LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes and rechargeable toys have become part of daily life, but the lithium-ion batteries that keep them running can become dangerous when damaged or charged improperly, the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada said.
During Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10, the organization is sharing steps people can take to reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires.
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Fire prevention week theme
This year’s National Fire Protection Association Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on everyday charging habits. Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small space. If a battery is damaged or charged with incompatible equipment, it can overheat, catch fire or even explode.
“Charging a phone or laptop is so routine that it is easy to stop thinking about it as a fire risk,” said Rachel Flanigan, executive director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Taking a little care each time you plug in can keep an ordinary part of the day from becoming an emergency.”
Charge devices safely
The Red Cross recommends these steps for charging devices powered by lithium-ion batteries:
- Use the right charger. Use the cord and charger that came with the device or one approved by the manufacturer. Incompatible chargers can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
- Keep devices off beds and couches while charging. Charge on a hard, flat surface such as a table, desk or bare floor. Soft surfaces can trap heat and block airflow.
- Watch for warning signs. Stop using a device if it becomes very hot, begins to swell, smells unusual, leaks, smokes or makes popping or hissing sounds.
- Unplug when charging is complete. Leaving a device plugged in can increase heat and stress on the battery.
- Take extra care with larger batteries. Charge e-bikes, scooters and power tools outside when possible and never charge them where they could block an exit.
- Look for tested products. When buying rechargeable devices, choose products tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL, ETL or CSA.
Be ready if a fire starts
Working smoke alarms and a practiced escape plan are critical, according to the Red Cross. The organization recommends installing smoke alarms on every level of the home, including inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas, and testing them monthly. Alarms that are 10 years old or older should be replaced. Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half, the Red Cross said.
Everyone in the household should know two ways out of each room and where to meet outside. The Red Cross recommends practicing the escape plan twice a year. If a fire starts, get out, stay out and call 911 from a safe location. People may have less than two minutes to escape.
Red Cross responds to home fires across Southern Nevada
So far this year, Red Cross volunteers have responded to 231 home fires across Southern Nevada and helped 885 people. Since 2020, volunteers have responded to 1,855 home fires and helped 8,179 people. In 2025, they responded to 265 home fires and assisted 1,218 people.
The Red Cross of Southern Nevada works with fire departments and community partners to install free smoke alarms and share fire safety information. Volunteers installed more than 2,000 free smoke alarms in Southern Nevada homes in 2025.
During home visits, volunteers install smoke alarms and help families create fire escape plans for everyone in the household, including pets. Appointments can be scheduled at SoundTheAlarm.org/Nevada.
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