With the increase in the popularity of everyday items that use lithium-ion batteries – laptops, smartphones, headphones, toys, electric bikes and scooters and a multitude of other products – the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department is sharing crucial safety tips during this year’s Fire Prevention Week, which runs from Sunday, Oct. 5 – Saturday, Oct. 11.  

The week’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”, highlights the importance of using these batteries safely and properly to help prevent fires in the home. 

“We are definitely seeing an increase in these types of fires and so it is extremely important that we educate people on what they can do to prevent lithium-ion batteries from catching fire,” said Fire-Rescue Battalion Chief Robert Rezende. “These fires are extremely challenging to put out because these batteries continue to heat up and reignite even with water application.” 

By following the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach, people can do their part to keep lithium-ion batteries from overheating, catching fire or exploding: 

Buy only listed products: 

• When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.
• Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire. 

Charge devices properly: 

• Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
• If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
• 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 catch fire.
• Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you or visit the City’s Battery webpage to find recycling events and locations in the city. 

Other battery safety tips include: 

• Follow manufacturer instructions.
• Only charge one device/device battery at a time to prevent overloading the circuit.
• Keep batteries at room temperature.
• Do not store batteries in direct sunlight or inside hot vehicles. Keep them away from children and liquids.
• Store e-bikes, e-scooters and batteries away from exit doors.
• Stop using the battery if you notice an unusual odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking, smoking or not keeping a charge. 

For more information on lithium-ion battery safety, visit the San Diego Fire-Rescue website. 

Fire Prevention Week has been a national observance since 1925 and is the longest-running public health observance in the U.S. It’s observed each year in early October in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which happened on Oct. 8, 1871.