Firewise: Addressing Lithium lon Battery Safety with the Bellevue Fire Department

Sponsor: Bellevue Fire Department

Students: Cherise Forshay, Michelle Talbot, Raf Laus, Jess Reid

HCDE master's team

Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized our lives. We marvel at the incredible capabilities of rechargeable batteries, powering our smartphones, electric vehicles, and portable devices. But a seemingly harmless battery, if compromised, transforms into a fiery inferno capable of causing havoc. Join Firewise as we delve into the critical mission of helping Bellevue Fire Department prevent lithium ion battery fires here in our own community. We propose The Battery Safety Repository as a critical tool to equip Public Information Officers (PIOs) on the forefront of community education. The Repository revolutionizes the way fire departments understand and communicate with their communities. By understanding their audience, PIOs can deliver fire safety content in an approachable medium, raising awareness about the potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries and equipping individuals with the knowledge to safeguard themselves against fires.