It’s Fire Prevention Week: Safe Charging Practices of Lithium-Ion Battery Devices Fire Prevention Month, Safety, WKZO, WXMI Fox 17
05
Oct 2026

(09-21-2026 Fox 17 Morning Mix)

Firefighter Michael McLeieer, President of E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc., returned to the Fox 17 Morning Mix to share strategies for utilizing lithium-ion batteries responsibly to reduce the risk of fire, including:

  • Use the original charger and cable that came with your device. If the original components are not viable, many manufacturers have a resource list available online of what brands are safest to use.
  • Charge all devices on a hard, flat surface such as a desk, table, or bare floor. Avoid charging on cushioned surfaces such as beds or carpet.
  • Unplug devices once they are fully charged. Even 80% is safer than 100%! Stop using devices if they feel hot, swollen, emit odor, or hissing sounds while charging.
  • Charge large items such as power tools, electric wheelchairs, and e-bikes outside when possible. Never charge these during rain!
  • When traveling on an airplane, keep devices visible when they are charging. Do not store lithium-ion batteries in the overhead compartment.

 

 

(10-05-2026 9:10 am WKZO Radio Interview)

(10-08-2026 Fox 17 News)

 

Fire Prevention Week™ is October 4–10, 2026. “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower” focuses on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer.

Lithium-ion batteries are anything that can be re-charged, like your phone, laptop, or even E-bike. And since 2011 there have been an estimated 198,000 fires caused by the batteries, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Plug in. Power up. Stay safe.

“Anything that could be recharged could be a potential fire hazard,” ESCAPE Inc. President Michael McLeieer told FOX17.

That includes Lithium-ion batteries, which, under the wrong conditions, have the potential to be dangerous. Learning things like that is why every October, we mark Fire Prevention Week here at FOX17, and this year’s focus is safe charging of lithium-ion batteries.

Michael McLeieer with ESCAPE Inc. recommends being extra careful not to store anything with a rechargeable battery – like a laptop, phone or e-cigarette in your checked luggage.

‘The device could actually overheat,” said McLeieer. “The battery pack could overheat. It could cause a fire.”

If you can’t avoid checking a battery, airlines do have specific instructions on how you need to pack them. That includes making sure the battery doesn’t have contact with other batteries or metal.

But, no matter where you are going, paying attention to where you get your batteries from is just as important.

“Making sure that we’re buying them from a reputable source,” McLeieer added. “Making sure that they are nationally tested, laboratory seal of approval, which is like underwriters, laboratory, Ul, FM, global, they meet those stringent standards and testing requirements, so they’re not going to be at risk for our consumers.”

And your battery’s final destination is another point of focus. McLeieer recommends not throwing away any Lithium-Ion battery in the regular trash, but instead take it to an approved recycling center or ask your local fire department.

“When these are disposed of and they get to the recycle center, it can cause a very expensive fire,” McLeieer said. “It can be a life safety hazard, and we’ve had recycle facilities that have actually had significant damage to their equipment when they come in contact with a lithium-ion battery.”

And all this goes for batteries in the home as well, with the added plea to make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside and outside every sleeping area.

 

Enjoy Thanksgiving and Prevent a Home Fire Safety, WKZO
17
Nov 2025

Listen to the interview on WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9 radio – 11/17/2025 – 9:10 a.m.

 

 

The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially at Thanksgiving.  From testing family recipes to decorating cakes and cookies, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations.  Kids especially love to be involved in holiday preparations.  However, keeping fire safety top of mind in the kitchen during this joyous but hectic time is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity and people at home.

According to the United States Fire Administration, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires and frying food increases the risk.  The average number of reported home fires in the United States on Thanksgiving Day is more than double the average number of home fires on all other days.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings occurred most frequently from noon to 3 p.m., when many people most likely were preparing Thanksgiving dinner.  These fires then declined throughout the evening.

As you start preparing your holiday schedule and organizing that large family feast, remember to play it safe!  E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety offers a few simple tips so you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep yourself and your family safer from fire.

Turkey:

If you are roasting your turkey, make sure you set a timer.  This way, you won’t forget about the bird as you watch the parade or football game.

