Cranford Fire Department Urges Safe Device Charging This Season

The Cranford Fire Department is reminding residents to charge their devices safely as Fire Prevention Week approaches. Working with the National Fire Protection Association, the department is launching a community education campaign centered on lithium-ion battery safety.

This year's Fire Prevention Week theme is "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower." The message is simple: the way you charge your devices matters.

Lithium-ion batteries power phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes, and scooters. They store significant energy in a small space, which makes them efficient—but also potentially hazardous if damaged or charged incorrectly. "The way you charge your lithium-ion battery devices can make a difference in helping prevent home fires," said Fire Chief Dan Czeh. "It comes down to using simple habits each time you plug in."

The Cranford Fire Department recommends these charging practices:

Use the original charger or one approved by the manufacturer. Using an incorrect charger can damage the battery and increase fire risk.

Charge devices on hard, flat surfaces like tables or desks. Never charge on beds, couches, or under pillows. Soft surfaces trap heat and block airflow, causing batteries to overheat.

Monitor your device while charging. If it becomes very hot, swells, smokes, or smells strange, stop using it immediately. These are warning signs of battery damage or failure.

Unplug devices when fully charged. Leaving devices plugged in longer than necessary increases heat stress on the battery.

For larger items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools, charge outside and away from building exits. These batteries store more energy, and fires can spread quickly if they fail.

On planes, keep devices visible while charging and never charge them in overhead compartments. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on aircraft.

Union County Life supports the Cranford Fire Department's commitment to keeping residents safe. The department will be visiting local kindergartens and preschools throughout October to reinforce these messages with young learners and their families.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week programs in Cranford, contact the Cranford Fire Department at (908) 709-7360, or visit fpw.org for national resources on lithium-ion battery safety.

FAQ

Q: Why is lithium-ion battery safety important?
A: Lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy in a small space. If damaged or charged incorrectly, they can overheat, start fires, or even explode. Safe charging practices significantly reduce fire risk in your home.

Q: What charger should I use?
A: Always use the charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Using an incorrect charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

Q: Where should I charge my devices?
A: Charge devices on hard, flat surfaces like tables or desks. Never charge on beds, couches, or under pillows, as soft surfaces trap heat and prevent airflow, causing batteries to overheat.

Q: What are warning signs that a battery is damaged?
A: Stop using a device immediately if it becomes very hot, swells, smokes, or has a strange smell. These are signs of battery damage or failure and indicate fire risk.

Q: How should I charge e-bikes and power tools?
A: Charge larger items outside and away from building exits. These batteries store more energy, and fires can spread quickly if they fail.

Q: Is it safe to charge devices on a plane?
A: Keep devices visible while charging on planes. Do not charge them in overhead compartments. Never charge e-cigarettes or vapes on aircraft, as rapid battery failure can be difficult for flight crews to contain.

Q: How is Cranford Fire Department supporting Fire Prevention Week?
A: The Cranford Fire Department will visit local kindergartens and preschools throughout October to teach children and families about safe charging practices and fire prevention.