Reduce the risk of fire when charging and storing lithium batteries

To keep our homes safe, it’s important to take precautions when charging lithium batteries.

Many of us rely on lithium-ion batteries for our everyday devices.

Everyday Items That Use Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are in more things than you might think. Here are some common ones to watch out for:

✅ Mobile phones & tablets
✅ Laptops & computers
✅ E-cigarettes & vapes
✅ E-scooters & e-bikes
✅ Power tools (drills, screwdrivers, etc.)
✅ Cordless vacuum cleaners
✅ Smart watches & fitness trackers
✅ Cameras & drones
✅ Portable chargers / power banks
✅ Bluetooth headphones & speakers

However, it’s crucial to understand that while these batteries offer great energy storage in a compact form, they also pose a fire risk if mishandled.

Lithium-ion batteries can ignite if they’re not stored, charged, or handled properly, especially if they sustain damage. Once a fire starts, it can spread quickly and cause significant damage to property, putting everyone at risk.

To keep our homes safe, it’s important to take precautions when charging lithium batteries. By following safety guidelines and ensuring that batteries are properly maintained, we can reduce the risk of fire and protect our community.

Lithium batteries power many of our everyday items – from phones and laptops to e-scooters and e-bikes. While they’re convenient, they can also cause fires if not used or charged safely. Here are some simple tips to reduce the risks:

Always use the correct charger – only use the charger supplied with your device, or one recommended by the manufacturer.
Charge on a hard, flat surface – avoid charging on beds, sofas, or near anything flammable.
Don’t leave batteries charging unattended – especially overnight or when you’re out.
Keep batteries away from heat and water – store and charge them in a cool, dry place.
Check for damage – if a battery looks swollen, is leaking, or has been dropped, don’t use it.
Unplug when fully charged – overcharging can increase the risk of overheating.
Install smoke alarms – make sure you have working smoke alarms near where you charge devices.

By following these steps, you can keep your home, family, and belongings safer while using the technology you rely on every day.

Living with communal spaces

When living in an apartment block or flats, it’s important that we all work together to keep communal areas safe for everyone.

Please keep corridors, stairwells, and shared spaces free from stored items at all times.
For safety reasons, e-scooters and e-cigarettes must not be stored or left to charge in communal areas.
All personal belongings should be stored inside your home or in your allocated storage area.

Any items left in communal spaces may be removed and kept safely for collection. If they are not collected within 7 days, they will be donated to local charities.

If you have an item for refuge collection, please advise your neighbourhood officer of the item, location and collection date so they are able to advise the best place to store the item for collection.

By following these steps, we can make sure our homes remain safe, accessible, and welcoming for all residents.

More advice from South Wales Fire Service

For lots more practical advice ranging from where to buy your electric vehicles to charging them, and their safe storage, have a look at this useful advice from South Wales Fire Service.

https://www.southwales-fire.gov.uk/your-safety-wellbeing/at-home/electronic-bikes-and-scooters/

Lithium Battery Do’s and Don’ts

Never leave your battery to charge when you are away from your property or whilst you sleep.
Make sure your battery and charger meet UK safety standards.
Use the correct charger for your battery and make sure you purchase from a reputable seller.
Let your battery cool before charging it.
Unplug your charger once the battery has charged.
Ensure you have smoke alarms in the area where you charge your batteries.
Don’t block your exit with charging batteries or mobility scooter/e-bike/ e-scooter/electric wheelchair. If a fire breaks out, you won’t be able to leave your home safely.
Store your mobility scooter/e-bike/e-scooter in a shed or garage where possible.
Keep an eye out for warning signs that your battery might be failing (making it a potential fire risk).

Feel free to reach out to us

For customers living in a Pobl home:

Tel: 0330 175 9726
Email: info@codigroup.co.uk

For customers living in a Linc home:

Tel: 0800 072 0966
Email: contact.centre@codigroup.co.uk

If you have any concerns about your home based on the advice topics we support on our website. We’re here to help!