Lithium-ion battery safety at home

Lithium-ion batteries can start a fire when they aren't used, stored or thrown away as the product instructions say. The big packs in e-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards have caused many home fires and deaths at night, while they charged and the household slept.

Charging

• Use products certified by a testing lab
• Charge between 32 and 105 degrees FahrenheitAn unheated garage in winter or a hot one in summer can fall outside that range.
• Plug only one charging device into each wall outlet
• Don't use an extension cord to charge

E-bikes and e-scooters

• Stay with it while it chargesNever charge one while you're asleep or away from home.
• Use the maker's chargerUse only the charger that came with the device or one its manufacturer recommends, and unplug it when charging is done.
• Use only replacement packs tested and approved for the deviceNever use a pack modified by someone unqualified.

Storing

• Store batteries at room temperature when you can
• Keep spares away from anything that can burn
• Keep them out of direct sunlight and hot cars
• Store gasoline, oil, paint and propane in a shed away from the houseKeep anything else that can burn on shelves, away from appliances.

Warning signs and old batteries

• Stop using a battery that shows a warning signThe signs are an odor, a change in color, too much heat, a change in shape, leaking and odd noises.
• Get out quickly if one catches fireLeave the house and call 911 from outside.
• Recycle old batteriesTake them to a battery recycling location or a hazardous waste collection center, never the trash or the general recycling bin. For a recalled battery, follow the recall's disposal instructions.
• Carry spare batteries on a planeTake loose spares out of checked luggage and keep them with you. Smart luggage goes the same way: take its battery out before you check the bag, and carry the battery on the plane.