Charge safely!

Devices charged at home, often indoors, such as electric bikes and scooters and home electronics, create a risk which increases all the time.

A few things are worth noting from the perspective of fire safety:

• Only use the charging equipment provided with the device.
• Store all batteries and chargers in an open space.
• Avoid charging overnight. Do not keep a battery on the charger all the time.
• Charge directly from the wall outlet, do not use extension cords.
• Be sure not to store or charge a battery in direct sunlight.
• Do not store a battery on the emergency exit route from the apartment, such as in the entrance hall.
• Deliver all old and faulty batteries to appropriate recycling sites.

If a battery catches fire, remember:

• You are unlikely to be able to extinguish a battery fire because of the intensity and speed of the combustion of particularly fully charged batteries
• Remove the power cord of the charger from the wall outlet if possible.
• If a battery reacts in an abnormal way, such as expanding or producing smoke, move the battery or device to a safe place if possible, for example using an oven glove or fire blanket. 
• The primary extinguishing method for Li-ion batteries is a large amount of water. The secondary method is using a foam extinguisher.
• Even if you manage to extinguish the fire, the battery may catch fire again later. Therefore, be sure to place the battery in a place where a potential new fire cannot spread.
• Leave the apartment, close the door, and call 112.

For further information, please refer to the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) website, for example.