PREPARE flyer for e-bike E-BIKE AND LITHIUM-ION BATTERY SAFETY

The fire dangers of mishandling lithium-ion batteries and how to avoid them

To help prevent fires and ensure the safety of your Li-ion batteries, follow the acronym PREPARE, and these steps provided by Kidde, North America’s #1 home fire safety brand. These powerful batteries can be recharged and used over and over again, however; they also pose an often-overlooked danger: They can catch on fire.

PREPARE flyer for e-bike E-BIKE AND LITHIUM-ION BATTERY SAFETY

With the increase in Li-ion devices, it's even more important to be aware of risks and take precautions to stay safe while preventing home fires that can lead to property damage, personal injury or worse.

In 2021, 880,000 e-bikes were imported into the U.S., and they can be conveniently stored in homes, apartments and public spaces, according to the Light Electric Vehicle Association. Li-ion powered devices are common in households and can include laptops, tablets and hoverboards.

  • E‑bikes and e‑bike batteries are one of the most cost‑effective and environmentally friendly ways of getting around
  • In 2021 alone, 880,000 e‑bikes were imported into the U.S.
  • and often stored in homes, apartments, and public spaces.
  • However, if not stored properly, used correctly, or damaged, lithium‑ion batteries can pose a serious fire risk and can explode.
PREPARE Safety Acronym.

P.R.E.P.A.R.E.

To help prevent fires and ensure the integrity and safety of your Li-ion batteries, follow the acronym PREPARE, and these steps provided by Kidde, North America’s #1 home fire safety brand1:

P: Plug & Unplug
Don’t overcharge! Once a Li-ion battery is fully charged, unplug it as soon as possible and avoid overnight or unsupervised charging.*
R: Risky
Risky charging practices like using extension cords, plugging multiple products into one circuit, charging for 3+ hours, and charging in direct sunlight can lead to wire degradation and create a source of fire ignition.*
E: Exits
Exits are vital — don’t charge or store devices in an entrance or exit, as these spaces need to be clear in the event of a fire.*
P: Pay Attention
Pay attention and immediately STOP using your device if the battery has an odor, change in color, or gives off too much heat.*
A: Always Shop Smart
Always shop smart and look for officially listed e-mobility devices, batteries and charging equipment that qualify for UL 2849.*
R: Reach for Kidde Products
Reach for Kidde products in stores a triple detection, industry-first alarm that can send instant notifications of home safety threats right to your mobile device.
E: Engage Your Friends & Family
Share this infographic on social media and download it to hang in your home.*

Most importantly, if there is a fire, get out of the space immediately and call 911.

If you take inventory of the devices in your home that are powered by Li-ion batteries, there are probably more than you think. Remember these safety steps and invest in fire safety products to help protect your home and your family.

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About Kidde

Kidde, a leading manufacturer of residential smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, and safety accessories, has been keeping the world a safer place for over 100 years. Kidde produced the first integrated smoke detection system a century ago and continues its legacy today by delivering advanced fire-safety technology. Kidde is a part of Kidde Global Solutions, global leader in fire and life safety solutions.

For more information, visit kidde.com or follow @KiddeFireSafety on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, contact Stephanie.Berzinski@kgsolutions.com.

* Source: http://nfpa.org/ebikes, NFPA.org/ebikes<

1 Based on total household installations as of December 2021

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