Safety Tips: Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries power our daily lives—phones, laptops, e-bikes, smoke alarms, and even cars. But if damaged, stored or used improperly, they can overheat, explode, or catch fire, which can result in injuries, deaths and property damage.

According to the National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Fire Administration, battery-related fires are a growing concern. These compact power sources store high energy and contain hazardous materials that can ignite under the wrong conditions.

Stay safe with these key tips:

- Before purchasing lithium-ion batteries or lithium-ion battery-powered electronic devices, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website for any recall information on the products you are considering
- Purchase certified products that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory and meet safety requirements
- Handle your device with care. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, charging, and storing. Only use the charging equipment, cord, and battery that came with the device, and never use it if damaged
- Insert batteries in the device correctly
- Store all lithium-ion batteries and devices in a well-ventilated area and away from anything that can catch fire. Do not leave them in hot cars or direct sunlight
- Do not overload electrical outlets by charging too many devices at once. Charging devices should be plugged directly into an outlet, not extension cords, power strips or multiplug adapters
- When in doubt, have a licensed electrician inspect your circuits to confirm safe use
- Do not charge a device, like your cell phone, under a pillow, blanket, on a bed or couch, or near anything that can burn
- Do not charge batteries at temperatures below 32°F or above 105°F
- Avoid overcharging a lithium-ion battery to prevent it from overheating and catching fire after it is fully charged
- Avoid fully charging a lithium-ion battery if hasn’t been used for a long time, as it can catch fire
- Stay alert for warning signs. Check for any physical damage like punctures or dents, excessive heat, hissing or popping sounds, leaking, and unusual odor, changes in color or shape. Also, check all charging cables for frayed or loose wiring and immediately stop use if damaged
- If your device overheats, unplug it and let it cool down
- Prevent accidental discharges and fires by placing tape over the battery terminals before disposing lithium-ion batteries
- Never place lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Take old or damaged batteries to your local battery recycling location or check with your community for proper disposal instructions
- Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before charging. EVs have high voltage batteries, and maintenance should be performed by the manufacturer. Never touch the orange high-voltage cables
- Have a qualified electrician check your electrical system to see if it can handle charging, and install a new circuit for your charging device. Regularly inspect all charging equipment for any signs of damage, and cover charging station outlets to keep water out
- Use the charging cord that came with the EV. Do not use extension cords with the charger
- Charge your EV, e-bike or e-scooter in a flat, dry area away from children, pets, direct sunlight, liquids, tripping hazards and away from an exit and outside your home
- Keep an ABC-rated or a dry chemical fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency
- If a fire starts in your home, follow your family fire escape plan to exit your home and call 911 immediately
- Lithium-ion battery fires that occur in EVs are much more difficult for firefighters to extinguish than gas-powered vehicle fires. Lithium-ion batteries can hold a great amount of energy and take longer to cool, so when one catches fire, the firefight involves a much greater amount of water, often paired with a greater risk of reignition
- Those EV owners living in areas prone to flooding or in the path of a major storm should take precautions before flooding begins. Water, especially saltwater, can damage the batteries that power EVs. Protect your EV from flooding ahead of a storm by following the manufacturer’s recommendations, and moving it to higher ground or safer place away from floodwaters
- During a storm, the saltwater, which is highly corrosive, can get into the battery compartments, causing significant damage to your vehicle and the electrical system to short-circuit very quickly, resulting in sparks and, ultimately, a fire
- Following a storm, never attempt to charge or drive a vehicle that has been submerged in floodwaters. Have it towed to a safe location outdoors, at least 50 feet away from other vehicles or items that can catch fire
- If there is a flood in your garage or driveway and your EV or its battery has been exposed to water and is smoking, releasing gases, making any kind of hissing and popping sounds, or if you notice smoke and fire, leave the area immediately and call 911 for assistance

Interest Categories

Online Services

News & Social Media

Create a new miamidade.gov account

Elected Officials

County Agencies

Public Records & Open Data

Employee Information

My Employee Portal

Interest Categories

Online Services

News & Social Media

Create a new miamidade.gov account

Elected Officials

County Agencies

Public Records & Open Data

Employee Information

My Employee Portal

Safety Tips: Lithium-Ion Batteries

Be informed

Proper use and storage

Proper charging

Proper disposal

Charging your electric vehicle (EV) at home

Protecting your EV from flooding and fire

Social Media Toolkit

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Fire Rescue