Lithium-Ion batteries are used to power many kinds of devices including smart phones, laptops, e-scooters and e-bikes, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, toys, and vehicles. These batteries store a large amount of energy in a small amount of space. If not used correctly or damaged these batteries can catch on fire or explode.
Consider the following safety tips:
- Purchase and use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Put the batteries in the device right away, and only use the charging system that came with the device.
- Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.
- Don’t keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.
- When possible, keep batteries at room temperatures. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32 degrees or above 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Store Lithium-Ion batteries away from anything that can catch fire.
- For disposal, do not put Lithium-Ion batteries in the trash or stack them in piles……take them to a battery recycling location.
- Stop using the battery if you notice these problems: odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises. If safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 911.