in-depth analyses of public initiatives and city development projects. "Front & Center" is designed to connect you directly to the heart of our city's governance. Prepare to be engaged, informed, and empowered with each episode.

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