Firefighters urgently warn parents about popular Christmas gift: ‘Take precautions’

Sydney mum Kirsty Stead used to let her son charge his e-bike next to him in his room at night.

Now that she knows what could happen, she wouldn’t do it even in her worst nightmares.

“I shudder to think how my son used to charge his bike in his bedroom every night while he slept,” she said.

“I urge all parents to take precautions and try to charge lithium-ion devices, such as e-bikes, in safe areas. Outside if possible.”

New data shows there have already been a record 275 battery-related incidents so far this year, surpassing last year’s record number of 272.

It’s for this reason that in the run-up to Christmas, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is making sure parents know everything they need to know about lithium-ion batteries before buying a toy or any other electrical device that includes one. as they are much more dangerous than you might think.

The dangers of lithium-ion batteries

Over the past few years, you may have heard a story or two about e-bikes and e-scooters powering up, powered by their lithium-ion batteries.

However, these devices are not the only things in which lithium-ion batteries are found. They usually come pre-installed in things like toys, drones, cameras, electric toothbrushes and portable speakers – and I dare say you have some of these things on your Christmas shopping list.

In 2024 so far, lithium-ion batteries in these types of devices have accounted for the majority of incidents on e-scooters and e-bikes, and although there are currently new safety standards coming into force, it is more important that you, the consumer , are vigilant.

Purchase, storage and disposal of lithium-ion batteries

According to FRNSW, the first step to making sure you’re safe with your lithium-ion batteries is to avoid cheap, substandard lithium-ion powered devices, or “mixing and matching” components.

Instead, always buy reputable lithium-ion brands when possible.

Charging these batteries, however, is arguably the most important step, with FRNSW encouraging users not to charge them on beds, sofas or around highly flammable materials, or to charge them continuously or overnight to avoid them overheating .

“If these batteries are allowed to overheat, or are damaged or compromised, they can cause an explosive chain reaction,” said FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell.

“These devices are powered by a variety of batteries. If they enter that ‘thermal runaway’ process, they can release a cloud of toxic gas inside your home and explode violently, resulting in an intense fire.

“There is an additional risk when an unrelated fire breaks out in a home and then consumes lithium-ion battery equipment, which can intensify the fire and make it extremely difficult to extinguish.”

It is also extremely important to dispose of lithium-ion batteries correctly – especially if they are damaged or compromised.

“Please dispose of old lithium-ion batteries and embedded devices responsibly,” Fewtrell said.

“Do not throw them out with your household waste as they can cause intense and dangerous fires when crushed in refuse and tipping trucks.”

Instead, you can drop them off at a number of dedicated recycling points, including many retail outlets and supermarkets.

In New South Wales, products with built-in batteries, such as an electric toothbrush or a portable speaker, can be safely disposed of at one of 21 Community Recycling Centres.

Stay safe this Christmas

Of course, Christmas comes with a host of other fire hazards – one being the lights you put up on your house and tree.

Before you start decorating, if you haven’t already, check that all your decorative lights and electric screens are in good working order and have an Australian Standards label. Then, you can set them up (following the manufacturer’s instructions, of course).

Be careful not to overload power boards or connect them to each other, as this can also pose a real fire safety hazard, and make sure you turn everything off before you go to sleep.

Stay safe this Christmas

Of course, Christmas comes with a host of other fire hazards – one being the lights you put up on your house and tree.

Before you start decorating, if you haven’t already, check that all your decorative lights and electric screens are in good working order and have an Australian Standards label.

Then, you can set them up (following the manufacturer’s instructions, of course).

Be careful not to overload power boards or connect them to each other, as this can also pose a real fire safety hazard, and make sure you turn everything off before you go to sleep.

Finally, be sure to keep all your lights as far away from children and flammable materials as possible such as wrapping paper, decorations or curtains, as they can get very hot!

“Checking lights and other decorations is a simple but effective way to prevent a house fire this holiday season,” said Fewtrell.

“Don’t ruin your Christmas with a trip to the hospital because of accidents at home that are easily preventable.”