If you look around the room you’re in, chances are there’s a phone charging on a nightstand, a laptop on the couch, or even an e-bike parked outside your apartment or home. The one thing they all have in common is that they are powered by lithium-ion batteries. 

According to the UL Research Institute’s Fire Safety Research Institute, fires involving lithium-ion battery-powered devices have increased, with injuries and fatalities as a result. Even when devices aren’t the original cause of a fire, a lithium-ion battery can contribute to the fire spread. 

But no worries, fam. The good news is that these fires are preventable, and thanks to the Fire Safety Research Institute and the Take C.H.A.R.G.E campaign, we have the steps you need to keep your casa safe. 

What Makes Battery Fires Different 

Lithium-ion battery fires don’t behave like most fires. This is because of a process called “thermal runaway,” which happens when a battery cell generates heat faster than it can release it. 

The battery temperature climbs out of control, often with venting gas, smoke, or flames. And it changes the math on escaping a fire. A typical home fire gives you about three minutes or less to get out. Meanwhile, with large lithium-ion batteries, especially from an unregulated e-mobility device, you can have a minute or less from the first signs of trouble. 

Knowing how to care for and use your batteries and what to look out for can be lifesaving. 

Take C.H.A.R.G.E of the Fire Safety in Your Home 

We’ve got you, fam. ULRI’s research has turned into a simple six-step campaign called Take C.H.A.R.G.E of Battery Safety. They’ve done the fire science and turned it into something all of us can apply every day. 

C: Choose certified products. Many devices are bought online, and some sellers don’t require third-party safety certifications. Look for products listed or certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. 

H: Handle with care. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use only the charger that came with the product. Don’t modify chargers or batteries. Keep batteries away from extreme heat, direct sunlight, and anything flammable. Another key point is to keep battery-operated devices away from your exit paths. 

A: Always stay alert for warning signs. Check your devices regularly for swelling or punctures. Listen for hissing or popping, and watch for excessive heat or strange smells coming from them. If you notice any of these, stop using the device immediately. White or gray wispy smoke means there’s an immediate fire risk.

R: Recycle devices and batteries properly. Batteries, chargers, and battery-powered devices don’t belong in the trash. Take them to a recycling center. 

G: Get out if there’s a fire. If you see or hear warning signs, follow your home fire escape plan, leave right away, and call 9-1-1. 

E: Educate others. Share it with your family, friends, and neighbors. Everyone can become a fire safety advocate, and these easy steps can save someone’s life. 

Make Sure Your Smoke Alarms Are Working 

Working smoke alarms can make a real difference when escaping a fire emergency, as they give you the earliest warning of a fire. Roughly three out of five home fire deaths happen in homes with no working smoke alarms, or none at all. 

Install them inside and outside every sleeping area and on every floor, including the basement if you have one. Then, test them at least twice a year by holding down the test button. If the beep is weak or missing, replace the batteries or the whole alarm if it’s a sealed unit. 

Replace alarms older than 10 years with new ones that are third-party listed or certified. 

Close Your Doors Before Going to Bed 

If you’re a fan of sleeping with the door open, this safety habit may make you think twice. ULRI’s research found that a room with an open door can reach about 1,000° F during a fire. 

Meanwhile, a room with a closed door may stay near 100°F. A closed door can hold back smoke, flames, and carbon monoxide while giving you more time to respond to the alarm and get out during a home fire. Make this part of your bedtime routine. 

Everyone Plays a Role in Fire Safety 

You might think you can’t do much about fire safety, but everyone can help. Families, educators, first and second responders, and neighbors all play a role. 

It all starts with sharing what we know. A quick conversation about which charger goes with which device, or where the e-bike gets stored, can prevent a fire before it starts. And now that you’ve got the right tools, you can take C.H.A.R.G.E of the fire risks hiding in your home.

Tags: Battery Fire Risks