Battery Safety - Fire and Emergency Advice

Lithium-ion batteries power everything from our phones to our e-scooters, but they pack a lot of energy into a small space. To keep your home safe, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) provides the following essential safety guidelines.

You can read about it here - Lithium-ion battery safety | Fire and Emergency New Zealand - below is a summary

Also we recommend your read this PDF from Fire and Emergency

🔌 Charging Basics

How and where you charge your devices makes a massive difference in preventing fires.

• Use the Right Gear: Only use the battery and charger that came with the device. If you need a replacement, ensure it’s a reputable brand compatible with your specific model.

• Avoid "Vampire" Charging: Don't leave devices charging overnight or when you are out of the house. Unplug them once they reach 100%.

• Surface Matters: Always charge on hard, flat surfaces. Never charge phones or laptops on beds, sofas, or carpets, as these can trap heat and lead to a fire.

• Stay Cool: Keep batteries away from direct sunlight, heaters, or hot cars. Heat is the natural enemy of battery stability.

🚩 Warning Signs

If a battery starts acting strange, it’s a sign of internal "stress." Stop using it immediately if you notice:

• Swelling or bulging (the "spicy pillow" look).

• Leaking or unusual smells.

• Excessive heat while in use or charging.

• Strange noises like hissing or cracking.

♻️ Safe Disposal

Never throw lithium-ion batteries in your household rubbish or recycling bin. When crushed in a garbage truck, they can easily ignite and cause massive fires.

• Check with your local council for specialist battery recycling drop-off points.

• Tape the terminals (the metal ends) with clear tape before dropping them off to prevent short-circuiting.

🔥 In an Emergency

Lithium-ion battery fires are chemical fires; they burn extremely hot and release toxic fumes.

Fire and Emergency NZ Advice: If a battery or device starts smoking or catches fire, get out, stay out, and call 111.

Do not try to extinguish a large battery fire yourself. The vapors are hazardous, and the fire can reignite even after it appears to be out.

Expert Tip: Make sure you have working smoke alarms installed in every bedroom, living area, and hallway. They are your first line of defense if a charging device fails while you're asleep.

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