Child Safety & Safe Charging for Rechargeable Devices

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