Commissioner Causey offers battery safety tips during Fire Prevention Week

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is reminding the public to inspect their lithium-ion powered devices during 2025 Fire Prevention Week observances.<_o3a_p>

National Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 5 through 11. This year's theme, as proclaimed by the National Fire Protection Association, is: "Charge into fire safety: Lithium-ion batteries in your home."<_o3a_p>

"We all have a financial incentive to develop habits to avoid fires, since fire risk is one of the biggest factors in determining homeowners' insurance rates," Commissioner Causey said.
"But it is also our duty to protect our families from injury and loss of life but mitigating fire risks."<_o3a_p>

One source of home fires is lithium-ion batteries. Many of the electronics in homes - smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones and toys - are powered by lithium-ion batteries.<_o3a_p>

Often electronics manufacturers market how powerful their lithium-ion batteries are. For example, smartphone manufacturers like to promote how long their devices will hold a charge. When lithium-ion powered devices, they heat up. While this is normal, the problem comes when the batteries overheat.<_o3a_p>

Commissioner Causey has offered the following tips to protect your home and loved ones from fires caused by electronic devices powered by lithium-ion devices:

• Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for the stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product. That means it meets established safety standards. Some products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.

• Charge devices safely. One key is to use quality charging equipment, like the cables that come with your device. If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.<_o3a_p>

• Charge your device on a hard surface, like a table or countertop. Charging it on a pillow, a bed or a sofa could cause a fire.<_o3a_p>

• Don't overcharge your device.<_o3a_p>

• Batteries don't last forever. When they wear out, properly disposing of them is a good way to help avoid fires.<_o3a_p>

• Experts suggest not throwing lithium-ion batteries in regular trash or recycling bins. They could catch fire.<_o3a_p>

• Recycling your device or battery at a safe recycling station is the best way to dispose of them. By visiting https://www.call2recycle.org, you can type in your zip code and find nearby drop-off spots.<_o3a_p>

"With the proliferation of lithium-ion battery-powered devices in our homes, it's more important than ever to develop good safety habits when charging our devices," Commissioner Causey added. "I hope you'll join me in this effort to avoid fires and make our homes safer."<_o3a_p>

For more information, visit https://www.ncdoi.gov or contact the NCDOI Consumer Services Division at 1-855-408-1212.

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