COLUMBUS, Ohio -  The Ohio Fire Marshal wants Ohioans to know more about the safe handling and charging of common rechargeable batteries.

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal is joining the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to observe Fire Prevention Week with the theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”

Lithium-ion batteries power numerous household devices, including smartphones, laptops, power tools, and e-bikes. While compact and convenient, the batteries can pose fire and explosion hazards if they are damaged or used incorrectly.

Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon emphasized that reducing these risks begins with understanding which devices in the home use these batteries and ensuring they are handled as instructed by the manufacturer.

“As technology continues to evolve and more rechargeable devices enter our homes, it’s important that Ohioans understand how to safely use, charge, and dispose of items that use lithium-ion batteries,” Reardon said. “These batteries are potential hazards that are hiding in plain sight, and Fire Prevention Week is a great opportunity for all of us to learn simple actions that can prevent potentially devastating fires.”

To help mitigate fire risk, the Division of State Fire Marshal recommends the “Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely” approach:

Buy Only Listed Products: Residents should look for a stamp from nationally recognized testing laboratories, such as UL, ETL, or CSA, on the packaging and product, indicating the item meets important safety standards. Products without these approved stamps should be discontinued from use.

Charge Devices Safely: Only use the cord that comes with a product or a manufacturer-approved replacement. Devices should be charged on hard, non-combustible surfaces, such as a countertop or a concrete, tile, or wood floor.

Consumers should avoid charging items under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. Additionally, devices should be disconnected once fully charged to avoid overcharging.

Recycle Batteries Responsibly: Lithium-ion batteries should not be thrown in the trash or regular recycling bins, as they could catch fire during transport or at a facility.

Devices and batteries should only be recycled at approved battery recycling locations, including Home Depot and Lowe’s stores. Locations can be found at call2recycle.org.

The Division of State Fire Marshal encourages all Ohioans to become aware of the lithium-ion batteries in their homes and follow the recommended safety practices.

More information on lithium-ion battery safety is available at fpw.org.