Charge Into Fire Safety: Simple Habits to Protect Your Home, Shop and Farm
Look around your house, garage or shop and count the things that need to be plugged in to charge. Phones, tablets, cordless drills, impact drivers, leaf blowers, e-bikes, scooters and even some newer farm and lawn equipment all run on lithium-ion batteries. They make life easier, but they need some care.
Fire Prevention Week is October 4-10, 2026. This year, the National Fire Protection Association is focusing on safe charging habits that help lower the risk of lithium-ion battery fires. Most of these habits take only a few seconds, and they can make a real difference.
Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Need Extra Attention
Lithium-ion batteries pack a lot of power into a small space. Most work safely for years. When one is damaged, overheated or charged the wrong way, though, it can catch fire quickly and be hard to put out. Many of us charge these batteries overnight, in the garage, or in a busy shop or machine shed, so a few good habits go a long way.
6 Safe Charging Habits for Every Household
1. Use the right charger. Stick with the charger and cord that came with your device, or one the manufacturer approves. A cheap replacement charger may save a few dollars, but it isn't worth the risk.
2. Charge on a hard, flat surface. Tables, desks, workbenches and bare floors are good spots. Beds, couches and pillows can trap heat around a device.
3. Unplug when it's full. Once a device is fully charged, unplug it. Leaving batteries on the charger for days at a time is a habit worth breaking.
4. Charge bigger items outside when you can. NFPA recommends charging e-bikes, scooters and power tools outdoors when possible, and never in a place where they would block an exit. In a shop or machine shed, keep charging stations away from fuel, hay, straw, rags and other things that catch fire easily.
5. Know the warning signs. Stop using a device if it gets very hot, swells, smells strange, leaks, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds. Never toss a damaged battery in the trash. Check with your county or a local recycling site about safe drop-off.
6. Keep devices in sight when traveling. If you're charging on a plane, keep the device where you can see it, and tell a flight attendant if something seems wrong.
Extra Tips for the Shop and Farm
Harvest season means long days, plenty of cordless tools and equipment running around the clock.
A few extra steps help keep your operation safe:
Set up one charging station in a clean, open area with a smoke detector and a fire extinguisher nearby.
Don't overload outlets or power strips, and don't run chargers through worn extension cords.
Watch older batteries. Batteries that have been dropped, crushed or left in extreme heat or cold are more likely to fail.
Talk with your family and farm help about where to charge and what warning signs to look for.
Make It a Family Conversation
Fire Prevention Week is a good time to:
Test your smoke alarms and replace batteries as needed
Check that fire extinguishers are charged and easy to reach
Walk through your family's escape plan and choose a meeting spot outside
Make sure kids know what to do if an alarm goes off
A Good Time for a Coverage Check-In
Nobody wants to think about a fire, but if one happens, you'll want to know you're prepared. Fall is a great time to review your homeowners, renters or farm coverage. Make sure it reflects your home, outbuildings, equipment and belongings as they are today. If you've added a shop, new equipment or major purchases this year, let us know.
Stay safe, and have a great fall!
Our team at Citizens Alliance Agency is always happy to walk through your coverage and answer questions.
📞 Call us at (833) 586‑9779
🌐 Visit citizensallianceagency.com
📍 Stop by your nearest Citizens Alliance Agency location
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