Deep frying a turkey may be delicious but it also can be dangerous.  If you are frying your turkey,

  • Use a fryer with thermostat controls.  This will ensure the oil does not become over heated.

 

  • Thaw your turkey completely.  Ice on the bird will cause the oil to splatter.

 

  • Don’t overfill the pot with oil.  If you do, the oil will overflow when you add the turkey causing a fire hazard.

 

  • Keep children and pets at least 3-feet away from the fryer to protect against burn injuries.

 

  • Also, always use the fryer outdoors on a sturdy, level surface away from things that can burn.

Stuffing and Potatoes:

Stand by your stove when you are boiling your potatoes or frying onions for the stuffing.  It’s best to stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling or broiling.  If you are in the kitchen, it’s easier to catch spills or hazardous conditions before they become a fire.

Vegetables:

  • Keep the area around the stove clear of food packaging, paper towels, and dish cloths; anything that can burn.

 

  • Be sure to clean up any spills as they happen.

 

  • Be prepared!  Keep a large pan lid or baking sheet handy in case you need to smother a pan fire.

 

  • Turn pot handles towards the back of the stove so you don’t bump them.

 

By following these safety tips, you will have a delicious and fire safe Thanksgiving!  Remember to let the firefighters have dinner with their families, not yours.

It’s Fire Prevention Week: WKZO AM 590 & FM 106.0 E.S.C.A.P.E., E.S.C.A.P.E. 30 Years, Fire Prevention Month, WKZO,
06
Oct 2025

It’s Fire Prevention Week and E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc.’s founder and President firefighter Michael McLeieer talks with WKZO radio Morning Show host Ken Lanphear about Lithium Ion battery safety.  Click on the audio link below.

Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips 2024 MI SAFE, WKZO, WXMI Fox 17
26
Nov 2024

Fox 17 Morning News 8:20 a.m. Interview 11/25/2024

Fox 17 Morning Mix 10:05 a.m. Interview 11/26/2024

WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9 9:10 a.m. Interview 11/25/2024

Enjoy Thanksgiving and Prevent a Home Fire

Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires

The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially at Thanksgiving.  From testing family recipes to decorating cakes and cookies, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations.  Kids especially love to be involved in holiday preparations.  However, keeping fire safety top of mind in the kitchen during this joyous but hectic time is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity and people at home.

According to the United States Fire Administration, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires and frying food increases the risk.  The average number of reported home fires in the United States on Thanksgiving Day is more than double the average number of home fires on all other days.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings occurred most frequently from noon to 3 p.m., when many people most likely were preparing Thanksgiving dinner.  These fires then declined throughout the evening.

As you start preparing your holiday schedule and organizing that large family feast, remember to play it safe!  E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety offers a few simple tips so you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep yourself and your family safer from fire.

Turkey:

If you are roasting your turkey, make sure you set a timer.  This way, you won’t forget about the bird as you watch the parade or football game.

Deep frying a turkey may be delicious but it also can be dangerous.  If you are frying your turkey,

    • Use a fryer with thermostat controls.  This will ensure the oil does not become over heated.

     

    • Thaw your turkey completely.  Ice on the bird will cause the oil to splatter.

     

    • Don’t overfill the pot with oil.  If you do, the oil will overflow when you add the turkey causing a fire hazard.

     

    • Keep children and pets at least 3-feet away from the fryer to protect against burn injuries.

     

    • Also, always use the fryer outdoors on a sturdy, level surface away from things that can burn.

     

Stuffing and Potatoes:

Stand by your stove when you are boiling your potatoes or frying onions for the stuffing.  It’s best to stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling or broiling.  If you are in the kitchen, it’s easier to catch spills or hazardous conditions before they become a fire.

 

 

Vegetables:

  • Keep the area around the stove clear of food packaging, paper towels, and dish cloths; anything that can burn.

 

  • Be sure to clean up any spills as they happen.

 

  • Be prepared!  Keep a large pan lid or baking sheet handy in case you need to smother a pan fire.

 

  • Turn pot handles towards the back of the stove so you don’t bump them.

 

By following these safety tips, you will have a delicious and fire safe Thanksgiving!  Remember to let the firefighters have dinner with their families, not yours.

