6 Dangerous Charging Habits That Could Turn Deadly, Firefighters Warn
Charging a phone on the couch or plugging an electric scooter into the wrong charger might seem harmless. Firefighters are reminding households that these everyday habits can create serious fire hazards.
Plano Fire-Rescue, in Texas, shared six precautions for devices powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are found in everything from smartphones and laptops to cordless tools and electric bicycles.
The warning was part of Fire Prevention Week, held Oct. 4–10, with this year’s national campaign focusing on safe charging practices.
Six Charging Habits Firefighters Want You to Change
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The department’s first warning concerns chargers. Residents should use the charging equipment that came with their devices or manufacturer-approved alternatives, rather than inexpensive replacements with uncertain compatibility.
“Don’t risk it,” their social media post urges.
Exactly where you charge a device matters, too. Firefighters advise against leaving electronics charging on couches, beds, or other soft surfaces. A hard, flat surface, such as a table or desk, is a safer choice.
When a device is fully charged, unplug it, the fire department urges. For larger equipment, including e-bikes, scooters, and power tools, Plano Fire-Rescue recommends charging outdoors whenever possible and keeping exits unobstructed.
The department also identified warning signs that should prompt someone to stop using a device: unusual heat, swelling, strange odors, leaking, smoke, or popping and hissing noises.
Its final tip focuses on air travel. Passengers should keep devices in sight while charging and should never charge e-cigarettes or vapes aboard an aircraft.
Why Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Matters at Home
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which organizes Fire Prevention Week, says lithium-ion batteries store considerable energy in a relatively small space. When damaged or charged incorrectly, they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode.
This year’s campaign, “Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” emphasizes that preventing battery fires often begins with ordinary decisions about where, when, and how people charge their electronics.
The safety reminders are not limited to Fire Prevention Week. Plano Fire-Rescue’s advice applies whenever households plug in their phones, laptops, tools, and other rechargeable devices. There’s a reason Plano Fire-Rescue considers safe charging a “superpower”: using this important power can help protect others and yourself from harm.
