The City of Greer Fire Department is warning people of the dangers of certain types of batteries.
“Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere,” said Deputy Fire Chief Josh Holzheimer.
Deputy Fire Chief Josh Holzheimer says lithium batteries are in things from phones to electric scooters. But those items can also pose a huge safety hazard.
“Where are you storing them, how you are storing them, how they’re being used. If they’re compromised, they can post a severe fire hazard,” Holzheimer said.
He says items using these batteries are prone to overheating, so you shouldn’t leave them unattended or in places that could be easily combustible. One example? Sleeping with your phone in your bed.
“As you compress it between a comforter and a pillow that heat doesn’t dissipate,” Holzheimer said.
And, Holzheimer says once a lithium battery catches fire, it will burn until it runs out of energy, making it even harder for the fire department to control it.
“And once they start to go to thermal runway, it doesn’t stop until it’s completely exhausted all of its energy,” Holzheimer said.
FEMA recommends using certified products, keep batteries out of heat and sunlight, and follow all manufacturer instructions to help keep you safe.