 

Be Fire Safe on Black Friday and Throughout the Holiday Season E.S.C.A.P.E., Safety, WKZO,
24
Nov 2023

Interview with Firefighter Michael McLeieer, president and founder of E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc. on the WKZO Morning Show – 11/24/2023 7:50 a.m.

When most people think about the holidays, family festivals and good cheer with friends likely come to mind. What few of us consider is that the holidays also present an increased risk of home fires. Home fires during the holiday season often involve Candles, Christmas trees, holiday decorations and lights. By taking some preventative steps, using common sense and following some simple rules, most home fires can be prevented during the holidays and beyond.

Candles

  • Candles are widely used in homes throughout the holidays; December is the peak month for home candle fires.

 

  • More than half of all candle fires start because the candles had been too close to things that could catch fire.

 

  • When burning candles, keep them at least 1-foot away from anything that can burn (create a 1-foot circle of safety), and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed.

 

  • Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in the bedroom, where two of five U.S. candle fires begin, or other areas where people may fall asleep.

 

  • Never leave a child or pets alone in a room with a burning candle.

 

  • Consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles.

 

Christmas Trees, Holiday Decorations and Lights

  • U.S. fire departments annually respond to an average of 250 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Nearly half of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in four resulted from a heat source that’s too close to the tree.

 

  • If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant. If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2” from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand and be sure to water it daily.

 

  • Make sure your tree is not blocking an exit and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.

 

  • Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.

 

  • Plug decorations directly into outlets. Avoid using and overloading extension cords and power strips.

 

  • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.

 

  • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.

 

Give the Gift of Safety – smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, escape ladders.

 

E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety reminds you by following these simple yet important safety tips, everyone in your family will have a “fire-safe” holiday season!

For more holiday fire safety tips, visit www.escapeinc.org or call toll free 1-844-978-4400.

Other Holiday fire safety tips links:

Thanksgiving fire safety tips on WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9 E.S.C.A.P.E., Safety, WKZO,
21
Nov 2023

Thanksgiving Day is a time to spend with family and friends.  It’s also the peak day of the year for home fires.  Michael McLeieer, president and founder of E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc. spoke with Ken Lanphear on the WKZO Morning Show on Tuesday 11/21/2023 at 7:50 a.m. and shared several tips to prevent a home fire.

 

Be Fire Safe This Holiday Season Safety, WKZO, WXMI Fox 17,
22
Dec 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12/22/2022 WKZO Radio Interview 7:10 a.m. with Firefighter Michael McLeieer, president and founder of E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc.

 

12-19-2022 Fox 17 Interview live in studio.

When most people think about the holidays, family festivals and good cheer with friends likely come to mind. What few of us consider is that the holidays also present an increased risk of home fires. Home fires during the holiday season often involve Candles, Christmas trees, holiday decorations and space heaters. By taking some preventative steps, using common sense and following some simple rules, most home fires can be prevented during the holidays and beyond.

Candles

  • Candles are widely used in homes throughout the holidays; December is the peak month for home candle fires.
  • More than half of all candle fires start because the candles had been too close to things that could catch fire.
  • When burning candles, keep them at least 1-foot away from anything that can burn (create a 1-foot circle of safety), and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in the bedroom, where two of five U.S. candle fires begin, or other areas where people may fall asleep.
  • Never leave a child or pets alone in a room with a burning candle.
  • Consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles.

Christmas Trees

  • U.S. fire departments annually respond to an average of 250 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Nearly half of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in four resulted from a heat source that’s too close to the tree.
  • If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant. If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2” from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand and be sure to water it daily.
  • Make sure your tree is not blocking an exit and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.
  • Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
  • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
  • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
  • After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage or placed outside the home.
  • Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

Space Heaters

  • Half of all home heating fires occur during the months of December, January and February.
  • Keep anything that can burn at least 3-feet from all heat sources including space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves and radiators.
  • Turn off space heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Space heaters, stoves and ovens are not designed as primary heating appliances.
  • Always plug a space heater directly into a wall outlet.  Never use an extension cord or power strip.
  • Select a space heater that has the label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory (e.g. U.L) and select a space heater that turns off automatically if it tips over.
  • If you or someone you know is having difficulty paying a heating bill during the months of November through March, contact your local utility or call 2-1-1 to determine eligibility for a Winter Protection Plan or financial assistance and avoid a service shut-off.

