Are lithium batteries safe?

Yes, lithium batteries are generally safe when used, stored, and charged properly. They are widely used in smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and more because they are lightweight and store a lot of energy. However, they can become dangerous under certain conditions:Overcharging or using the wrong chargerExposure to heat or direct sunlightPhysical damage (like punctures or crushing)Manufacturing defectsPoor-quality or counterfeit batteriesIf something goes wrong, a lithium battery can overheat, catch fire, or even explode — this is known as thermal runaway.

Can a battery start a fire?

Yes, a battery can start a fire under certain conditions. This typically happens when:Short Circuiting: If the battery terminals are connected directly (e. g. , by metal), it can cause a short circuit, generating heat that may ignite nearby materials. Overcharging: Charging a battery beyond its capacity, especially lithium-ion batteries, can cause overheating and thermal runaway, leading to fire. Physical Damage: Puncturing, crushing, or damaging a battery can release internal chemicals and cause a fire or explosion. Exposure to High Heat: Placing a battery near a heat source or in direct sunlight for long periods can increase the risk of fire. Manufacturing Defects: Faulty batteries may have internal issues that can lead to spontaneous ignition. This is particularly a concern with lithium-ion batteries found in phones, laptops, and e-bikes.

On-Site Specialty Cleaning + Restoration

Mar 23, 2022

Fire Damage Services

Avoid House Fires And Damage Restoration Costs In Troy This Winter

In Michigan, we spend the winter months braving the cold inside our toasty homes. But the risk of a house fire can be terrifying. An estimated 358,500 home fires occur every year and the damage can be severe. The cleanup can be complicated and extensive since soot, smoke, and odors can permeate rooms that weren’t touched by the flames.

So, how can you keep your family safe while you keep them warm and well-fed?

Risky Space Heaters

This winter, a rash of tragic fires this winter have been reported where the cause was a malfunctioning or poorly placed space heater. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, space heaters are responsible for many fires, deaths, and injuries. The statistics are staggering. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in almost 50,000 fires a year. In the 2010s, fires caused hundreds of deaths, more than a thousand injuries, and $1.5 billion in property damage each year.

Be thoughtful when placing your unit.

Select a heater of the proper size for the room, not an oversized unit for the space.
Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from heat sources
Turn it off when leaving a room or sleeping; never leave it unattended.
Never plug a space heater into an extension cord; never use a damaged cord.

Other Electrical Fires

Worn cords, poor ventilation, and dirty heating elements can cause fires in many types of electrical appliances. Avoid using ungrounded electronics in a humid basement. Moisture increases the risk of electrical shock. For an area with a lot of moisture, only use a heater that has a GFCI (ACLI) plug, the type used in bathrooms.

Fireplace Disasters

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), chimney fires cause more than more than 20,000 residential house fires annually. Sparks from the wood fires can ignite flammable carpets and fabrics nearby. Get a qualified chimney inspection every year, and get a cleaning every few years.

Cooking Mishaps

Kitchen fires are a risk every day of the year; half of all house fires start in the “heart of the home. Kitchen fires are most often caused by:

Leaving cooking food unattended.
Placing combustibles too close to the heat source.
Unintentionally turning on or not turning off the equipment.

What Do The Pros Do?

Every disaster site is different, but professionals always put safety first. Expect the On-Site Cleaning fire damage restoration team to be decked out in safety gear when they are in your home. Before cleaning, they will protect your floors and ventilate the space. They will take all the steps to clean and then restore your home. At the same time, they will be eliminating smoke odors.

Reliable Fire Damage Restoration In Troy

Nationally, the chances of your home being burned down to the ground would only be about one in 3000. It is much more likely that you’ll have a house fire that needs professional restoration. You’ll need to remove the debris, safely clean up the mess, and then rebuild all the damaged materials. Look for a team with a proven process in place to restore your house quickly and professionally.

When you’ve had fire and smoke damage in your Michigan home, choose a contractor who is certified, licensed, bonded, and insured. On-Site Specialty Cleaning & Restoration will respond to your service call at your facility for any emergency. Call our fire damage restoration team to dispatch professionals immediately. Onsight procedures ensure the prevention of further degradation: mold, structural damage, and biohazardous conditions. But On-Site Specialty Cleaning will respond without a crisis– they can help with routine cleaning and home chores, as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, lithium batteries are generally safe when used, stored, and charged properly. They are widely used in smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and more because they are lightweight and store a lot of energy.

However, they can become dangerous under certain conditions:

Overcharging or using the wrong charger
Exposure to heat or direct sunlight
Physical damage (like punctures or crushing)
Manufacturing defects
Poor-quality or counterfeit batteries

If something goes wrong, a lithium battery can overheat, catch fire, or even explode — this is known as thermal runaway.

Yes, a battery can start a fire under certain conditions. This typically happens when:

Short Circuiting: If the battery terminals are connected directly (e.g., by metal), it can cause a short circuit, generating heat that may ignite nearby materials.
Overcharging: Charging a battery beyond its capacity, especially lithium-ion batteries, can cause overheating and thermal runaway, leading to fire.
Physical Damage: Puncturing, crushing, or damaging a battery can release internal chemicals and cause a fire or explosion.
Exposure to High Heat: Placing a battery near a heat source or in direct sunlight for long periods can increase the risk of fire.
Manufacturing Defects: Faulty batteries may have internal issues that can lead to spontaneous ignition.

This is particularly a concern with lithium-ion batteries found in phones, laptops, and e-bikes.

Yes, fire damage restoration services are designed to address smoke odors and eliminate them from your property. Our team at On-Site utilizes advanced techniques such as thermal fogging, ozone treatment, and air scrubbing to effectively neutralize smoke odors and improve indoor air quality. Additionally, we may recommend specialized cleaning methods and treatments to remove smoke residue from surfaces and materials, ensuring a thorough restoration of your property.

Yes, there are several preventative measures you can take to reduce the risk of burst pipes, such as insulating exposed pipes, maintaining proper heating in cold weather, and regularly inspecting your plumbing system for leaks or corrosion.

While DIY methods may provide temporary relief, professional smoke odor removal is recommended for thorough and long-lasting results.

Yes, lithium batteries can catch fire even when not in use, although it is rare. This usually happens due to internal faults or environmental factors.