Child Safety & Safe Charging for Rechargeable Devices
- Tanya Sorkin
- Aug 26
- 2 min read
To help keep children safe around rechargeable devices like e-bikes, scooters, tablets, and other electronics, follow these important fire and battery safety guidelines:
Which charger should I use?
₋ Use the charger that came with the device.
₋ Avoid knockoff or mismatched chargers.
₋ Replace damaged chargers or batteries right away.
Where should I charge?
₋ Charge on a hard, flat surface in a clean, ventilated area.
₋ Do not charge on beds, sofas, under pillows, or near curtains.
₋ Keep charging areas away from where children sleep or play.
₋ Do not block exits with charging devices.
Prevent fire hazards
₋ Do not charge overnight or when no adult is home.
₋ Leave a clear space around chargers and cords.
₋ Keep liquids away from charging areas.
How do I store batteries safely?
₋ Store devices and spare batteries at room temperature, out of children’s reach.
₋ Do not keep loose batteries in junk drawers or diaper bags.
₋ Use protective cases for spare batteries.
What warning signs should I watch for?
₋ Stop using any device or battery that feels very hot, looks swollen, leaks, or smells strange.
₋ Unplug if it is safe to do so. Move people away and keep the device on a nonflammable surface.
What about e-bikes and scooters?
₋ Create a family charging spot that children do not access.
₋ Charge only in dry, ventilated spaces on a hard, flat surface.
₋ Do not charge overnight or when no adult is home.
₋ Teach older kids not to touch chargers, cables, or batteries.
Are toys and remotes safe?
₋ Choose age-appropriate products from reputable makers.
₋ Make sure battery compartments close securely.
₋ Check toys, remotes, nightlights, and chargers for damage or overheating.
₋ Button batteries can be deadly if swallowed. If you suspect a child swallowed one, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 and seek medical care immediately.
How do I dispose of batteries?
₋ Do not throw lithium-ion batteries in household trash or recycling bins.
₋ Tape over terminals on used batteries and place them in a non-metal container until you can recycle.
₋ Use a certified drop-off site or follow your city or county guidance.
Teach and supervise
₋ Set simple family rules: no charging in bed, no rough play with plugged-in devices, tell an adult if something seems hot or smells odd.
₋ Model safe habits. Kids follow what they see.
If something goes wrong
₋ If you see smoke, fire, or hear popping, get everyone out and call 911.
₋ Do not pick up a smoking or burning device.
At a glance
₋ Use the original charger.
₋ Charge on hard, clear surfaces.
₋ Keep devices and batteries out of reach.
₋ Watch for heat, swelling, leaks, or odors.
₋ Recycle batteries properly.
🏡 Safe Homes = Safe Kids
Take simple steps today to protect your little ones from big battery dangers. For more tips, visit: www.nfpa.org | www.usfa.fema.gov

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