Buy smart. Charge safely. Recycle right.
These three simple steps can help protect your home and family from lithium-ion battery fires.
Lithium-ion batteries power most of the tech tools we have in our homes, from cell phones to headphones to e-bikes. If you can recharge it, it probably uses a lithium-ion battery.
The focus of this year’s Fire Prevention Week – Oct. 5 through 11 – is lithium-ion battery safety. Here’s what you can do to reduce your risk of lithium-ion battery fires.
Buy Smart
- Do your research: If you buy a battery-operated product, look for a stamp from a recognized testing lab on the product or package. That stamp means it meets safety standards.
- Products without stamps may not meet safety standards and could catch fire.
Charge Safely
- Always use the charger or cord that came with your product!
- Buy replacement chargers directly from the manufacturer, or look for manufacturer-approved alternatives.
- Charge on hard, less-flammable surfaces like counters or tables. Couches, pillows, and bedding could catch fire if your device overheats during charging.
- Unplug or remove your device once it’s charged. Avoid overcharging.
Recycle Right
- Recycle lithium-ion batteries at battery recycling locations, don’t throw them in the trash.
- Visit Call2Recycle to find a recycling location near you.
- Visit the Camano Transfer Station to recycle electronics through the eCycle Washington program
Learn more about Fire Prevention Week: nfpa.org/fire-prevention-week
