We often treat our portable chargers as harmless travel companions, and this is true in most cases. However, there are still certain risks that can lead to terrifying incidents. One of them occurred recently in Los Angeles, where Ashley Nevel was relaxing in her apartment, without suspecting that her power bank would suddenly explode on her bed, setting her blankets on fire and causing chemical burns to her arm.
Stop charging your phone on the bed: The risks you need to know
Lithium-ion battery technology is present in most modern devices. These batteries are efficient, but they can become unstable if they overheat or suffer from manufacturing defects. The charger in this case was bought recently from a well-known online store, yet it malfunctioned without warning. When a portable power bank fire occurs on a bed, the fabric acts as fuel, allowing flames to spread much faster than they would on a desk or a kitchen counter.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has long warned against the practice of charging a phone on the bed. Soft surfaces like pillows and comforters trap heat around the device, which can cause a “thermal runaway” situation. In other words, the battery simply can’t cool down. Experts say that to stay safe, you should only use accessories that your device’s manufacturer has approved and never leave a charging unit alone.
A life-saving safety tool: A fire blanket
As reported by CBS, Nevel managed to prevent a total disaster thanks to an unexpected item: a fire blanket. After a standard blanket failed to snuff out the chemical flames, she used this specialized safety tool to smother the fire instantly. It was a simple housewarming gift from her father that likely saved the entire apartment building from a massive blaze.
To avoid a lithium-ion battery explosion, it is essential to change how we interact with our tech. Always charge your devices on hard, flat surfaces that allow for proper airflow. Furthermore, if a charger feels excessively hot to the touch or begins to swell, stop using it immediately and dispose of it at a designated battery recycling center.
Stories like Ashley’s remind us that our daily tech habits have real-world effects. It may seem convenient and harmless to charge a device on a soft surface. However, this is the perfect place for a fire to start. Charging only on hard surfaces and keeping a fire blanket close help not only protect your phone but also your home and family.
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