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Emergency Management

Posted on: May 18, 2023

PCEM Reviews Rechargeable Battery Safety Tips

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 18, 2023

 

 

Rechargeable Battery Safety Tips

Emergency Management reviews best practices for public safety 

 

PITT COUNTY, N.C. – Pitt County Emergency Management (PCEM) reminds the public that fires can erupt rapidly and ferociously from items containing rechargeable batteries.  

 

“A quick inventory of your home and possessions will likely reveal many devices with rechargeable batteries,” says Randy Gentry, Director, Pitt County Emergency Management.  He continues, “sometimes these batteries can overheat and start fires, especially when overcharged.”

 

Items with rechargeable batteries include smart phones and watches, laptop computers, tablets/tablet computers and cameras. Other products include E-mobility devices such as electric scooters/bikes and hoverboards.

 

PCEM recommended safety tips:

  • Do not charge E-mobility devices in the house, especially overnight
    • Charge outside using only the battery and charger that were designed for, and came with, the device.
  • Do not charge products with rechargeable batteries continuously or beyond full charge.
  • Do not charge items with rechargeable batteries when or where you cannot observe them. 
  • Do not modify rechargeable devices or batteries.
  • Do not charge a device or battery if it has been damaged.

 

“To further insure the safety of rechargeable batteries, only use the manufacturer’s recommended charger.  We recommend that owners charge devices in plain sight, on a hard surface and away from combustible materials,” says Jay Morris, Pitt County Fire Marshal.

 

Emergency Management emphasizes the importance of only charging a device until it is fully charged as well as replacing damaged devices and batteries promptly.

 

The Mission of Pitt County Government is to enhance the health, safety, and well-being of our community by advocating for and providing quality services in a friendly and cost-effective manner. Learn more: www.PittCountyNC.gov 

 

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Media Contact:

Dawn C. Jones                                                                                                                                                                         

Director, Public Information & Media Relations                                                                                                                           Past Releases:

dawn.jones@pittcountync.gov | (252) 902-2955                                                                                                   www.PittCountyNC.gov/PIO

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