Good morning,

We received a risk management alert from our NYSIR representative regarding Lithium-Ion Battery Failure on mobile devices.

A student in a member district was charging a mobile device at home on a couch cushion when a family member smelled smoke. The Lithium-Ion battery had failed, caught fire and burned the couch fabric and cushion, which thankfully was treated with flame retardant, avoiding what could have been a bigger tragic event. 

When charging mobile devices, please remember the following tips:

• Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for using, storing, and charging your device. They provide valuable information specific to your device.
• Charge Batteries When Someone Is Present: It’s a good practice to charge your device when someone is around. This way, if any issues arise during charging, they can be addressed promptly.
• Don’t Block Vents: Ensure that the vents on your device remain unobstructed. Proper ventilation helps prevent excessive heat buildup during charging.
• Avoid Charging on Fabric Surfaces: Charging your device on fabric surfaces like couch cushions, blankets, or pillows can be risky. If the battery malfunctions and generates heat, it could potentially cause a fire, as seen in the incident you mentioned.
• Monitor Device Temperature: If your device starts to feel unusually hot during charging, unplug it immediately. Taking it outside away from combustibles is a smart precaution.
• Avoid Overnight Charging On Older Devices: While modern lithium-ion batteries are designed to stop accepting a charge once they’re full, it’s still recommended not to leave your device plugged in overnight. Over time, elevated battery temperatures due to continuous charging can impact battery longevity.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at 631-893-7983 or by email itdepartment@babylonufsd.com