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A major fire risk might be hiding in plain sight, and it could be sitting on your nightstand right now.
Alejandro Lozano, a fire safety expert, says knowing the warning signs of a failing lithium-ion battery could save lives.
"Some of the warning signs starts with the temperature overheating. If you look at the battery and you see any swelling, any bulging, there's any popping sounds, any smell that are not usual chemical or sweet or any sign of smoke," Lozano said.
Lozano said any of those signs mean it is time to act fast.
"Is our signs to unplug the device immediately," Lozano said.
Charging habits are also a major factor in fire risk. Lozano said some of the most common mistakes are easy to fix.
"Some of the common mistakes starts with ventilation. When we don't provide the ventilation to our devices, the temperature increases. So always look for well-ventilated airflow environment. Charge on a flat surface. Use their charger provided by the manufacturer. Don't use aftermarket chargers," Lozano said.
For those traveling by air, Lozano said there is one rule that should never be broken.
"When it comes to traveling? Look for all the lithium battery devices and carry with you. Never. And they'll check out luggage when you have it with you within eyesight. It gives the the flying crew the time to respond. In case that there's any incident with your devices," Lozano said.
Lozano is also behind the Take Charge campaign, a community safety initiative designed to help families protect themselves before, during, and after an incident involving lithium-ion battery devices.
"Take charge is a campaign that we created to keep our families and communities safe before, during and after when it comes to lithium-ion battery devices. Before. When you are about to buy a device, any electronics, especially now going back to school, make sure that those are certified products that give us the peace of mind that they were tested in a life for safety," Lozano said.
Lozano said proper care and disposal of devices are just as important as safe charging.
"Once you have the device handle with care. Don't expect them to stream temperatures or heat it through it. Always use the original chargers. That's the care that you should give your devices. And if the device is not working anymore, dispose it properly. Don't throw it in the trash. Look for the recycling center dedicated to lithium-ion batteries," Lozano said.
Recycling centers for lithium-ion batteries can be found at hardware stores and community centers.
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