Homeowner Guide: Lithium Battery Safety

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Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety

C — Choose certified products

Buy from reputable retailers. Look for a nationally recognized testing lab mark (e.g., UL, ETL) on devices and chargers.

H — Handle with care

Follow the manual. Don’t pierce, crush, modify, or mix batteries/chargers from different products.

A — Always stay alert

Stop using a device if you notice odor, smoke, swelling, popping/hissing, excessive heat, or color change.

R — Recycle properly

Never put batteries or e‑devices in trash. Use drop‑off programs (Call2Recycle, retailer sites).

G — Get out quickly

If you see smoke or fire, evacuate, close doors behind you, and call 9‑1‑1 from a safe place.

E — Educate others

Share these tips with family, neighbors, and coworkers.

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Buy & Charge Safely

When Buying

Choose listed/certified products and chargers (UL, ETL, etc.).
Avoid after‑market or unverified batteries/chargers.
Register products to receive safety alerts and recalls.

Charging Basics

Use only the charger and battery recommended by the manufacturer.
Plug chargers directly into a wall outlet; avoid extension cords and power strips.
Charge on a hard, nonflammable surface in a room with airflow—never under pillows, on beds, or on couches.
Don’t charge unattended or overnight. Unplug when fully charged.
Keep away from direct sunlight, extreme heat/cold, and exit paths.

Micromobility (e‑bikes, e‑scooters, hoverboards)

Charge outdoors on a paved, well‑ventilated surface—ideally 5+ feet from buildings, vehicles, and combustibles.
Do not charge in hallways, stairwells, or anywhere an exit could be blocked.
Do not charge overnight.

Temperature & Travel

Store at room temperature; avoid charging below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C).
Keep spares out of hot cars and direct sun.
For air travel, carry devices/spares in your carry‑on; remove from checked luggage.

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Recognize Problems Early & Act

Warning Signs

Unusual odors (sweet/chemical or burning), smoke, haze, or vapor.
Popping/hissing sounds; device too hot to touch.
Swelling, leakage, corrosion, or color change.

If You Notice These

Stop using the device immediately.
If safe, unplug and move the device outside onto a nonflammable surface away from people and buildings.
If there is smoke or fire, evacuate, close doors behind you, and call 9‑1‑1. Do not re‑enter.

Important: Lithium‑ion battery fires can intensify rapidly. For anything more than a tiny, incipient event, leave firefighting to professionals. Your priority is to get out and call 9‑1‑1.

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Storage, Damage & Disposal

Safer Storage

Keep devices/batteries in a cool, dry place away from anything that can burn.
Don’t stack heavy items on batteries or expose them to water.
Keep away from kids and pets; secure button batteries to prevent ingestion.

If Damaged, Defective, or Recalled

Isolate promptly. If safe, place in a plastic bag and then in a metal container filled with sand/kitty litter until you can take it to a staffed recycling site.
Do not throw batteries, chargers, or e‑devices in household trash or curbside recycling.
Tape exposed terminals before transport. Use local battery recycling programs or retailer drop‑offs.

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Learn More & Find Recycling

Trusted Guidance

Recycle Near You

Always follow your device manufacturer’s instructions and local fire/solid‑waste guidance.