Did you get what you wanted for Christmas?
And more importantly — did it have a lithium-ion battery?
That second question is what the Norfolk County Fire Department is most interested in this holiday season.
Lithium-ion batteries offer major benefits for both manufacturers and consumers. They store more energy in a lighter package, last longer, and don’t suffer from “memory buildup,” meaning they don’t require full discharge and recharge cycles to maintain capacity.
However, they also come with risks. Fire Prevention Officer Cory Armstrong-Smith explains that not all lithium-ion batteries follow the same safety guidelines.
This means that if a device is plugged in overnight — when it’s supposed to be unplugged once fully charged — the battery can overheat.
Armstrong-Smith says many issues with lithium-ion batteries actually develop over time, often due to normal wear and tear combined with users ignoring early warning signs.
We also live in an age where many devices use similar charging ports. That means a phone charger might physically fit a toy or gadget received for Christmas.
But just because it fits doesn’t mean it’s safe — or the correct charger for the device.
Armstrong-Smith says he’s also heard stories of people taking these warnings too far.
If you received a gift with a lithium-ion battery, that’s perfectly fine — as long as you pay attention to how it’s used and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
There’s no need to swear off lithium-ion batteries altogether.
For more information about lithium-ion battery safety, click here.