Lithium-ion battery fires are on the rise in the US

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Lithium-ion battery fires are on the rise in the US.

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, fire departments and organizations across Illinois are teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association, the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week, to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”

It highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day are powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion battery fires are on the rise in the US, with over 25,000 incidents between 2017 and 2022.

“Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere. I encourage everyone to read the manufactures guidelines for proper care of these batteries which will help to reduce the risk of an accidental fire from occurring in your home,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow. “Fire safety isn’t just something to think about one week a year—it’s an everyday priority. Regularly test your smoke alarms, look for ways to reduce fire risks, and practice your family’s emergency plan often.”

The Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services are working together to highlight the importance of having operational smoke alarms in every home across Illinois.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (60%), yet most home fire deaths continue to occur where no working alarms are present.

In October 2019, DCFS launched a statewide program to provide free smoke alarms to families served by the department. To date, DCFS has distributed more than 7,000 smoke alarms.

“Protecting children starts with protecting the spaces they live in,” said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi Mueller. “Smoke alarms reduce the risk of death in a home fire by more than half — but only if they’re working. Through our smoke alarm program, DCFS provides free smoke detectors to families we serve and helps ensure they know how to use and maintain them. It’s a small step that can make a life-saving difference.”

The OSFM and DCFS offers smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on each level of the home.
Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
Replace all broken or expired smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older.

Buy only listed products.

When buying 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 and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.
Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.

Charge devices safely.

Always use the cables that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

Recycle batteries responsibly.

Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

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