Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly found in many of the devices we use in our daily lives, from smartphones, laptops, and tablets to micromobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters, and electric vehicles, among countless other devices. As use of these items has grown, so too, has the number of fires associated with them.
This May, National Electrical Safety Month focuses on the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and ways people can stay safe when using, charging, and storing devices that are powered by these batteries. The annual campaign is sponsored by Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI), which raises awareness of potential home electrical hazards, the importance of electrical fire safety, and the safety of electrical workers, each May.
The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) is actively supporting the campaign in coordination with ESFI, providing free safety information and resources to residents to help reduce the risk of injury and damage to property when storing and charging lithium-ion batteries in devices. Firefighters and other first responders are encouraged to use these materials in their public outreach efforts.
“Lithium-ion batteries power the lives of millions of people every day, but what many consumers may not know is that these batteries can pose a fire risk if they are used or recharged improperly, are damaged, or fail to operate safely,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “During Electrical Safety Month, NFPA is taking action to help educate the public about ways they can protect their lithium-ion battery-powered devices and vehicles and safeguard their families and property.”
Following are lithium-ion battery resources and information from NFPA:
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
- Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Tip Sheet (also available in Spanish and French)
- Hover Board Safety Tip Sheet
- Social media cards
- 10-Minute Lesson Plan
E-Bikes and E-Scooter Safety
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- E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety Tip Sheet
- NFPA Journal article, Summer 2022 issue: Full Throttle
- Fire Safety Considerations for E-Bikes and E-Scooters Short Video
Electric Vehicle Safety
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- Electric Vehicle Safety Tip Sheet
- Free Electric Vehicle Safety Community Preparedness Online Training
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NFPA also provides important information, materials, and trainings for firefighters and first responders to learn how to safely deal with emergency situations involving alternative fuel passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, and commercial fleet vehicles that use lithium-ion-batteries:
Resources for first responders:
- Training, response guides, report, and videos for first responders and emergency personnel related to fires involving alternative fuel vehicles (AFV)
- Electric and hybrid vehicle quick reference card
Additional related resources for first responders:
- NFPA Podcast: E-Bike and E-Scooter Fire Safety
- NFPA Podcast: A Battery in Every Garage?
- NFPA Journal article, Fall 2022 issue: Full Throttle
- NFPA Journal article, Winter 2024 issue: Super Charged Home
In 2020, NFPA introduced Faces of Fire/Electrical, a video awareness campaign focused on electrical hazards and created in collaboration with the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. The series reminds everyone about the importance of taking action – at home and in the workplace – to help stop electrical incidents from happening. The videos can be found at nfpa.org/facesoffire.
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