Letter from the editor
Last weekend, my daughter’s phone was charging when it suddenly began to overheat and even started smoking. Thankfully, she was in the room and unplugged it immediately. It made me stop and think — how many times have I left my own phone charging unattended without a second thought?
The culprit was a frayed charger, which could have easily sparked a dangerous fire. October is Fire Prevention Month, and it feels like an especially important time to pause and think about the risks we face in today’s digital world. Lithium-ion batteries — the kind found in our phones, laptops, headphones, e-bikes, scooters and even children’s toys — have become an increasing cause of home fires. When these batteries overheat, they can trigger what’s known as “thermal runaway,” a rapid chain reaction where temperatures rise uncontrollably. Fires can ignite within seconds, often leaving little time to respond.
Like many of you, I feel surrounded by cords and chargers. They’re in nearly every room, tangled in drawers and scattered around the house. It’s easy to just plug in whatever “fits,” rather than the one designated for each product by the manufacturer. But taking the time to sort and replace damaged cords isn’t just a chore — it’s a critical step in preventing fire.
Fire has long been one of my greatest fears. In 1992, my brother’s house burned down in an electrical fire. Thankfully, no one was home, but the devastation was unforgettable. I’ll never forget walking through the ruins: blackened walls, the smell of smoke in the air and my nephews’ plastic toys melted into unrecognizable shapes. That memory has stayed with me for more than 30 years, and it comes rushing back every time I hear about another family impacted by fire.
The truth is, we can’t eliminate every risk — but we can prepare. Prevention begins with simple steps: checking that your smoke detectors are working, changing the batteries regularly and creating an escape plan so everyone in your household knows what to do in an emergency. Be cautious about overloading outlets, and never leave devices charging overnight or unattended.
While the thought of fire is frightening, knowing we can take proactive steps offers peace of mind. Thank you to our firefighters who not only put themselves in danger to protect us, but also actively educate us on how to prevent fire.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
