Harrisburg, PA – State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook is urging Pennsylvanians to take part in this year's National Fire Prevention Week, now through October 11, by focusing on lithium-ion battery safety. Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly powering many of the items we use daily in our homes. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has chosen this year’s theme for a nationwide push to educate everyone on the importance of proper ways to Buy, Charge, and Recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.
Fire safety starts with awareness. Lithium-ion batteries should always be used and charged with care, following manufacturer recommendations. Safe habits can make the difference between convenience and catastrophe.
–State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook
The NFPA recommends following these three steps to reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires.
- Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
- Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
- Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Contact your local waste handler or solid waste authority for details on how to safely recycle or dispose of lithium-ion batteries or visit the NFPA website for additional options.
Lithium-ion batteries provide long-lasting power, are convenient, and rechargeable. According to the NFPA, lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy in a small amount of space. When that energy is released in an uncontrolled manner, it generates heat, which can turn certain internal battery components into flammable and toxic gases, which can happen very quickly. Lithium-ion battery fires happen for a variety of reasons, such as physical damage, crushing, or water exposure, electrical damage like overcharging or using charging equipment not designed for the battery, exposure to extreme temperatures, and product defects.
The NFPA estimates that U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 1,500 home fires caused by batteries between 2014 and 2018. A study conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) revealed that lithium-ion batteries were the primary cause of 18% of all battery-related residential fires from 2009 to 2017.
In the event of a lithium-ion battery fire, early warning is critical for safe escape. Working smoke alarms are the best way to get that warning. The NFPA recommends following these three key steps:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, like a hallway, and on each level of the home including the basement.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month. Change the batteries twice a year.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or stop responding when tested.
You should have and practice an escape plan for when your smoke alarm sounds. Your escape plan should include two ways out of every room, usually a door and a window, with a clear path to an outside meeting place that is a safe distance from the home. If your home includes family members with sensory or physical needs, include smoke alarms that have additional alerting tools like lights, vibrations, or alternate sounds including voices and consider any additional time or assistance these family members may need to escape.
For additional information on home fire safety, visit the ReadyPA website.
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