October is Fire Prevention Month

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- In recognition of Fire Prevention Month and Fire Prevention Week (October 5–11, 2025), The Woodlands Township is reminding residents to make fire safety a priority, with an emphasis on the safe use, storage and disposal of Lithium-ion battery products.

This year’s National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” highlights the growing risk of battery-related fires and the importance of safely buying, charging and disposing of these common power sources to prevent overheating, fires and explosions.

Lithium-ion batteries power many everyday devices, from cell phones to laptops, but can become fire hazards if damaged, improperly charged or disposed of incorrectly. Residents are encouraged to review battery safety guidelines throughout Fire Prevention Month to help protect their homes and families.

Lithium Battery Fire Safety Guidelines
Residents are urged to follow these safety practices to reduce the risk of battery-related fires:

• Use the correct charger for your device and avoid charging unattended or overnight. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed or on a couch.
• Stop using or charging batteries that show signs of damage (swelling, overheating, odor or leaking).
• Store batteries at room temperature away from direct sunlight or flammable materials.
• Avoid overloading outlets or power strips when charging multiple devices.
• Dispose of batteries properly. Do not place them in household trash or recycling bins.

New Battery Recycling Drop-Off at Central Fire beginning October 5
As part of ongoing fire prevention efforts, The Woodlands Environmental Services and The Woodlands Fire Department introduces a new household battery recycling program starting October 5, 2025, at Central Fire Station, 9951 Grogan’s Mill Road. Residents can safely drop off used household batteries weighing less than 11 pounds (no automotive or car batteries). This program aims to provide the community with a safe and convenient way to dispose of batteries that could otherwise pose a fire risk.

Items Accepted for Recycling
Rechargeable and single-use batteries weighing 11lbs. or less each. No wet-cell, damaged or defective batteries accepted.

• Alkaline
• Lithium Primary
• Lithium Ion
• Nickel Cadmium
• Small Sealed Lead Acid
• Nickel Metal Hydride
• Nickel Zinc
• Cellphones of any make, model or age

In addition to battery safety, residents are encouraged to practice general fire prevention measures year-round to help protect their homes and loved ones.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas, and test them monthly to ensure they are working properly.
• Keep a fire extinguisher readily accessible and create and practice a home fire escape plan with all household members.
• Never leave cooking unattended and keep flammable items away from stovetops.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
• Store flammable items safely.

Taking these simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of fires and help ensure a quick, safe response if one does occur. For more information on battery recycling, please contact The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800 or visit call2recycle.org.