Safe Kids Iredell County

10/30/2025

Be safe and be seen this Halloween! In just a few days, many kids will take to the streets to trick-or-treat! We have tips to help parents and caregivers prepare for a safe and sweet night. Check out our Halloween safety tips: https://www.safekids.org/halloween

10/29/2025

❄️Saturday November 1st kicks off our 6th Annual Winter Weather Drive. We will be collecting NEW socks, gloves, winter hats and other cold weather items to benefit children of all ages in need in Iredell County this winter. There are various drop-off locations throughout the county for your convenience. Help us keep kids safe and warm this winter!❄️

10/29/2025

Halloween should be scary for the right reasons: haunted houses, spooky movie nights, and cool costumes. Keep a day full of sweet treats from going sour. It’s important to stay alert and be safe both as a driver and pedestrian this Halloween. ⁠Check out these tips:

For Drivers:
🛣️ Be especially alert and take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

🏘️ Slow down in residential neighborhoods. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

📵 Reduce any distractions inside your car, such as talking on the phone or eating, so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

For Pedestrians:

🔦 Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.

📵 Put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.

🚗 Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars and be especially careful around driveways and alleys.

🚸 Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, tell them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit, stay on sidewalks if available, and trick-or-treat in groups.

10/23/2025

10/15/2025

Statesville Fire Department Launches Safe Battery Recycling Drop-Off at Station 1

Statesville, NC – The Statesville Fire Department is making it easier for residents to safely recycle rechargeable batteries through a new Call2Recycle “One Drum” collection program. A specialized recycling container is now available to the public at Station 1, located at 822 Fifth Street in Statesville, during regular hours – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

The One Drum system is a 55-gallon steel container filled with a fire-suppressant granulate designed to safely hold and transport mixed dry-cell batteries, including lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, and non-spillable sealed lead acid types. It meets U.S. DOT Special Permit 21706 safety standards and helps reduce the risk of fires caused by improper battery disposal.

Accepted Batteries
💠 Rechargeable batteries from cordless tools, phones, laptops, e-bikes, toys, and small electronics
💠Common household dry-cell and non-spillable batteries

Not Accepted
💠Damaged, defective, or leaking batteries
💠Wet-cell or spillable batteries

Residents are reminded that traditional alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D sizes) may be placed in regular household trash. Modern alkaline batteries are made primarily of common metals such as steel, zinc, and manganese, and no longer contain mercury.

“This is another step in protecting both our environment and our first responders,” said Fire Marshal Pete Morrison. “Lithium-ion batteries can pose fire risks if improperly discarded. By offering a dedicated recycling site, we’re helping our community stay safe and sustainable.”

For more information, contact the Statesville Fire Marshal’s Office at 704-768-5599.

City of Statesville NC

10/11/2025

That’s a wrap on Fire Prevention Week! Remember to Charge into Fire Safety with these 3 Steps:
Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

10/10/2025

Charging something big like an e-bike, scooter, or power tool with a lithium ion battery? Do it outside. Use a flat, dry area away from direct sunlight, anything wet, kids, or tripping hazards. And make sure your bike or device is secure—so it doesn’t fall while charging. Charge Into Fire Safety for Fire Prevention Week.

10/09/2025

Don’t toss lithium-ion batteries or devices in the trash or regular recycling bins—they can start a fire. Drop them off at a legit battery recycling spot —it’s safer and way better for the planet.
Visit call2recycle.org to find a drop-off location near you. Charge Into Fire Safety for Fire Prevention Week.

10/09/2025

Charge any lithium-ion battery device on a hard surface—never on your bed, couch, or under a pillow. And don’t overcharge. Once it’s at 100%, unplug and move on. Charge Into Fire Safety for Fire Prevention Week.

10/08/2025

Before you buy anything with a lithium-ion battery, do your homework. Check the packaging and product for a mark from a nationally recognized testing lab—that stamp means it meets real safety standards. A lot of products sold online and in stores don’t, and that can seriously increase your risk of fire. Charge Into Fire Safety for Fire Prevention Week.

10/07/2025

Anything with a lithium-ion battery— phones, laptops, e-bikes, power tools —can become a fire hazard if it’s not charged safely. Always use the charger that came with the device or one approved by the manufacturer. If the cord only works when you bend it just right, it’s time to replace it. Charge Into Fire Safety for Fire Prevention Week.

10/07/2025

Safe Kids Iredell County is teaming up with NFPA to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week, October 5- 11, Charge Into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.
Help us spread the word about making smart choices when it comes to buying, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries—because the wrong move can lead to a fire. For more info: fpw.org.