Sydney mom Kirsty Stead used to allow her son to charge his e-bike right next to him in his room overnight.
Now that she knows what can happen, she wouldn’t do it even in her worst nightmares.
“I shudder to think how my son charged his bike in his bedroom every night, as he slept,” she said.
“I urge all parents to take precautions and try to charge Lithium-ion devices, like e-bikes, in safe areas. Outside if possible.”
New data reveals there have already been a record 275 battery-related incidents so far this year, surpassing last year’s record number of 272.
It’s for this reason that in the lead up to Christmas, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) are ensuring parents know everything they need to know about lithium-ion batteries before purchasing a toy or any other electrical device that includes one, as they’re much more dangerous than you might think.
The dangers of lithium-ion batteries
Over the last few years, you may have heard a story or two about e-bike and e-scooter fires, started by their lithium-ion batteries.
However, these devices aren’t the only things that lithium-ion batteries are found in. They also commonly come pre-installed in things like toys, drones, cameras, electric toothbrushes and portable speakers – and I dare say you’ve got a few of these things on your shopping list for Christmas.
In 2024 so far, lithium-ion batteries in these kinds of devices have made up the majority of incidents over e-scooters and e-bikes, and though there are currently new safety standards coming into effect, it’s most important that you, as the consumer, are being vigilant.
Purchasing, storing, and disposing of lithium-ion batteries
According to FRNSW, the first step in ensuring you’re being safe with your lithium-ion batteries is to avoid cheap, substandard lithium-ion powered devices, or ‘mixing and matching’ components.
Instead, always buy reputable lithium-ion brands where possible.
Charging these batteries, however, is arguably the most important step, with FRNSW encouraging users against charging them on beds, sofas or around highly flammable materials, or charging them constantly or overnight to avoid them heating up.
“If these batteries are allowed to overheat, or become damaged or compromised, they can cause an explosive chain reaction,” said FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell.
“These devices are powered by an array of batteries. If they enter that ‘thermal runaway’ process, they can spew a cloud of toxic gas inside your home and violently explode, resulting in an intense fire.
“There’s an additional risk when an unrelated fire breaks out in a home and then consumes lithium-ion battery devices, which can intensify the blaze and make it extremely difficult to extinguish.”
It’s also incredibly important to dispose of lithium-ion batteries correctly – especially if they’re damaged or compromised.
“Please dispose of old lithium-ion batteries and embedded devices responsibly,” Fewtrell said.
“Don’t throw them out with the household rubbish as they can cause intense, dangerous fires when they’re crushed in garbage trucks and refuse tips.”
Instead, you can dispose of them at a range of dedicated recycling drop-off points, including many retail outlets and supermarkets.
In New South Wales, products with embedded batteries, like an electric toothbrush or portable speaker, can be safely disposed of at any one of 21 Community Recycling Centres.
Staying safe this Christmas
Of course, Christmastime comes with a host of other fire risks – one being the lights you put on your home and tree.
Before you start decorating, if you haven’t already, check that all your decorative lights and electrical displays are in good working order and have an Australian Standards label. Then, you can set them up (following the manufacturer’s instructions, of course).
Be careful not to overload power boards or plug them into one another, as this can also pose a real fire safety risk, and be sure to turn everything off before bed.
Staying safe this Christmas
Of course, Christmastime comes with a host of other fire risks – one being the lights you put on your home and tree.
Before you start decorating, if you haven’t already, check that all your decorative lights and electrical displays are in good working order and have an Australian Standards label.
Then, you can set them up (following the manufacturer’s instructions, of course).
Be careful not to overload power boards or plug them into one another, as this can also pose a real fire safety risk, and be sure to turn everything off before bed.
Lastly, be sure to keep all your lights as far away from children and flammable materials such as wrapping paper, decorations or curtains as possible, as they can get pretty hot!
“Checking lights and other decorations is a simple but effective way to prevent a household fire this festive season,” Fewtrell said.
“Don’t spoil your Christmas with a trip to the hospital because of accidents in the home that are easily preventable.”
