Firefighter safety stand-down to focus on lithium-ion batteries

Emmitsburg, MD — “Lithium-Ion Batteries: Are You Ready?” is the theme for this year’s Firefighter Safety Stand Down.

Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries can be difficult to extinguish with traditional firefighting methods, creating a challenge for fire departments across the country.

Set for June 18-24, the U.S. Fire Administration says the stand-down will revolve around daily topics on lithium-ion batteries. More information will be made available each day at safetystandown.org. The daily topics:
Monday: Recognition of hazards
Tuesday: Firefighting operations
Wednesday: Firefighter safety
Thursday: Post-incident considerations
Friday: Public education

“Departments are asked to suspend all nonemergency activities during this week to focus on safety and health education efforts,” USFA says.

In addition, the National Fire Protection Association will conduct a safety stand-down online quiz “to raise awareness and foster a greater understanding of this year’s theme.” Anyone who completes the quiz will earn a chance to win one of 200 commemorative coins.

The event will be conducted in cooperation with NFPA; the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Safety, Health and Survival Section; the National Volunteer Fire Council; and the Fire Department Safety Officers Association.