Fire Safety - Lithium-Ion Batteries
- admin774715
- 19 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Fire departments nationwide are seeing a rise in fires, injuries, and fatalities linked to lithium-ion battery-powered devices. These batteries are more common than many realize. They power everyday items such as toys, laptops, shavers, handheld power tools, lawn equipment, drones, and e-scooters. As these products become more widespread, so too does the fire risk associated with them.
Lithium-ion battery fires are extremely fast-moving and can be explosive. From the first sign of trouble, you may have less than one minute to escape. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to reduce the risks in your home and prevent a dangerous “thermal runaway.”
Safe Practices for Using Lithium-Ion Batteries
Buy only listed products. Look for safety certifications such as UL, ETL, or CSA to ensure the product meets important safety standards.
Charge devices safely. Always use the manufacturer’s charger and follow their instructions. Charge on a hard surface, unplug when fully charged, and avoid overcharging.
Recycle responsibly. Never place lithium-ion batteries in household trash or standard recycling bins, as they can spark fires. Use designated recycling locations instead. Visit call2recycle.org to find one near you.
While these preventive measures are essential, it’s equally important to know how to recognize warning signs and handle batteries safely in daily life.
Additional Safety Tips
Stop using lithium-ion batteries if you notice odor, discoloration, excessive heat, swelling, leaking, or hissing sounds.
Treat white or gray wispy smoke as an immediate fire danger.
Store spare batteries away from anything flammable and out of direct sunlight or hot cars.
Keep batteries with you in carry-on luggage rather than in checked bags.
Store batteries at room temperature; do not charge below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C).
Charge larger devices (like e-bikes) outside when possible, and never near exits, doors, or windows.
Avoid charging devices in bedrooms or other areas where escape routes could be blocked.
By staying alert and practicing safe handling, you can help protect yourself, your family, and your community from the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
Sources: nfpa.org, usfa.fema.gov,fdnysmart.org, batterysafety.org
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