(BPT) - With holiday season in full swing, fire safety experts are urging Americans to "Take C.H.A.R.G.E." of lithium-ion battery safety after data reveals alarming gaps in public awareness and a spike in battery-related incidents at home and while traveling.
According to UL Standards & Engagement, 50% of Americans admit they don't know anything about lithium-ion battery dangers, despite these batteries powering many modern devices from smartphones to e-bikes. Even more concerning: 60% of travelers don't realize how prevalent these batteries are in everyday items.
The warning comes as airlines reported lithium-ion battery thermal runaway incidents on an average of two flights per week in 2024. Of the thermal runaway incidents occurring on planes, one in five forced a diverted landing, return to gate, emergency evacuation or unplanned deplaning.
The Holiday Travel Connection
With the holidays around the corner, a time when many are traveling, it's important to know how to travel safely with lithium-ion battery-powered devices. Most travelers carry four lithium-ion battery devices: smartphones (81%), laptops (40%), wireless headphones (38%) and tablets (35%).
Lithium-ion batteries store energy more densely than traditional batteries. When damaged, improperly charged or overheated, they can enter thermal runaway and spark, explode or cause fire.
"Recent spikes in lithium-ion battery incidents in transit environments have underscored the need to expand public education," said Nicole Sanders, Public Education Lead for UL Research Institutes.
Six Essential Safety Steps
- Choose Certified Products: Prioritize your safety by selecting lithium-ion battery-powered devices certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to ensure they meet important safety requirements.
- Handle with Care: Always follow manufacturer guidelines and use the provided charger for lithium-ion battery-powered devices. Avoid modifying batteries or chargers and charge your devices in safe environments away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight and flammable materials. Never charge under a pillow, blanket or in a bag. It's also important to unplug devices at home and pay attention to size limitations from transit providers before embarking on a trip.
- Always Stay Alert for Warning Signs: Regularly inspect devices for any signs of damage, such as swelling or punctures. Be aware of unusual sounds like hissing or popping. Watch out for excessive heat or a strange odor. White or gray wispy smoke indicates there is immediate danger of fire. If you notice any of these warning signs, immediately unplug and stop using the lithium-ion battery-powered device. Keep your devices visible when traveling and charging. Do not put lithium-ion battery-powered devices or holiday gifts in checked bags.
- Recycle Devices and Batteries Properly: Never toss batteries in public trash bins or leave them behind when traveling.
- Get Out Quickly if There's a Fire: Know the warning signs to look and listen for and get out if you see or hear them. If a device shows warning signs, evacuate immediately and alert authorities. When at home, follow your fire escape plan to leave immediately, closing doors behind you as you exit and call 9-1-1. Create an escape plan and practice it with everyone living in the home so you're ready in the event of a fire emergency. In public spaces like transit hubs, locate exits and escape routes.
- Educate Others on Safe Practices: If gifting battery-powered devices, inform recipients of how they can Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety using safe travel and charging practices. Help protect your travel companions by reminding them to keep devices in carry-on luggage, never in checked bags. It is crucial to see these guidelines not as individual tips, but interconnected steps.
Each measure supports and reinforces the others. Embracing and adhering to these guidelines can significantly reduce risk and create a safer environment at home, at work or on-the-go. For more information, visit batteryfiresafety.org.
