Fire Prevention Bureau

FAQs
Sound the Alarm - Save a Life
Posted Wednesday, January 29, 2025
🔥 Home Fire Safety & FREE Smoke Alarm Installation Event 🔥
The American Red Cross, in partnership with MIRA USA and Union City Fire Prevention, is committed to keeping families safe from home fires. Join us for a free smoke alarm installation event and learn essential fire safety tips to protect your loved ones.
Event Details
📅 Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Union City, NJ
How It Works
🚪 Volunteers will go door-to-door in Union City neighborhoods, offering free smoke alarm installations for households in need.
🛑 Volunteers will also provide fire safety information and discuss ways families can be better prepared in case of a fire.
🔍 Important Notes:
- All volunteers will wear identification tags while canvassing.
- Residents are encouraged to request to see ID for verification.
Why It Matters
🏠 Smoke alarms save lives! A working smoke alarm reduces the risk of death in a home fire by 50%. Take this opportunity to ensure your home is protected.
For more information, visit redcross.org/NJ.
Sponsored by:
🔹 American Red Cross
🔹 MIRA USA
🔹 Union City Fire Prevention
E-Bike & E-Scooter Safety Tips
Posted Thursday, July 20, 2023
Lithium ion batteries supply power to many kinds of devices including smart phones, laptops, scooters, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, toys, and even cars. Take care when using them. In rare cases, they can cause a fire or explosion.
SAFETY TIP FOR DEVICES WITH LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
• When purchasing devices, be sure that the equipment has the Underwriters Laboratories Mark. The UL mark shows that the product has been safety tested.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage.
• Once the battery is completely charged disconnect it from the outlet.
• Always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter made specifically for the device.
• Keep batteries/devices at room temperature. Do not place in direct sunlight.
• Store e-bikes, e-scooters, and batteries away from exit doors, and anything that can get hot or catch fire. Do not store in hallways.
• Only have device repairs performed by a qualified professional.
BATTERY DISPOSAL:
• Putting lithium-ion batteries in the trash or recycling at home is illegal.
• Recycle batteries by taking them to a battery recycling location. If you have questions regarding recycling please contact Dept. of Public Works 201-348-5740
If a battery overheats or you notice an odor, change in shape/color, leaking discontinue use immediately or if you notice odd noises or hissing coming from a device try to submerge the battery in a bucket of water.
If safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call the fire department.