E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety reminds you by following these simple yet important safety tips, everyone in your family will have a “fire-safe” holiday season!

For more holiday fire safety tips, visit www.escapeinc.org or call toll free 1-844-978-4400.

 

Fire Prevention Week 2022 8West, E.S.C.A.P.E., Maranda, MI SAFE, Safety, WKZO, WOOD TV 8, WOTV 4, WXMI Fox 17
07
Oct 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fire Prevention Week 2022 is October 9th – 15th.  The theme is Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2022 also marks the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week.  It’s the longest public health campaign in the United States.

Here is a link to the fire prevention segment between AARP Michigan and E.S.C.A.P.E.

Here is a link to the fire prevention segment on the lifestyle show eightWest on WOOD TV 8.

Here is the link to the fire prevention segment on the lifestyle show Maranda Where You Live on WOOD TV 8 and ABC 4 West Michigan on 10/10/2022.

Here is the link to the live radio interview on WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9 on Morning’s with Ken Lanphear at 7:50 a.m. on 10/11/2022.

 

 

Play it safe this summer when using your Recreational Vehicle Safety, WKZO,
28
Jun 2022

Listen to the live radio interview with Firefighter Michael McLeieer, president and founder of E.S.C.A.P.E. at 7:50 a.m. on Tuesday June 28, 2022 on the WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9 morning show with Ken Lanphear.

Watch this live report on WLNS 6 News in Lansing during the morning broadcast on Wednesday 06/29/2022.

Watch this live broadcast on WXMI FOX 17 in studio in Grand Rapids during the morning broadcast on Wednesday 06/29/2022 at 8:50 a.m.

 

Whether you are heading out to the campsite, traveling cross-country over the 4th of July holiday or living in a recreational vehicle (RV), it’s important to know about fire and carbon monoxide (CO) hazards present in these movable structures.

In fact since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, the purchase and use of recreational vehicles has increased significantly.  There was approximately a 7% increase in new campers in the U.S. during 2020.  People changed their plans to fly or travel abroad and chose to either rent or purchase an RV and go out and explore the outdoors through camping.

Recreational vehicle fires

According to the United States Fire Administration, from 2018 to 2020, there were an estimated average of 4,200 RV fires reported to U.S. fire departments each year.  These fires resulted in approximately 15 deaths, 125 injuries and $60,300,000 in property loss.

According to the National Park Service:

  • Recreational vehicles include everything from folding camping trailers to truck campers to luxury motor homes.
  • Eight million U.S. households own at least one RV.
  • RVs travel an average of 4,500 miles each year.

Most RV fires occur:

  • Between the hours of 2 and 3 p.m.
  • During the months of May through August.  July is the peak month.
  • On Fridays and Saturdays.

Carbon Monoxide in recreational vehicles

CO is an odorless, tasteless, invisible killer that can readily build up within the small area of an RV and cause severe illness and possibly death.  Improper use of generators is a leading cause of CO poisoning.  Malfunctioning gas-fed appliances are an additional source of CO poisoning.

E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety shares these life-saving tips for the RV user

  • Check propane supply lines for kinks or damage. Test all fitting connections with a gas leak detection device.
  • Turn off propane at the tank and turn off all propane-powered appliances while driving.  If you have an accident or tire blowout while the propane is on, your injury and the damage to your vehicle can be significantly worse.
  • Make sure generator exhaust is pointed away and downwind of the RV.
  • Stay in the cooking area when preparing food. If you leave, turn off the burner.
  • Have a portable fire extinguisher on board that you can easily reach. Adults should take a brief training course on how to properly use an extinguisher. Remember the acronym P.A.S.S. — Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.
  • Keep doors and windows clear for escape and make sure they open easily. Practice a fire escape plan with everyone staying in the RV.
  • Don’t overload the electrical outlets. Using too many electrical appliances at the same time can cause a fire.
  • Have a trained technician thoroughly inspect your RV at least once a year.