Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Habits for Every Home
From power tool batteries in the shed to smartphones, tablets, laptops, and cordless mowers, our homes are filled with lithium-ion battery-powered devices. While these rechargeable batteries make modern life convenient, they store a massive amount of energy in a compact space. If charged incorrectly or damaged, they can pose serious fire hazards.
As we look ahead toward this fall's National Fire Prevention Week (October 4–10) and its theme, "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower," the New Holland Fire Department wants to give our community a head start on practical charging habits to protect your home and family.
1. Ditch the Soft Surfaces
When a battery charges, it naturally generates heat.
- Hard, Flat Surfaces Only: Always charge devices on a table, desk, counter, or bare floor where air can circulate around the casing.
- Never Charge on Beds or Couches: Placing a phone, laptop, or tablet on a mattress, blanket, sofa, or under a pillow traps heat. Overheating is one of the leading causes of lithium-ion battery failure and fires.
2. Stick to Official Chargers
It’s tempting to grab a cheap, unbranded replacement charger online, but off-brand cords and power blocks often lack built-in safety controls designed to prevent overcharging and voltage spikes.
- Always use the charger and cable provided by the device manufacturer or ones explicitly certified for your specific device.
3. Unplug When Fully Charged
Leaving devices plugged into wall outlets indefinitely puts unnecessary stress and heat on the battery cells.
- Once your phone, power tool battery, or lawn equipment reaches 100%, disconnect it from the charger.
- Avoid leaving power tool or e-bike batteries charging unattended overnight or while you are away from home.
4. Know the Warning Signs of Battery Failure
Lithium-ion batteries often give clear warnings before going into thermal runaway. Immediately unplug and stop using a device if you notice:
- The device feels excessively hot to the touch while charging or in use.
- The battery casing begins to swell, bulge, or crack.
- You smell an unusual chemical or metallic odor.
- You hear popping or hissing sounds coming from the unit.
If a battery begins smoking or catches fire indoors, leave the home immediately, close the door behind you to contain the smoke, and dial 911.
Free Home Smoke Detector Program:
Proper charging habits are your first line of defense, but working smoke alarms remain your ultimate safety net. Smoke detectors older than 10 years must be replaced to remain effective.
Through our "Be Alarmed!" program, the New Holland Fire Department provides and installs free 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms for all residents within our fire district.
Schedule your free installation: Call us today at (217) 445-2341 or visit newhollandfire.com.
Stay safe and stay vigilant, New Holland! In any emergency, never hesitate to dial 911.
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