Safe Charging Is a Superpower!

Safe Charging Is a Superpower!

Fire Prevention Week™ is October 4–10, 2026. “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower”(PDF) focuses on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer. For more information on fire prevention, visit the National Fire Prevention Association Fire Prevention Week Website.

Plug in. Power up. Stay safe.

Safe Charging Tips

  • Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Leaving it plugged in longer than needed can increase heat and stress on the battery.

  • Stop using your device right away if the battery smells strange, is warm to the touch, makes popping noises, changes in shape or color, or if you see smoke. If it is safe, move the device away from anything that can catch fire. A damaged battery can overheat and start a fire.

  • Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or floor. Beds, couches, and pillows can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause a battery to overheat.

  • Use the cord and charger that came with your device or ones approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

  • Charge large items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside when possible. Do not block exits when charging. These batteries store more energy, and fires can grow quickly if they fail.

  • When charging on a plane, keep portable charging devices on the tray table. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments and never charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to be able to respond quickly.
Cheap charger? Don't chance it. Soft surface? Hard pass. On a flight? Keep it in sight.

Safe Charging

Stay safe when charging your devices by following simple guidelines.

Visit UVM's Battery Safety page for more information on safe charging and battery use
For tools and rides charge outside.

E-Bikes and other E-Micromobility Devices

UVM requires owners of E-bikes and other E-Micromobility Devices complete training and register their device. Complete details of this program and restrictions on use of these devices can be found on the E-Micromobility Devices webpage.

See Transportation & Parking's E-Micromobility Devices page for guidelines
Feels hot? Stop using it. Fully charged? Time to unplug.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Due to well publicized hazards inherent in these devices, UVM's Fire Safety Policy requires that micro-mobility devices powered by lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries are prohibited from residence halls.

Check out the Battery Safety page for more details on Lithium-Ion Batteries and other battery types!