Tech lovers are being warned to avoid a nightmare before Christmas and get rid of old devices and safely bin knock-off chargers or risk seeing their homes go up in smoke.
The London Fire Brigade and leading insurer Allianz have teamed up to highlight the fire hazards posed by hoarding old tech and batteries or leaving their phones and electric bikes or scooters charging overnight.
Statistics from the London Fire Brigade reveal they have been called out to 673 fires involving lithium batteries or vehicles in the Greater London area alone since January 2023.
And while the average cost of a battery fire insurance claim stands at £50,000, the largest one received by Allianz for a fire sparked by a rechargeable lithium battery was a staggering £420,000. This was due to damage at a London property where a battery powered vacuum cleaner burst into flames.
With robot cleaning devices, smartphones and e-bikes and scooters being top of the wish list this festive season, consumers are being urged to safely dispose of old items and batteries and not be tempted to buy cheap dupes and accessories in the Black Friday sales.
Crucially, gadgets should never be left to charge overnight or unattended.
Yet 78% also said they regularly charge their battery products overnight and almost half (45%) use uncertified chargers. Around three-quarters (74%) admitted to hoarding old devices they no longer needed or used.
Although most people own lithium-battery powered items, over a third (34%) are ignorant of the risks they pose.
Allianz fire-safety partner and Surrey firefighter, Angela Everington, says people should be wary of the amount and age of these batteries they have dotted around the home.
She said: “Old batteries aren’t just unnecessary to keep lying around but are more prone to damage and deterioration. The older the battery, the higher the chance of leaking, sparking or igniting a fire.”
With home fires caused by these batteries on the rise, Allianz is seeking to highlight some of the dangerous habits people need to be aware of.
Speaking from her experience on the front line of firefighting, Angela said: “Overcharging, or using incorrect wattage when charging, can damage the battery, causing it to overheat and even explode. Allianz’s research chimes with the trends we’ve witnessed when attending house fires, which are more frequently caused by lithium products.”
Caroline Johnson, Allianz personal lines claims director, said: “Fires caused by rechargeable lithium batteries can have devastating consequences, and it is important that people use good quality batteries from reputable retailers.
“Items such as mobile phones, tablets, cameras and other electronic devices are essential parts of modern living but we can all take precautionary steps to make sure we are charging, disposing and handling our devices correctly. People should look out for problems with their batteries such as wear and tear, overheating and bulging, and dispose of damaged batteries properly.
“Old tech should be recycled properly and it is also important that every house has smoke alarms fitted.”
Allianz has compiled a list of some of the top lithium-ion powered items people admit to holding on to for too long:
- Smartphones – 77%
- Laptops – 57%
- Digital cameras – 20%
- Power bank – 13%
- Electric toothbrush – 11%
Angela's top tips to help avoid fires at home:
- Avoid charging devices overnight or unattended.
- Store lithium batteries in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources.
- Always use certified chargers for your devices.
- Look out for signs of battery damage - such as swelling or leaking.
- Dispose of damaged batteries safely – do a quick Google search to find your nearest refuse centre.
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