Community Bulletin
General surgeon Avian Pham, MD, has joined WVU Medicine St. Joseph's Hospital, expanding the General Surgery team alongside Dr. Long at the clinic at 10 Amalia Drive in Buckhannon. Appointments: 304-473-2303. Read more →
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Charging a phone on bedding can trap heat and cause its battery to overheat, the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office warns ahead of Fire Prevention Week, October 4–10.
The campaign focuses on preventing fires involving lithium-ion batteries in phones, tools and other rechargeable devices.
“The way you charge your lithium-ion battery devices can make a difference in helping prevent home fires,” West Virginia State Fire Marshal Ken Tyree said in the office’s release.
The office recommends charging on a hard, flat surface with the original cord and charger or manufacturer-approved replacements. Keep charging devices off beds and couches and out from under pillows, then disconnect them once charging is complete.
A National Fire Protection Association tip sheet supplied with the release lists reasons to stop using a device: excessive heat, swelling, unusual odors, leaks, smoke or popping or hissing noises. Another handout advises replacing a charger if charging requires jiggling its cord.
For e-bikes, scooters and power tools, the tip sheet recommends outdoor charging when possible, with exits kept clear. Their larger batteries can fuel rapidly growing fires if they fail.
The tip sheet also reminds residents that working smoke alarms and a home fire escape plan can help save lives.
My Buckhannon covered lithium-ion battery safety during last year’s Fire Prevention Week. Local fire departments can provide information about area programs; additional battery-safety guidance is available at fpw.org.
