Fire Prevention Week highlights lithium-ion battery charging safety
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Missouri fire officials are urging residents to practice safe charging habits to reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10.
Lithium-ion batteries power devices ranging from phones and laptops to toys, scooters and power tools. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has received thousands of consumer reports of battery-related fires, according to the state fire marshal’s office.
Acting State Fire Marshal Matt Luetkemeyer said charging several devices at once or leaving them plugged in overnight makes understanding battery safety especially important.
“One easy step is to only charge devices while awake and not to leave the home while charging,” Luetkemeyer said. “It’s best to be able to check charging batteries.”
The office recommends the following precautions:
– Use the charger and cord supplied with the device or approved by its manufacturer.
– Charge devices on hard, flat surfaces. Avoid beds, couches and pillows, which can trap heat and block airflow.
– Stop using a device if it becomes unusually hot, swells, smokes or emits a strange smell.
– Unplug devices when fully charged.
– Charge larger items, including electric bicycles, scooters and power tools, outside and away from exits.
– Keep devices visible while charging on airplanes, rather than in overhead compartments. Do not charge electronic cigarettes or vaping devices on planes.
– Charge devices only while awake and able to check them.
More information is available at fpw.org.
