A recent garage fire in Cherry Hill led to a conversation that every South Jersey homeowner should hear.

I was speaking with a firefighter about the fire, which began in the garage. He told me that fire departments have been seeing more garage fires involving lithium-ion batteries and battery chargers.

That immediately caught my attention.

Like many homeowners, I have rechargeable tools and equipment stored in my garage. You may have cordless drills, leaf blowers, lawn equipment, electric bicycles, scooters, power banks, portable generators, vacuums or other devices powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Most of us plug these items in without giving the charger a second thought. However, the wrong charger, a damaged battery or unsafe charging habits can create a serious fire hazard.

Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Can Be Dangerous

Lithium-ion batteries store a great deal of energy in a small space. They are generally safe when properly manufactured, maintained and charged.

Problems can occur when a battery is damaged, overheated, overcharged or paired with an incompatible charger. A battery can enter a process called thermal runaway, causing it to heat rapidly, ignite or explode.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has received reports involving battery and charger hazards such as overheating, fire, electrical shock and burns. These incidents have occurred during charging, storage and ordinary use.

Think Twice Before Buying a Cheap Replacement Charger Online

This does not mean every charger purchased through Amazon or another online marketplace is dangerous. It also does not mean a charger is unsafe simply because it was manufactured outside the United States.

The concern is with counterfeit, uncertified, universal or incompatible chargers sold by unknown third-party sellers.

A charger may fit into your device but still deliver the wrong voltage or fail to communicate properly with the battery’s safety system. That can lead to overheating and fire.

The safest choice is to use the charger supplied with the product. When a replacement is necessary, purchase it directly from the original manufacturer or an authorized retailer.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission specifically warns against using universal chargers for electric bicycles. It recommends using the charger supplied with the product or obtaining a replacement from the original manufacturer.

Look for recognized third-party safety certification, such as the UL Mark. UL Solutions tests and certifies batteries, chargers and adapters for compliance with applicable safety standards.

Lithium Battery Safety Checklist for Your Garage

Take a few minutes today to inspect the batteries and chargers in your home.

1. Match the Charger to the Product

Use the charger that came with the device or a manufacturer-approved replacement. Do not assume a charger is safe simply because the plug fits.

2. Do Not Charge Batteries While You Are Sleeping

Avoid leaving lithium-ion batteries charging overnight or while no one is home. Stay nearby so you can notice excessive heat, smoke, odors or unusual sounds.

3. Charge on a Hard, Flat Surface

Do not charge batteries on cardboard boxes, upholstered furniture, rugs or near gasoline, paint, paper, mulch, cleaning products or other combustible materials.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends charging devices on a hard surface and keeping batteries away from anything that can burn.

4. Avoid Extension Cords and Overloaded Power Strips

Whenever possible, plug the approved charger directly into a properly functioning wall outlet. Do not overload outlets or connect several high-powered chargers to one power strip.

5. Unplug the Charger When Charging Is Complete

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and unplug the device once the battery is fully charged.

6. Inspect Batteries Regularly

Stop using a battery immediately if you notice:

• Swelling or a change in shape

• Excessive heat

• Leaking

• Cracking or other visible damage

• An unusual odor

• Popping, hissing or crackling sounds

• A sudden change in color

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends immediately discontinuing use when a lithium-ion battery develops unusual heat, odors, noises, leaking or changes in its shape or color.

7. Never Charge a Damaged Battery

A battery that has been dropped, crushed, exposed to water or damaged in an accident may no longer be safe, even when the outside appears normal.

8. Keep Chargers and Batteries Away From Your Exit

Do not charge an electric bicycle, scooter or large battery where it could block your path out of the garage or house during an emergency.

9. Make Sure Your Smoke Alarms Work

Test the smoke alarms inside your home and near the door connecting the garage to the living area. Replace batteries when necessary and replace outdated alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

What Should You Do If a Battery Begins Smoking or Hissing?

Do not touch, carry or attempt to move a battery that is smoking, sparking, swelling or making unusual sounds.

Leave the area, close the door behind you when possible and call 911 from a safe location. Alert everyone in the home and do not go back inside for belongings.

Lithium battery fires can spread quickly and may produce dangerous gases. Your belongings can be replaced. You cannot.

Do Not Put Lithium Batteries in Your Household Trash

Lithium-ion batteries should not be placed in household trash or curbside recycling containers. They can be crushed during collection or processing and start a fire inside a trash truck or recycling facility.

Cherry Hill residents can drop off rechargeable batteries and cell phones at the Cherry Hill Public Works Complex. Camden County residents may also bring loose rechargeable batteries and single-use lithium batteries to county Household Hazardous Waste Collection events. Check current rules and hours before visiting.

Cover exposed battery terminals with nonconductive tape or place each loose battery in a separate plastic bag before transporting it for recycling.

Check Your Garage Tonight

This article is not intended to frighten anyone. It is intended to make us pause and inspect something we use every day without thinking about it.

Walk through your garage, basement and utility room. Look at every rechargeable battery and charger.

Ask yourself:

• Did this charger come with the product?

• Is it approved by the manufacturer?

• Is the battery damaged or unusually hot?

• Am I charging it near something combustible?

• Do I regularly leave it plugged in overnight?

• Does the product have recognized safety certification?

A five-minute inspection could prevent a devastating house fire.

A Homeowner’s Safety Is Part of Protecting a Home

After 31 years of helping South Jersey residents buy and sell homes, I know that protecting a property involves much more than maintaining its value. It also means protecting the people, pets and memories inside it.

Please share this information with your family, neighbors and friends throughout Cherry Hill, Pennsauken, Maple Shade, Mount Laurel, Marlton, Voorhees and the surrounding South Jersey communities. Someone may have a questionable charger plugged into the wall right now and simply does not realize the risk.

Sometimes the most important information we share has nothing to do with buying or selling a house. It is about helping someone remain safe in the home they already love.

Thinking about selling a home in South Jersey, handling an estate property or simply wondering what your home may be worth? Contact Michaela Hartery, an experienced South Jersey Realtor with 31 years of local real estate experience. I will give you honest guidance and help you protect both your home and your financial interests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lithium Battery Fires

Can a lithium battery charger cause a house fire?

Yes. A damaged, counterfeit, incompatible or improperly used charger can cause a battery to overheat and ignite. Always use the charger supplied by the manufacturer or an approved replacement.

Is it safe to charge power-tool batteries in a garage?

It can be safe when you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, use the correct charger, charge on a hard surface, keep the area clear of combustible materials and remain nearby while the battery is charging.

Is a universal charger safe for an e-bike or scooter?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises consumers to use the supplied charger. A replacement should come from the original manufacturer and be specifically approved for that battery and product.

Can lithium batteries go into regular household trash?

No. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries should be taken to an approved battery recycling or hazardous waste collection location.

Where can Cherry Hill residents recycle rechargeable batteries?

Cherry Hill Township currently directs residents to bring rechargeable batteries and cell phones to the Public Works Complex. Residents should verify current hours and acceptance rules before making the trip.