By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Lithium batteries provide power to many different kinds of devices: smart phones, laptops, e-scooters, e-bikes, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, toys and cars.
If not used correctly, County Fire Battalion Chief Nathan Lopez warned at the Lake Arrowhead Municipal Advisory Council meeting on Aug. 1, they can catch on fire or explode.
The fire caused by these batteries, Chief Lopez said, “is very toxic, volatile and tough to extinguish. You need to be cautious with charging them and use the right battery for each device.
“We don’t want to spook people,” the chief said, “but you need to be aware.”
He distributed a safety fact sheet on the batteries, their use and disposal.
According to the sheet, these batteries “store a large amount of energy in a small amount of space.” If not used in the intended way, they can be dangerous.
Suggested safety tips include following the manufacturer’s instructions and only using the charging cord that comes with the device. Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed or on a couch. Do not keep charging the device or battery after it is fully charged.
Consumers should stop using the battery if they notice an odor, change in color, excessive heat, a change in shape, leaking or odd noises.
As for disposal of lithium batteries, they should not be put into regular trash. Chief Lopez noted that are 14 approved disposal sites in the county, including one in Big Bear and one in San Bernardino. They are listed on the County Fire website at https://sbcfire.org/collectionfacilities.
Chief Lopez added that, if caught on fire, these batteries continue to burn under water, without oxygen.
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