Around Utah: Red Cross of Utah shares lithium-ion battery safety tips for Fire Prevention Week
FAA via AP, File
FILE - In this April 2014 file image frame grab from video, provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a test at the FAAs technical center in Atlantic City, N.J. The International Civil Aviation Organization, a U.N. agency that sets global aviation safety standards, decided last year to ban shipments of lithium ion batteries on international passenger flights and require that the batteries be no more than 30 percent charged on cargo flights. As a result, countries around the world have been adopting the new international safety standard for their domestic flights as well. The United States is a notable exception. (FAA via AP, File)Note: This article is a press release from the American Red Cross of Utah.
Phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes and rechargeable toys have become part of daily life, but the lithium-ion batteries that keep them running can become dangerous when damaged or charged improperly.
During Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10, the American Red Cross of Utah is sharing steps people can take to reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires.
This year’s National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on everyday charging habits. Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small space. If a battery is damaged or charged with incompatible equipment, it can overheat, catch fire or even explode.
“Charging a phone or laptop is so routine that it is easy to stop thinking about it as a fire risk,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Taking a little care each time you plug in can keep an ordinary part of the day from becoming an emergency.”
Charge Devices Safely
The Red Cross recommends these steps for charging devices powered by lithium-ion batteries:
- Use the right charger. Use the cord and charger that came with the device or one approved by the manufacturer. Incompatible chargers can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
- Keep devices off beds and couches while charging. Charge on a hard, flat surface such as a table, desk or bare floor. Soft surfaces can trap heat and block airflow.
- Watch for warning signs. Stop using a device if it becomes very hot, begins to swell, smells unusual, leaks, smokes or makes popping or hissing sounds.
- Unplug when charging is complete. Leaving a device plugged in can increase heat and stress on the battery.
- Take extra care with larger batteries. Charge e-bikes, scooters and power tools outside when possible and never charge them where they could block an exit.
- Look for tested products. When buying rechargeable devices, choose products tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL, ETL or CSA.
Be Ready If a Fire Starts
Working smoke alarms and a practiced escape plan are critical. Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas, and test them monthly. Replace alarms that are 10 years old or older. Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half.
Everyone in the household should know two ways out of each room and where to meet outside. Practice the escape plan twice a year. If a fire starts, get out, stay out and call 911 from a safe location. People may have less than two minutes to escape.
Red Cross Responds to Home Fires Across Utah
So far this year, Red Cross volunteers have responded to 127 home fires across Utah and helped 616 people. Since 2020, volunteers have responded to 1,134 home fires and helped 5,227 people. In 2025, they responded to 154 home fires and assisted 728 people.
The Red Cross of Utah works with fire departments and community partners to install free smoke alarms and share fire safety information. Volunteers installed more than 2,000 free smoke alarms in Utah homes in 2025.
During home visits, volunteers install smoke alarms and help families create fire escape plans for everyone in the household, including pets. To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah.
For more emergency preparedness information and checklists, visit redcross.org/prepare.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.