COLUMBUS — Following a fire at the Columbus Post Office, the Columbus Fire Department is reminding people how to safely dispose of batteries.
The reminder comes after fire crews responded to the Columbus Post Office at 450 Jackson Street on Wednesday for the report of rubbish (trash) fire.
According to the department, firefighters arrived at 8:46 a.m. but employees used a fire extinguisher to put out the smoldering trash before their arrival.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found post office employees had discharged a dry chemical fire extinguisher into a canvas rubbish collection bag.
An investigation found that inside the bag were two 9-volt batteries and a 3-volt lithium battery and one of the 9-volt batteries showed signs of damage consistent with a short circuit.
The battery likely contacted something else that led to a reaction and the fire.
The department sent out a reminder that while any battery can short circuit under the right conditions, 9-volt batteries can be particularly dangerous. If a metal object touches both posts of a 9-volt battery, a short circuit can occur.
Also remember:
- Batteries should never be in a drawer that contains metal items such as paper clips, pens or coins.
- Keep batteries in their original packaging until they are ready for use.
- If discarding alkaline batteries in the trash, cover battery posts with masking tape or electrical tape before discarding.
-
Winter weather drives snow removal demand
From acts of kindness to profitable enterprises, this storm left plenty of snow behind and plenty of people willing to dig in and help their neighbors while building their own success.
Indiana lawmakers consider bill to allow Ten Commandments displays in schools
Should the Ten Commandments be displayed in Indiana schools? It’s a question state lawmakers are now weighing.
'Three steps ahead': The groups most vulnerable during central Indiana freeze
When temperatures plummet to dangerous levels, the risks extend far beyond typical cold-weather concerns for families caring for loved ones with autism or dementia.
"We'll be here all week": How small businesses are weathering the winter storm
The recent storm brought frigid temperatures and inches of snow, causing many small business owners to close their doors for a few days. But now, they're open and ready to get back to business.
