Charging up safely

COLUMBIA, Mo. – From smartphones and laptops to power tools, e-bikes and electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries power an increasing share of everyday life. They are efficient and convenient, but when damaged, improperly charged or used with the wrong equipment, they can overheat, catch fire or explode.

National Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 4-10. Stephen McLane, adjunct instructor for University of Missouri Extension’s Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI), encourages Missourians to adopt a few simple charging habits that can significantly reduce the risk of battery-related fires.

“Lithium-ion batteries pack a tremendous amount of energy into a very small space,” McLane said. “That makes them ideal for modern devices, but it also means a battery failure can escalate very quickly. A few basic precautions can go a long way toward keeping families safe.”

The challenge is growing as lithium-ion batteries become more common, he said. Battery fires have become one of the most significant emerging challenges facing the fire service because of the rapid growth in battery-powered devices. MU FRTI now offers first responder train specifically about fires related to lithium-ion batteries.

A report from the National Institute of Standards and Technology estimates that since 2011 there have been roughly 198,000 lithium-ion battery fires in structures nationwide and about 5,700 fires involving electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. And the number of battery-related fires is increasing each year.

Unlike conventional batteries, lithium-ion batteries can experience “thermal runaway,” a chemical chain reaction that causes temperatures to rise rapidly and can result in intense fires that are difficult to extinguish.

McLane recommends the following safety practices:

• Use the charger and cord supplied with the device or approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage batteries and increase fire risk.
• Charge devices on hard, flat surfaces such as tables or countertops, not on beds, couches or under pillows, where heat can build up.
• Stop using your device if it becomes very hot, swells, smokes or gives off a strange smell. These can be signs of battery failure.
• Unplug devices when fully charged. Leaving a device plugged in too long can increase stress on the battery and allow heat to build up.
• Charge larger items such as e-bikes, scooters and some power tools outside and away from exits.

“Nearly everyone has multiple lithium-ion batteries in their home, often without thinking about it,” McLane said. “Because these devices are so common, safe charging habits need to become routine.”

About MU FRTI

Part of University of Missouri Extension, the Fire and Rescue Training Institute provides comprehensive continuing professional education training to Missouri’s fire service and emergency response personnel. The institute trains approximately 15,000 fire and emergency service first responders each year.

Other ways to protect your home

• Test all smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed.
• Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old.
• Make sure every bedroom, sleeping area and level of the home has a working smoke alarm.
• Review and practice a home fire escape plan with all family members.
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn.
• Clean fallen leaves, pine needles and other dry vegetation away from homes, decks and outdoor equipment.
• Make sure fire extinguishers are accessible and that household members know how to use them.

Related resources

From the National Fire Prevention Association.

• Lithium-ion battery safety.
• Electrical safety in the home.
• Smoke alarm information.
• Fire safety checklist for students. Single-page PDF.
• Fire Prevention Week 2026. YouTube playlist.