October is Fire Prevention Month, with this year’s theme being “Charge Into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”. To that end, the West Bloomfield Fire Department wants to make sure its residents know the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, and what they can do to keep their families safe.


Why It Matters

Lithium-ion batteries are in nearly everything – phones, laptops, tools, toys, scooters and cars. Fires caused by these batteries are:
• Fast-moving
• Difficult to extinguish
• Likely to release toxic gases
• Increasing nationwide

“The fires are not that common but when you do have them, they’re really volatile,” said WBFD Lieutenant/Inspector Patrick Donovan.

By way of comparison, Donovan said, a regular car fire would usually take about 500 gallons of water to easily put out. With an electric car, on the other hand, it would take 5,000 gallons of water to extinguish the blaze. Even worse, it’s possible the battery can reignite right back up, causing difficulties for all involved, including the inhalation of toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride.

“You’re going to be coughing for a while,” Donovan said.


Be Aware

Because these batteries are in products most often stored in a garage, near doors going into the house, Donovan notes that a fire breaking out would be even more problematic if it’s blocking an exit.

To reduce the chances of having a fire event, the National Fire Protection Association and the West Bloomfield Fire Department recommend some actions you can take:
• Only use UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed batteries, devices, and chargers.
• Never charge a device on your bed or under a pillow, as this holds in heat and damages cords.
• Stop charging once the battery is full. Don’t leave devices unattended while charging.
• Keep batteries at room temperature – avoid freezing or overheating.
• If a battery smells odd, feels hot, swells or makes noise – stop using it immediately.
• Recycle batteries – don’t throw them in the trash. Many large box stores that sell lithium battery products accept old batteries. These include Home Depot, Lowe’s, Office Max and Batteries Plus.
• Store and charge e-bikes/ scooters away from doors and exits.
• For EVs, consult a qualified electrician for home installs.
• Keep an eye on any battery that suffers physical damage.


Proper Disposal of a Lithium-Ion Battery

To reiterate: a lithium-ion battery is something you should never just throw in the garbage. It needs to be properly disposed of, because fires have been known to break out in the back of garbage trucks when lithium-ion batteries are crushed in the truck’s mechanism.


Good Battery Management is Crucial

Yes, there is such a thing as overcharging your battery, which is especially important when dealing with lithium-ion batteries. To prevent this, most products that are made with these batteries are equipped with their own battery management systems, which do a good job of monitoring the battery life. But not all have these systems, so make sure you purchase your product or battery from a reputable manufacturer like DeWalt or Milwaukee. Also, be aware of the fact that, if you buy from a company not based in the U.S., there is no guarantee that you’ll receive something that meets any safety codes.