During October, the South Windsor Fire Department highlighted the importance of Fire Prevention and Safety. The Fire department conducted school visits and multiple events throughout the month to spread awareness throughout South Windsor. This year’s theme was ‘Charge into Fire Safety,” which focused on the importance of safely handling and recycling lithium-ion batteries.
This topic for Fire Prevention and Safety month in South Windsor was inspired by a recent incident on Chapel Hill Rd. A family dog by the name of Colton tried to chew on lithium batteries, causing the dog to pass away. Luckily, he was on a flat, non-combustible surface while chewing the batteries, which prevented a fire from starting in the home.
At a recent Town Hall meeting, Captain Greg Robertrs from the fire department gave a presentation on lithium-batteries and their safety risks. He suggested that residents should place defective or used lithium batteries in battery disposals.
He also recommended residents to check their lithium batteries, to ensure they are safe to be around younger kids. Lithium batteries impose a risk to many children, as they can easily be digested.
“I feel proud of our South Windsor Fire Department for taking a stance on what they believe in.” says Mahima Sasikumar, sophomore attending South Windsor High School. “They’re not only putting out fires, they’re trying to stop them altogether.”
According to the NFPA Journal, lithium-ion batteries can go into thermal runaway, an unstoppable chemical reaction where cells heat rapidly and begin to spew toxic and flammable gases. These gases can be extremely dangerous, and can produce burn with extraordinary heat that can melt through metal storage containers.
However, handling lithium-ion batteries can eliminate any risks they impose, and benefit the environment. According to the Stanford Report, research finds that recycling the metals from used lithium ion batteries can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 58%-81%, water use by 72%-88% and energy use by 77%-89%. This can help cut waste and pollution; not just globally but in South Windsor as well.
Instead of using lithium-ion batteries, it might be better to look into other types of batteries, which are cheap and don’t impose as many fire risks as lithium ion batteries. Some alternatives include; sodium-ion batteries, solid state batteries, lithium sulfur batteries, flow batteries, and zinc-based batteries.
The South Windsor Fire Department is trying to spread awareness about lithium-ion batteries fire safety amongst both younger and older generations. Throughout October, they visited all elementary schools to discuss fire safety. They’ve also been able to discuss kitchen safety with seniors in South Windsor.
“It’s been a great month for teaching the kids and also the seniors about fire prevention,” Captain Greg Roberts, from the South Windsor Fire Department said. “We’re trying to teach them about fire safety and kitchen safety.”
Through community outreach and education, residents in South Windsor are learning how to handle, recycle and replace lithium-ion batteries safely, and are working towards preventing accidents. With the help of the fire department and the community’s participation, South Windsor is able to take proactive steps towards keeping the town safe and environmentally conscious.
