October brings Fire Prevention Week, and this year's focus hits close to home—literally. The National Fire Protection Association has designated "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home" as the 2025 theme, shining a spotlight on a growing safety concern that affects virtually every household in America.
From your smartphone charging on the nightstand to the e-bike parked in your garage, lithium-ion batteries have become as common as they are potentially dangerous. The numbers tell a sobering story: over 2,000 fires each year in the United States stem from these compact powerhouses.
Lithium-ion battery fires aren't your typical house fire. When these batteries fail, they undergo what experts call "thermal runaway"—an uncontrollable chain reaction that creates temperatures reaching 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit, far exceeding the 1,500-degree temperatures of typical fires. These blazes burn faster, hotter, and release toxic gases that can be deadly in enclosed spaces.
Traditional firefighting methods prove inadequate against these fires. While a typical car fire requires about 2,000 gallons of water to extinguish, electric vehicle fires need ten times that amount. Even after being "extinguished," these batteries can reignite hours later, creating ongoing hazards for families and first responders.
The good news? Most lithium-ion battery fires are preventable with the right knowledge and precautions.
When purchasing any device powered by lithium-ion batteries, look for safety certification marks such as UL 2849 for e-bikes, UL 2272 for e-scooters, or UL 2271 for batteries themselves. These certifications mean the product has undergone rigorous testing for electrical integrity, mechanical durability, and thermal management.
Always use the manufacturer's original charger and cables. Third-party or counterfeit chargers may not regulate power correctly, creating dangerous overheating conditions. Charge devices on hard, flat surfaces away from anything flammable—never on beds, couches, or near exits that could become blocked during an emergency.
Watch for batteries that become hot during charging, emit unusual odors, show visible swelling, or have damaged casings. If you notice any of these signs, stop using the device immediately and move it to a safe outdoor location away from people and structures.
Never throw lithium-ion batteries in regular trash or recycling bins. They pose serious fire risks during waste collection and processing. Instead, use designated battery recycling locations. Call2Recycle.org provides a nationwide database of drop-off locations.
This is where Nextdoor becomes your community's safety net. Your neighborhood app isn't just for finding babysitters or selling furniture—it's a vital tool for fire safety and emergency response. Remember that your local Public Agencies also post updates on Nextdoor, so look out for alerts from them and our alert partners.
Use Nextdoor to share fire safety tips, organize community battery recycling drives, and identify neighbors who might need help in an evacuation. Create neighborhood emergency contact lists and establish buddy systems for elderly residents or those with mobility challenges.
When fires strike, traditional communication systems can fail. Nextdoor's local network allows neighbors to share real-time updates about road closures, evacuation routes, and safe shelter locations. Post about power outages that might affect electric garage doors or security systems, and coordinate assistance for neighbors who need help evacuating pets or disabled vehicles.
Post-fire recovery often requires community support that goes beyond official relief efforts. Use Nextdoor to organize donation drives, coordinate temporary housing for displaced neighbors, and share resources for insurance navigation and rebuilding assistance. Local contractors, temporary housing options, and mental health resources can be shared quickly within trusted neighborhood networks.
Fire Prevention Week reminds us that safety isn't just an individual responsibility—it's a community effort. When we share safety information, look out for vulnerable neighbors, and create strong communication networks, we make our entire neighborhood more resilient.
This October, take the time to audit your own lithium-ion battery safety practices and share what you learn with your neighbors on Nextdoor. Check your charging setup, locate your nearest battery recycling center, and make sure your family knows the warning signs of battery problems.
By staying informed, preparing together, and supporting each other, we can charge into a safer future—one neighborhood at a time.
For more fire safety resources and to connect with your local fire department, visit firepreventionweek.org. To find battery recycling locations near you, check call2recycle.org. Join the conversation about neighborhood safety on Nextdoor and help keep your community informed and prepared.