I Didn't Know That!: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Chances are you have at least one lithium-ion battery within arm’s reach right now. Probably more than one! They're found in laptops, phones, watches, toys, e-bikes, and even electric cars. These tiny powerhouses pack a lot of energy into a small space. That’s why they’re so common.

Did You Know?

A lithium-ion battery the size of your phone can store 150 watt-hours of energy. That’s enough to power a lightbulb for more than a full day! 

But here’s the catch: under the wrong conditions, they can overheat and catch fire. While only a few batteries out of a million ever have problems, it’s worth knowing how to keep yours safe, especially when you’re visiting a park, staying in a lodge, or traveling with outdoor gear.

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What can go wrong?

Lithium-ion batteries use a flammable electrolyte to store energy. If a battery is damaged, charged improperly, or left somewhere too hot, it can overheat. When a battery overheats, in rare cases, it can trigger something called thermal runaway.

Thermal Runaway

Thermal runaway is a chain reaction in an overheated battery that may lead to fire or even an explosion. 

Don’t worry, most of the time, your devices are safe. But following a few easy steps can make them even safer.

Sparky the Fire Dog reminds you to charge smart!

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Safety tips for visitors (and everyone else!)

Keep them cool: Never leave devices charging in direct sunlight or inside a hot car. A dashboard in summer is one of the worst spots.

Charge smart: Always use the charger that came with your device and place it on a hard surface. Don’t charge on your bed, couch, or sleeping bag.

Give them space: Make sure laptops and other electronics have airflow. Avoid setting them on blankets or pillows.

Unplug when done: Don’t leave devices charging while you’re away from your room, cabin, car, or tent.

Check for damage: If you drop your device and notice damage, or if the battery looks swollen or cracked, get it inspected by a professional.

Look for the safety stamp: When buying new devices, check the packaging for a certification mark (like UL, ETL, or CSA). That means it meets tested safety and quality standards.

Think about placement: Don’t charge devices near doorways or emergency exits. You don’t want the chance of a fire blocking your exit.

Recycle responsibly: Never throw batteries in the trash. Find a proper recycling container or facility to dispose of them safely. Visit call2recycle.org to find a proper recycling facility near you.

Keep devices & cords away from pets: Pets can damage devices or cords by playing with or chewing on them. Keep them out of reach.

Always make sure to charge your e-bike safely too!

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Whether you’re e-biking, charging up in a lodge, or keeping your phone handy for wildlife photos on your next park adventure, take a moment to practice safe battery habits. It’s a simple way to keep yourself (and the park!) safe from preventable fire.

What about electric cars?

Good news! Electric vehicles use advanced lithium-ion batteries with built-in safety systems, like cooling and automatic shutdown features. Fires are extremely rare, but you should always follow your car manufacturer’s guidelines. 

Pass it on!

Did you learn something new? Pass it on! Protecting ourselves and our parks is a job for us all, but there’s no way for everyone to be an expert in everything. That’s why sharing knowledge is so important!

Download or screenshot this card to share with a friend or help you remember how to use lithium-ion battery powered devices safely.

Check out other I Didn’t Know That! Topics.

Alt Text for the Infographic

Title: I Didn't Know That!: Lithium Battery Safety

General description: The infographic begins with a green charged battery symbol with text inside, then flows down to a red charging battery with flames, then lists ten ways to keep safe and shows devices with lithium-ion batteries (digital camera, bluetooth speakre, smart watch, smart phone, laptop).

Text:

• Lithium-ion batteries are an integral part of our everyday lives. They're found in laptops, phones, watches, toys, e-bikes, and more!
• When a lithium-ion battery overheats, it can lead to a chain reactions called thermal runaway which can cause fire or even an explosion.
• Most of the time, your devices are safe, but following these ten easy steps can make them even safer:
  • Keep them cool.
  • Unplug when done.
  • Charge on a hard surface. 
  • Don't charge near an emergency exit.
  • Use the charger that came with you device. 
  • Look for the safety stamp. 
  • Keep away from pets. 
  • Leave room for airflow. 
  • Check for damage. 
  • Recycle responsibly. 
• go.nps.gov/idkt