Cal Fire Promotes Lithium-Ion Battery Safety For Fire Prevention Week

SAN DIEGO, CA — Cal Fire and the National Fire Protection Association have partnered for this year's Fire Prevention Week to promote the safe use of lithium-ion batteries.

The campaign emphasizes the importance of buying, charging and recycling lithium-ion batteries safely, officials said.

"Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they're just about everywhere," California State Fire Marshal Chief Daniel Berlant said in a statement.

"Fire agencies across California continue to respond to fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. This year's Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach."

Most household electronics and devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, power tools, lawn equipment and toys, according to fire officials.

If damaged or improperly used, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, ignite or even explode, officials warned.

Fire safety officials offered the following tips for buying, charging and recycling lithium-ion batteries:

Buying:

-- When purchasing 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 or product, which means it meets important safety standards; and

-- Be cautious of products sold online or in stores that may not meet safety standards, as they can increase the risk of fire.

Charging:

-- Always use the cords and chargers provided by the manufacturer. Follow all manufacturer instructions;

-- If you need a replacement charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one it has approved;

-- Charge devices on a hard surface -- not under pillows, on beds or couches -- to prevent overheating; and

-- Unplug the device or remove the battery once it is fully charged.
Recycling:

-- Never throw lithium-ion batteries in household trash or regular recycling bins, as they could catch fire; and

-- Recycle devices or batteries only at approved battery recycling locations. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

Cal Fire's Battery Energy Storage Systems Fire Safety Symposium can be viewed at youtu.be/7Q4x62Ni2Zk.

More information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety can be found at www.fpw.org.

— City News Service