Keep gifts from starting a battery fire

Published on December 16, 2024

Many popular gifts use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. While these batteries are conveniently rechargeable, they come with some fire risks.

You may find lithium-ion batteries in:

• Children’s toys, like remote-controlled cars and airplanes.
• Ride-on toys including scooters and cars.
• Tech gifts such as phones, laptops and drones.
• Power tools. 

If you have products that use these batteries, follow these tips to prevent a fire:

• If you notice the battery has an unusual odor, changes in shape, or appears to be leaking, move the item away from flammable materials (if it is safe to do so) and call 911 immediately. 
• Make sure items that use lithium-ion batteries are listed by a qualified testing laboratory and follow all the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Only use the battery and charger that is made for the device.
• Once it is fully charged, unplug it to avoid damage that could cause the battery to catch fire or explode.
• Avoid storing these items in extreme temperatures (below freezing or above 105° F).
• When it’s time to dispose of these batteries, recycle them instead of throwing them in the trash. Many home improvement or electronic retailers will accept them.