Lithium-ion battery fire safety is the focus of Fire Prevention Week October 5-11. Here are the top safety tips for protecting your home and family from an accidental battery fire.
Buy only certified products
When buying rechargeable devices in a store or online, look for a safety certification from a recognized testing laboratory. These certifications show the lithium-ion battery inside the product meets minimum U.S. safety standards for electrical and fire safety.
Charge devices safely
Charging is the riskiest time for lithium-ion batteries. To stay safe, always use the charger that came with the device or one that’s approved by the product manufacturer. Using an incompatible charger can lead to overheating, which increases the risk of fire.
While no method is risk-free, you can reduce your fire risk by following these safe charging practices:
- Charge on a hard, non-flammable surface.
- Keep devices away from flammable materials, like beds, rugs, and couches.
- Monitor the device.
- Unplug after charging.
Recycle batteries responsibly
Never place lithium-ion batteries in the regular trash or recycling bin. Damaged or improperly discarded batteries can ignite and cause fires in garbage trucks and landfills, creating a serious public safety issue. Instead, take used batteries to a certified battery recycling center. Find a spot near you at Call2Recycle.org.
Learn more about lithium-ion-battery fire safety on the Texas Insurance Podcast.
Learn more
- Smoke alarms: Where to put them, how often to replace batteries
- How to escape from a house fire
- Safe charging tips for your home (National Fire Protection Association video)
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