State Fire Marshal and area fire chiefs join the Detroit Fire Department to provide important holiday shopping tips for items using lithium-ion batteries

2024
  • The importance of ensuring your device, battery and charger all match cannot be understated
  • Lithium-ion batteries are found in more devices every day, and great sources of energy when used safely
  • For items related to micromobility, storage near or at building entrances is highly discouraged

 

Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms was joined today by Detroit Fire Marshal Don Thomas, State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer, Ferndale Fire Chief Teresa Robinson and Director of Grosse Pointe Public Safety John Alcorn to help consumers across the state learn best practices around lithium-ion batteries. Many of today’s high-tech gifts are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are a great source of power when used safely and stored correctly.

As the use of these items has increased in recent years, so, too, has the number of fires associated with them. The likelihood of lithium-ion batters overheating, catching on fire, and even leading to explosions increases when they are damaged or improperly used, charged, or stored.

The Detroit Fire Department wants to make sure no Christmas gift leads to disaster for any of our residents,” said Commissioner Simms. “We want to ensure residents have the information they need to make good decisions to keep their families safe.”  

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Detroit Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms welcomes media to Engine 32 to learn about lithium-ion battery best practices. In back from left to right: Grosse Pointe Director of Public Safety John Alcorn, Detroit Fire Marshal Don Thomas, State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer, and Ferndale Fire Chief Teresa Robinson.

 

Lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy in a small amount of space. When that energy is released in an uncontrolled manner, it generates heat, which can turn certain internal battery components into flammable and toxic gases.  “Don’t be afraid, just be informed,” said Detroit Fire Marshal Don Thomas. “Lithium-ion batteries and the devices that use them are not our enemy, but the public needs to be better informed on possible safety risks involved with improper use.”

One of the biggest fire risks occurs when people use charging equipment such as batteries and chargers that are not compatible with their devices. To be safe, only use charging equipment that is supplied when you purchase your device. If buying a used item without a battery or charger, or replacing batteries or chargers, it’s essential you seek out components that are listed safe to use with your device and are also certified laboratory tested. You can learn if a battery or charger is certified by looking for the stamp of the testing laboratory: https://www.osha.gov/nationally-recognized-testing-laboratory-program/current-list-of-nrtls.

Another fire risk is when owners charge their device or device battery after it is already fully charged.

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Detroit Fire Marshal Don Thomas is leading the conversation around lithium-ion battery best practices and technology.

 

Where and how to charge

We have seen disastrous outcomes involving lithium-ion fires across the nation and world, and the worst cases have been the result of a device that caught on fire at or near exits of a building, making it difficult for residents to escape when fire did break out.

“Though micro mobility devices are often kept at or near entrances to buildings, we recommend residents statewide take another look at where they are keeping them,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer. “Moving devices away from building entrances and exits is key to protecting lives if a fire does break out.”

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State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer shows media how to inspect a lithium-ion battery for possible damage to help prevent fires.

 

Other important safety tips:

  • Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycling is always the best option. Take the batteries to a battery recycling location or contact your local waste department for disposal instructions to prevent a fire or hazardous situation.
  • Stop using your device if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odor, excessive heat, popping sounds, swelling, or change in color. This can occur when the device is dropped, so pay extra attention for any signs of a problem if you drop your device.
  • Do not store batteries in an area that blocks the only exit out of to a room. Do not attempt to modify the battery or charger.
  • If your device, battery, or charger needs repairs, do not attempt to fix them yourself. Seek out a qualified professional.
  • Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch. Make sure your device is charging on a flat, dry surface.
  • Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C).
  • Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire.

Devices which commonly use lithium-ion batteries:

  • Laptop computers
  • Cell phones
  • Electric scooters
  • Electric bikes
  • One-wheels
  • Yard tools

“Thank you to the Detroit Fire Department for highlighting this important message to residents across our area,” said Ferndale Fire Chief Teresa Robinson. “Working collaboratively to get the message out always has a bigger impact.”

"We are grateful for Detroit Fire Department's efforts in spreading the message about lithium-ion battery safety,” said Grosse Pointe Director of Public Safety, John Alcorn. “I encourage everyone to follow their safety advice and make sure you have working smoke detectors in your homes."