SFMO Reminds Tennesseans About Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Agency Shares Lithium-Ion Battery FAQs, Safety Tips to Help Tennesseans Avoid Home Fires 

NASHVILLE – From cell phones to lawnmowers to automobiles, lithium-ion batteries power many of the electronic devices that provide convenience and connectivity to our everyday lives.

Unfortunately, lithium-ion batteries also pose fire risks that can have potentially devastating consequences for home and property owners. For example, a recent Nashville news story profiled a Hendersonville family whose golf cart caught fire while its battery was charging at home.

To help reduce the potential home fire risks from lithium-ion batteries, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) are joining with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to share lithium-ion battery safety information.

“As the use of lithium-ion batteries has increased in recent years, so, too, has the number of fires associated with them,” said TDCI Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Carter Lawrence. “By remembering these simple fire-safety tips, Tennesseans can avoid home fire hazards in the long run. I encourage Tennesseans to make lithium-ion battery safety part of their everyday habits around their home.”

As part of raising awareness about the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, the NFPA has launched a new campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™”, which includes an expanded series of resources, guidelines, and information in response to the concerns fire officials have about the growing number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries.

Additionally, lithium-ion battery safety is the theme of the SFMO’s Poster Contest. Poster contest submissions will be accepted starting Aug. 1, 2025. 

“I encourage Tennessee students to participate in this year’s State Fire Marshal’s Office poster contest in order to help raise awareness among their families and classmates about the importance of using lithium-ion batteries safely,” said TDCI Assistant Commissioner for Fire Prevention Mike Bell.

The SFMO has compiled the following FAQs and safety tips to help consumers learn more about lithium-ion batteries and their risks.

Why are lithium-ion batteries flammable? Lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy in a small amount of space. When that energy is released in an uncontrolled manner, the battery generates heat, which can turn certain internal battery components into flammable and toxic gases.

What causes a lithium-ion battery fire? Lithium-ion battery fires happen for a variety of reasons, such as physical damage (e.g., the battery is penetrated or crushed or exposed to water), electrical damage (e.g., overcharging or using charging equipment not designed for the battery), exposure to extreme temperatures, and product defects.

In the event of a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery, what should I do? Water can be used to fight a lithium-ion battery fire. However, in the event of a lithium-ion battery fire, homeowners should immediately evacuate their residences in order to ensure their safety. Once you and any family members are in a safe location, immediately call 9-1-1 and inform emergency responders about the fire.

Lithium-ion safety tips 

• Buy only batteries that are listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and labeled accordingly.
• Stop charging a battery once it’s full. Do NOT keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.
• When it comes to e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles, the safest place to charge these devices is outdoors away from any structure or enclosure and not in direct sunlight.
• Do not charge a battery when either the charger or the battery is damaged. Do not store batteries in extremely hot or cold locations or in an area that blocks the only exit out of to a room. NEVER attempt to modify the battery or charger.
• Before charging an electrical vehicle at home, have a licensed electrician install a new circuit just for the vehicle and check your electrical system to ensure that your home can safely handle charging.
• Always use the cables that came with the product.
• Always charge a phone, laptop, or tablet indoors on a flat surface.
• Install charging equipment in safe locations out of the way of busy, high-traffic areas.
• Never throw away an ion battery. Lithium-ion batteries and the devices that contain them should not go in household garbage or recycling bins. They can cause fires during transport or at landfills and recyclers. Instead, lithium-ion batteries should be taken to separate recycling or household hazardous waste collection points.

For more fire safety information, visit the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office online.