~ The Idaho Falls Fire Department is urging residents to follow safe charging practices to reduce the risk of fires involving lithium-ion batteries.

The department's October fire safety campaign, "Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower," focuses on batteries used in devices such as smartphones, laptops, e-bikes, scooters and power tools. The department said damaged, overcharged or improperly used batteries can overheat and cause intense, fast-moving fires.

It recommends using the charger and cord specified by a device's manufacturer and charging devices on hard, flat, nonflammable surfaces rather than on beds, couches or carpets. Residents should unplug devices when charging is complete and avoid leaving them charging overnight or unattended for extended periods, the department said.

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The department also advises charging e-bikes and scooters outdoors when possible. If they must be charged indoors, they should be kept away from doors, stairwells and other main exit routes.

Unusual heat, swelling, warping, odors, smoke or sparks can indicate a damaged or failing battery, according to the department. It advises people to stop using and unplug a device if those signs appear.

If a battery smokes, sparks or catches fire, people should leave the building and call 911 from outside rather than try to extinguish the fire if doing so would put them at risk. The department also recommends closing doors behind them if it is safe.

"Safe charging is something every household can make part of its daily routine," Fire Marshal Scott Grimmett said. "A few simple habits can help reduce the risk of a battery fire and, just as importantly, help make sure everyone can get out safely if a fire occurs."

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