East Meadow Fire Commissioners Offer Lithium-ion Battery Safety Tips

Lithium-ion batteries supply power to many of the electronic devices we use every day. The batteries are found in cell phones, laptops, e-scooters and e-bikes, e-cigarettes, smoke detectors, and electric vehicles. Although lithium-ion batteries are effective and efficient sources of power, they can overheat or catch fire. And, if they’re damaged, improperly charged, or stored, or used for any purpose other than intended, they may even explode.

“National fire-safety organizations say they have seen a rise in fires related to lithium-ion batteries,” said Commissioner Carey A. Welt. “To keep our residents safe, the East Meadow Fire District Board of Commissioners offers the following safety tips to raise awareness about preventing fires involving lithium-ion batteries.”

• Buy and use electronic devices listed by a qualified testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), or that have the ETL label from Intertek, or certification from CSA International or Factory Mutual (FM).
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety recommendations.
• Only use the battery that is specifically designed for the device.
• Only use the charging cord that came with the device; third-party chargers are not recommended.
• Charge the device on a hard, flat surface, away from anything that can catch fire, and never charge the device under a pillow, or on a bed or couch.
• Don’t keep charging the device or the battery after it’s fully charged.
• Keep the battery at room temperature, when possible, and don’t charge it at temperatures below 32º F or above 104º F.
• Store the battery away from anything that can catch on fire.

Battery Disposal
Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the household trash. Lithium-ion batteries can be brought to the Town of Hempstead Sanitation Department’s Homeowner Disposal area at 1600 Merrick Road, Merrick, or to one of the town’s S.T.O.P collection events. For more information, visit www.hempsteadny.gov, or call 516-378-4210.

Signs of a Problem
Stop using a lithium-ion battery if you notice it’s generating more heat than usual, has an odor, has changed color or shape, or is leaking or making odd noises. If it’s safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire, and call the East Meadow Fire Department at 516-542-0576.

The East Meadow Fire Department, which covers East Meadow and parts of Levittown and Westbury (Salisbury), is always looking for new members to join their ranks as firefighters or emergency medical personnel; no experience is necessary. The fire department provides the training required. There are numerous benefits associated with volunteering, including tax breaks, college scholarships, annual health checkups, life insurance, and a service award pension program, all at no cost. For more information on volunteering with the East Meadow Fire Department, visit www.eastmeadowfd.com, or call 516-542-4565.