“Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.”
Your phone is running low, your laptop needs a boost, and you reach for a charger between classes or meetings. This everyday routine is at the heart of Fire Prevention Week, October 4–10, 2026, and this year’s theme: “Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.”
Across the University of Manitoba, small actions can help prevent fires—whether you are living in residence, working in a laboratory or sharing a campus space. Start with how you charge your devices, then carry that same attention to fire safety into the places where you live, learn and work.
Lithium-ion batteries power everything from phones and tablets to vapes, e-bikes, e-scooters and power tools. They are generally safe when used properly, but damaged batteries and unsuitable chargers can turn a routine charge into a fire hazard. Vapes deserve the same care as other rechargeable devices: use the correct charger, avoid damaged or modified batteries, and keep loose batteries away from keys, coins and other metal objects.
Please do not charge e-bikes, e-scooters or their removable batteries on campus. Plan ahead and charge them before arriving at UM.
For phones, laptops and other rechargeable devices, choose a stable, hard surface where heat can escape, and keep them away from bedding, couches and other materials that could catch fire. Follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions, unplug when charging is complete, and keep charging devices and cords clear of hallways, stairwells and exits. If your device starts acting differently, pay attention. Unusual heat, swelling, leaking, odd smells, or hissing and popping sounds can signal a battery problem. Stop using or charging it and move away if it is safe to do so. A device that seems “a little off” is worth taking seriously.
In residence, keep cooking areas attended while in use and keep combustible materials away from heat sources. Do not cover or disable smoke alarms, and never block fire doors, corridors, stairwells or exits. Be familiar with your building's evacuation routes and know where to go if the fire alarm sounds.
In laboratories, good housekeeping is an important part of fire prevention. Keep combustible materials away from ignition and heat sources, store flammable and combustible materials appropriately, and do not allow equipment, supplies or waste to accumulate in ways that could create a fire hazard or interfere with emergency equipment. Follow laboratory procedures and immediately report damaged electrical equipment, unusual heating, burning odours or other potential hazards.
In offices, classrooms and common areas, avoid overloading electrical outlets or using damaged electrical cords and equipment. Do not use high powered appliances such as microwaves, kettles and coffeemakers with power bars. Power bars are designed for use with low power items such as chargers, speakers and computers. Keep hallways, stairwells and exits clear, and never prop open fire doors unless they are designed to be held open by an approved automatic release system. Fire extinguishers, pull stations and other emergency equipment must also remain visible and accessible.
Bulletin boards can seem harmless, but large amounts of paper and other combustible material can contribute to the spread of fire.
Keep postings within the boundaries of designated bulletin boards rather than allowing paper to spread onto surrounding walls, doors or corridors. Remove outdated notices regularly and avoid layering new posters over old ones. Make sure all four corners of the posters are affixed to the bulletin board. Decorations, posters and notices must never cover exit signs, fire-safety equipment, electrical equipment or other required safety information.
A quick clean-up of an overcrowded bulletin board is a simple way to reduce unnecessary combustible material in campus spaces.
If you discover a fire, activate the nearest pull station, leave the area and call 911 from a safe location. Exit the building via the nearest emergency exit. Do not use the elevator. Once you have left the building move away from the exits. Do not delay your evacuation to collect personal belongings, and do not re-enter the building until authorized to do so.
When a fire alarm sounds, always treat it as an emergency and evacuate promptly.
Look for the red pouch. UM Fire Wardens can be identified by the red pouch they carry during an evacuation. They help support the safe and orderly evacuation of University buildings by directing occupants to the nearest safe exit.
Fire Wardens are familiar with evacuation procedures for their area. They may also check assigned areas, identify concerns and communicate important information to emergency responders or other designated personnel.
If a Fire Warden provides instructions during an evacuation, follow their direction. They may be aware of conditions that require you to use an alternate route. Always evacuate promptly when an alarm sounds—do not wait for a Fire Warden to direct you.
Fire Wardens play an important role in emergency preparedness across UM. Interested in becoming a Fire Warden? Speak with your supervisor or contact EHSO to learn more about the role and required training.
Fire prevention does not require complicated actions. Check the condition of the devices you charge. Keep combustible materials away from heat and ignition sources. Maintain clear exits. Remove unnecessary paper and clutter. Report damaged equipment or unsafe conditions when you see them.
Small actions taken before an emergency can prevent a much bigger one.
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