Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Lithium-ion batteries are often used to supply power to many kinds of devices. These rechargeable batteries can be found in cellphones, tablets, laptops, toys, electric bikes and scooters, cars, in addition to other common household items. If damaged or unstable, improperly charged or stored, these batteries can potentially overheat, catch fire, or explode. In 2024, the Lansdale Fire Marshal’s Office has investigated several fires within the Borough of Lansdale which identified a lithium-ion battery as the potential cause. As the usage of lithium-ion battery powered devices has increased in recent years, so, too, has the number of fires associated with them.

Safety tips and precautions pertaining to lithium-ion batteries include: 

• Only purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment that are listed and labeled by a nationally recognized testing lab, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). 
• 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 use aftermarket or generic batteries or chargers. 
• Do not plug charging cables into a power strip or extension cord. Always plug them directly into a wall outlet. 
• Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged. 
• Never charge a battery or device under your pillow, on your bed, near a couch, or near any other potentially flammable materials. 
• Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycling is always the best option. Take the batteries to a battery recycling location or contact your local waste department for disposal instructions. 
• 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. 
• Only have device repairs performed by a qualified professional. 

Other fire safety measures such as working, properly installed smoke detectors and a pre-determined home escape plan can help keep you safe in the event that a fire does occur in your residence. 

Lithium-ion battery fires are very dangerous and can pose a threat to life safety. If you observe a lithium-ion battery fire, leave the area, close the door to the area if possible, and call 911 immediately. 

For more information, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers free lithium-ion battery fire safety resources available at nfpa.org/lithiumionsafety.