Safety Tips For Lithium-Ion Batteries For The Holidays

Since we are now in the holiday season, the National Fire Protection Association has launched an expanded series of resources, guidelines, and information in response to the growing number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. Those batteries power micro mobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters, as well as smaller electronics like cell phones and laptops. They also power electric vehicles.

Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at the NFPA says with the greater use, they are seeing an increase in dangerous fires related to these batteries. The NFPA says you should only purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly.

Use charging equipment that is only compatible with your device. To be safe, use only the charging equipment that is supplied with your device.

Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged. They also say you should stop using your device if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odor, excessive heat, popping sounds, swelling, or change in color.

Learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, find training information, and download free safety tip sheets at nfpa.org/lithiumionsafety.