Chances are there is an unassuming fire hazard looming about in your home as you read this ― waiting for the perfect moment to strike. A cell phone charging underneath your pillow or while nestled between couch cushions. An e-bike or power tools left to recharge unattended in your garage.
Lithium-ion batteries continue to pose extreme fire risks, accounting for at least 198,000 structure fires since 2011, according to a recent study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
At a public safety briefing, Rochester Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano recently reiterated a plea he made to city residents just over a year ago: Please do not go to sleep with your cell phone charging in your bed.
Lithium-ion batteries become a problem when they overheat or malfunction, creating sparks that quickly turn into flames.
“These fires spread rapidly, burn very high temperatures and can reignite after appearing to be extinguished,” Napolitano said. “They continue to be a present and growing challenge for fire departments across the country, including here in Rochester.”
He shared the following fire safety measures to help families protect themselves from lithium-ion battery fires:
— Kayla Canne covers community safety for the Democrat and Chronicle with a focus on immigration, police accountability, government surveillance and how people are impacted by violence. Follow her on Instagram @bykaylacanne. Get in touch at kcanne@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Charging devices while you sleep? One small change can reduce fire risk
Reporting by Kayla Canne, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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