Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly found in devices and systems that the public and first responders use or interact with daily. While these batteries provide an effective and efficient source of power, the likelihood of them overheating, catching on fire, and even leading to explosions increases when they are damaged or improperly used, charged, or stored. NFPA offers several resources that provide information to promote safer use of lithium-ion batteries across a wide range of applications.

Smaller Devices and Electronics

These free assets provide valuable safety information on lithium-ion batteries, with a focus on smaller devices.

10-Minute Lesson Plan
By the end of the lesson, participants will be able to identify three behaviors that will help prevent lithium-ion battery fires.
Download
Social Media Cards
These images can be shared on social media to share lithium-ion safety messages. Also available in Spanish.
Download
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Tip Sheet
Learn safety tips about battery storage, charging, disposal, and more. Also available in Spanish and French.
Download

Help educate your community

This pre-written press release from NFPA can be sent to local media outlets to help spread the word about lithium-ion battery safety.

Download the release template.

Consumers shop for smartphones and other electronics

E-Bikes and E-Scooters

For e-bikes and e-scooters specifically, this webpage from NFPA provides information and safety tips for this emerging mode of transportation. Download a safety tip sheet and access videos, blogs, and more on this page.

Learn More About E-Bike Fire Safety

Electric Vehicles

For electric vehicles, which are today most often powered by lithium-ion batteries, this webpage from NFPA provides answers to frequently asked questions and safety tips for consumers.

Learn More About Electric Vehicles

A woman plugs in her electric vehicle in the driveway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy in a small amount of space. When that energy is released in an uncontrolled manner, it generates heat, which can turn certain internal battery components into flammable and toxic gases.

Lithium-ion battery fires happen for a variety of reasons, such as physical damage (e.g., the battery is penetrated or crushed or exposed to water), electrical damage (e.g., overcharging or using charging equipment not designed for the battery), exposure to extreme temperatures, and product defects.

Heat, smoke, the release of toxic gases, and the potential for explosions are the dangers associated with lithium-ion battery fires.

Purchase batteries that are only listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and labeled accordingly.
Stop charging a battery once it is full.
Use charging equipment that is only compatible with your device. To be safe, use only the charging equipment that is supplied with your device.
Stop using your device if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odor, excessive heat, popping sounds, swelling, or change in color.
Have all repairs performed by a qualified professional.

When it comes to e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles, the safest place to charge these devices is outdoors away from any structure or enclosure and not in direct sunlight. Do not charge a battery when either the charger or the battery is damaged. Do not store batteries in extremely hot or cold locations or in an area that blocks the only exit out of to a room. And do not attempt to modify the battery or charger.

Firefighters should use water to fight a lithium-ion battery fire. Water works just fine as a fire extinguishing medium since the lithium inside of these batteries are a lithium salt electrolyte and not pure lithium metal. Confusion on this topic stems from the fact that pure lithium (like what you see in the table of elements) is highly reactive with water, while lithium salts are non-reactive with water.

Lithium-ion batteries and the devices that contain them should not go in household garbage or recycling bins. They can cause fires during transport or at landfills and recyclers. Instead, lithium-ion batteries should be taken to separate recycling or household hazardous waste collection points. Many stores that sell large quantities of lithium-ion batteries will have a recycling program where you can return the batteries there. Your local waste management or recycling center should be able to take lithium-ion batteries as well.

If there is a potential for flooding where you live, disconnect all lithium-ion battery–powered devices and, if possible, move them to an area that is not likely to flood. Don’t store batteries near evacuation pathways, windows, doors, or sleeping areas.

Disconnect the devices from their charging stations that have potentially been exposed to water, place them in a non-combustible container, and store them outside of the building. Contact the local fire department and the manufacturer of the device for recommendations for safe handling of the product and safe disposal. Do not attempt to charge a lithium-ion battery that has been submerged in water or shows signs of damage; do not try to open or repair a submerged or damaged battery.

Do not put lithium-ion batteries in trash or recycling bins. Contact your local fire department, local waste department, or product manufacturer for guidance on the correct way to dispose of the device and batteries.