Every day, millions of people rely on lithium-ion batteries to power the devices they use both at home and at work. From smartphones and laptops to cordless tools, electric vehicles, e-bikes, and portable power banks, these items have become an essential part of our daily routines. As battery-powered devices continue to grow in use, so does the importance of understanding how to operate, charge, and store them safely.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is recognizing this increasing safety concern by selecting “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower” as the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 4-10, 2026.
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used because they offer high energy density, which allows for greater storage capacity in a relatively compact space. The primary hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries include fire, thermal runaway events, explosion, the release of toxic and flammable gases, and burn injuries. While these incidents are relatively uncommon, the consequences can be severe when batteries are damaged, charged incorrectly, exposed to excessive heat, or disposed of improperly. Fortunately, a few practical steps can help reduce these risks both at home and in the workplace.
Preventing Battery-Related Incidents
Safe charging habits, proper equipment use, and awareness of warning signs can help prevent battery-related incidents before they occur. Some important recommendations from the NFPA are listed below.
- Use the Correct Charger: Whenever possible, use the charging cord and adapter that came with your device or a replacement approved by the manufacturer. Using incompatible chargers can damage batteries and increase fire risk.
- Charge on a Hard, Flat Surface: Avoid charging devices on beds, couches, pillows, or other soft surfaces. These materials can trap heat and interfere with airflow, increasing the likelihood of overheating. Instead, charge devices on a table, desk, countertop, or other hard, flat surface.
- Keep Charging Areas Clear: Charge devices away from combustible materials such as paper, cardboard, fabrics, and other items that could contribute to the fire spreading if a battery failure occurs. Maintaining a clean charging area is a simple but effective safety measure.
- Charge Large Battery-Powered Equipment Outside: E-bikes, scooters, power tools, and other large equipment should be charged and stored outside when possible. If indoors, keep them away from exits, stairways, and evacuation routes. These batteries are larger and contain more energy, increasing the potential for a fire to spread rapidly if the battery fails.
- Unplug When Charging Is Complete: Leaving devices plugged in longer than necessary can contribute to heat generation and place additional stress on batteries. The NFPA recommends disconnecting devices once they are fully charged.
- Stop Using Damaged Batteries: If a battery or device becomes unusually hot, swells, smokes, emits an odor, leaks, generates a popping or hissing sound, or shows other signs of damage, discontinue use immediately.
- Dispose of Batteries Properly: Never place lithium-ion batteries in the regular trash or in general recycling containers, as doing so could create a fire hazard during collection, transport, or processing. Instead, they should be taken to a designated battery recycling or collection site. To locate a disposal center, visit batterynetwork.org, or contact your local city or town. In the workplace, lithium-ion batteries must also be collected separately for recycling.
Final Takeaways
As we recognize Fire Prevention Week, it is a good time to review how batteries are charged, stored, and used at home and at work. Battery safety should be an important component of a facility’s fire prevention program. Safety Partners can help your organization assess battery-related risks, strengthen fire prevention efforts, and implement practical safeguards to protect people, property, and business operations. Contact us to learn more.
This blog was written by Beth Graham, Director of Quality, Research, and Training at Safety Partners.
