Fire Prevention Week is Oct.4 through 10. This year’s theme is “Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe charging Is a superpower” to focus on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer. New Mexico State University's Fire Department has a few simple tips from the National Fire Protection Association to help protect your family and your home.
National Fire Prevention Week: What you should know about lithium-ion battery safety
BATTERY SAFETY STARTS BEFORE YOU PLUG IN. Buy products listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL, ETL, or CSA. Why it matters: Listed products meet important safety standards.
CHEAP CHARGER? DON’T CHANCE IT. Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Why it matters: Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the chance of fire. Cheap or off-brand chargers may not meet important safety standards.
SOFT SURFACE? HARD PASS. Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or bare floor. Why it matters: Devices and chargers create heat during normal charging. Soft surfaces like beds, pillows, and couches can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause a battery to overheat.
FEELS HOT? STOP USING IT. Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, smells strange, leaks, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds. Why it matters: A damaged battery can overheat and start a fire.
FULLY CHARGED? TIME TO UNPLUG. Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Why it matters: Leaving a device plugged in can increase heat and stress on the battery.
FOR TOOLS AND RIDES, CHARGE OUTSIDE. Charge large items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside when possible. Do not block exits when charging. Why it matters: These batteries are larger and store more energy. Fires can grow quickly if the battery fails.
OUT OF SIGHT? NOT IN FLIGHT. When on a plane, keep devices where you can see them while charging. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on the plane. Tell a flight attendant if you notice a problem with your device, such as if it feels very hot, starts to swell, is smoking, or has a strange smell. Why it matters: If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to be able to respond quickly.
The National Fire Prevention Association has many resources about fire prevention available for the public.