The Salisbury University Police Department (SUPD) strives to enhance the educational and cultural experience for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors by providing professional, competent, and compassionate law enforcement and security services.

Each month, we share important safety information with the campus community. While SUPD is always monitoring campus safety, our safest environment is made possible when we all are aware of our surroundings and are observant of possible threats.

This month’s topic:

Fire Prevention

October is Fire Prevention Month, and this year local fire departments are encouraging everyone to charge into fire safety by keeping an eye on lithium-ion batteries in your home and elsewhere.

Lithium-ion batteries are used in devices often found in homes, such as cellphones, laptops, tablets, e-cigarettes, and electric scooters and bikes. If used or stored improperly, these batteries could pose a fire hazard in your home.

Residents should avoid leaving charging devices unattended or charging for long periods of time, even if they are designed to shut off automatically.

What happens with lithium-ion batteries is called thermal runaway, where the danger keeps spiraling. When things get out of control, they are not responsive to water. The heat keeps building upon itself. Officials urge residents to purchase only safety-certified chargers sold by authorized sellers. Water will not put out sparks from a lithium-ion battery — residents who encounter an overheating or exploding battery should call 911 and unplug the device if it can be done safely.

Help keep yourself, your campus, and your community safe by following these simple suggestions.

 For more information and safety tips, visit the SUPD webpage.

In the event of an emergency, always dial 911. For non-emergency assistance,

call 410-543-6222 or visit the SUPD webpage.

SU is an Equal Opportunity/AA/Title IX university and provides reasonable accommodation given sufficient notice to the University office or staff sponsoring the event or program. For more information regarding SU's policies and procedures, please visit salisbury.edu/equity.

 1101 Camden Avenue Salisbury, MD 21801 | 410-543-6000