Lithium-Ion Battery Safety in your Home – Fire Prevention Week 2025

This week marks Fire Prevention Week and the theme for 2025 is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Fire Prevention Week is celebrated every October and is the oldest public health observance on record in the United States.

“From smartphones, laptops and tablets to headphones, power tools and toys—most of the electronics we use today inside our homes are powered by lithium-ion batteries,” said Rhode Island Fire Marshal Timothy P. McLaughlin. “Although largely used without incident, if not used correctly or damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat and start a fire.”

Reports of fires and explosions involving lithium-ion batteries have been on the risenationally, reinforcing the importance of public education about proper use, handle, and disposal.

Important Safety Tips

Buy only listed products

• When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab (UL, ETL, or CSA) on the packaging and product, which means it meets important safety standards.

Charge devices safely

• Always use the cables that come with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
• If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
• Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when fully charged.

Recycle batteries responsibly

• Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
• Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose them. Visit: call2recycle.org to find a recycling location near you.

For more fire safety & prevention information, click here.