Chare Into Fire Safety

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.

Essential Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Essential Lithium-Ion Battery Safety: Charging Smart in New Holland

​From tool batteries in the shed to smartphones, e-bikes, and lawn equipment, lithium-ion batteries power much of our daily lives. While these batteries are efficient and compact, damaged or improperly charged lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, or even explode.

​The New Holland Fire Department wants to help our community stay protected with these straightforward safety tips for handling rechargeable devices.

​1. Buy Certified and Use OEM Chargers

• ​Look for Safety Marks: Only purchase devices and replacement batteries that have been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (such as UL or Intertek).
• ​Stick to Original Equipment: Always use the charger and cable that came with your device, or an exact manufacturer-approved replacement. Generic or off-brand chargers can deliver improper voltage and overheat the battery cell.

​2. Smart Charging Habits

• ​Don't Charge Overnight or Unattended: Avoid leaving high-capacity items (like power tools or lawn equipment) plugged in overnight or charging while everyone is away from home.
• ​Charge on Hard, Flat Surfaces: Never charge phones, tablets, or laptops on beds, pillows, couches, or under blankets. Soft surfaces trap heat and create a dangerous fire hazard.
• ​Keep Away from Exits: Avoid plugging in large rechargeable devices in hallways or right next to primary exit doors where a potential fire could block your escape route.

​3. Spot the Warning Signs

​If a battery exhibits any of the following signs, stop using it immediately:

• ​Swelling or Bulging: The casing appears expanded or puffy.
• ​Excessive Heat: The device feels unusually hot to the touch during use or charging.
• ​Strange Odor or Hissing: An odor or unusual sound is coming from the battery pack.
• ​Discoloration or Leaking: Fluid or unusual marks are visible on the exterior.

​Safe Disposal & Emergency Action

• ​Never Throw Batteries in Regular Trash: Damaged or spent lithium-ion batteries can ignite when crushed inside garbage trucks or at waste processing facilities. Take them to an authorized battery recycling drop-off point.
• ​In Case of Fire: If a battery catches fire, do not attempt to extinguish it with water yourself, as lithium-ion fires burn extremely hot and produce toxic gases. Evacuate immediately, close doors behind you to contain the smoke, and call 911.

​Is Your Home Prepared for an Emergency?

Working smoke detectors remain your first line of defense against any residential fire. If your detectors are over 10 years old or fail monthly testing, the New Holland Fire Department offers free smoke detector installation for residents in our protection district through the "Be Alarmed!" program.

​Schedule your free installation: Call us at (217) 445-2341 or visit newhollandfire.c

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