Local fire departments warn of lithium battery dangers during fire prevention week

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) — This week marks National Fire Prevention Week and local fire departments are encouraging residents to be aware of their use and disposal of lithium ion batteries.

Lithium batteries are found in most household electronics and rechargeable devices. These batteries are known to overheat and cause fires if they are not used correctly.

Wendy Giannini-King, the community risk coordinator at the Wilmington fire department said residents should practice buying, charging, and recycling these products safely.

“They cause explosions and fires, and every time we don’t have good control of those battery powered products, they’re a risk and putting us in jeopardy whether we’re driving in the car or storing something in our pocket,” Giannini-King said.

Giannini-King said when buying these products look for a safety certification marking and to charge the device according to the manufacturer instructions.

She said it is also best to recycle these batteries rather than throwing them away in the trash. Click here to find local battery recycling location.