Phones, laptops, cordless tools, power banks, and e-bikes make everyday life easier. Their batteries also deserve a place on your home safety checklist.
New guidance published October 13, 2026, by the U.S. Fire Administration highlights how damaged batteries, unsuitable chargers, heat buildup, and water exposure can contribute to lithium-ion battery fires.
Five habits to review today
1. Check your chargers
Use the original charger or a certified replacement appropriate for the device. Avoid unfamiliar replacements that lack important safety features.
2. Choose a suitable charging surface
Place devices on solid, flat surfaces. Avoid charging on beds, sofas, or other soft surfaces that can trap heat. Keep charging devices out of direct sunlight and avoid leaving them unattended when possible.
3. Keep exits clear
Store e-bikes, scooters, and cordless tools in dry, ventilated locations away from flammable materials and building exits.
4. Take warning signs seriously
Stop using a battery that is swollen, punctured, hissing, or smoking. Water exposure can also cause battery failures after the initial incident.
5. Dispose of batteries responsibly
Never put batteries in household trash. Use an appropriate battery recycling program. These precautions reflect the federal guidance published October 13, 2026.
Make home readiness easier
Take a few minutes to walk through your home. Look at charging locations, check that exit routes are clear, and make sure household members know where important emergency information is kept.
ShutSafe Home Kit helps homeowners organize important shutoff information in one accessible place. Pair that information with safe charging habits, working smoke alarms, and a practiced escape plan.
If a battery is smoking or a fire starts, leave the area and call 911. Do not delay evacuation to operate a shutoff. Turning off household electricity does not remove the energy stored inside a battery.
Explore ShutSafe Home Kit or review our home safety guides.
Source: U.S. Fire Administration—Lithium-Ion Batteries: Everyday Convenience, Hidden Fire Risks, published October 13, 2026.
