Lithium-Ion Batteries: Avoiding Fire Risks

October 8, 2025

Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient and just about everywhere these days. Unfortunately, they also pose a fire risk when not used, stored or disposed of properly.

This year’s National Fire Prevention Week campaign*, championed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is all about the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires.

What runs on lithium-ion?

Almost everything that is rechargeable runs on a lithium-ion battery, including:

  • Cameras
  • Cordless vacuums
  • Chargers
  • Electric vehicles
  • Phones
  • Power tools
  • Tablets
  • Watches

Buy, charge and recycle safely NFPA recommends using the following approach and fire safety protocols with lithium-ion batteries:

Buy only listed products Look for a safety certification mark indicating the battery has been laboratory tested and meets important safety standards that prevent hazards like fires and explosions. Common certification markers to look for on lithium-ion batteries include:

  • UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
  • ETL (Intertek’s Electrical Testing Laboratories)
  • CSA (Canadian Standards Association)

All three of these entities are accredited by OSHA as Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs).

Charge safely Safe charging of your electronics using these guidelines is key to fire prevention:

  • Always charge using the cords that came with the product.
  • Follow charging instructions from the manufacturer.
  • Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or from one that the manufacturer has approved.
  • Charge your device on a hard surface.
  • Don’t overcharge. Unplug or remove the battery when your device is fully charged.

Recycle responsibly Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org* to find a recycling spot near you.

Preventing Fires in Flight

Did you know the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently banned lithium-ion batteries from checked baggage* on airline flights?

It’s no secret that the lithium-ion batteries in your laptop, power banks, chargers and other devices you bring along while traveling have the potential to overheat – making them a fire risk when not properly stored on flights.

To manage these risks, TSA’s new rule bans all airline passengers from checking baggage containing lithium-ion batteries. The batteries can be stored away safely in your carry-on luggage.

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