Fire agencies promoting the safe use of lithium-ion batteries

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Cal Fire is partnering with the National Fire Protection Association to promote the safe use of lithium-ion batteries.

• The FOX 5/KUSI video above explains how to prevent house fires

The promotion is part of this year's Fire Prevention Week campaign, "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home." The campaign informs the public about the importance of charging and recycling lithium-ion batteries safely.

Many of the electronics we use every day contain lithium-ion batteries, from smartphones to headphones. Most things that are rechargeable also use that type of battery.

It's important to use and dispose of lithium-ion batteries correctly, otherwise they can overheat and start a fire or possibly explode.

To avoid these hazards, Cal Fire recommends only buying lithium-ion batteries that meet safety standards and have a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the product and packaging.

Also, make sure devices are charging safely by not overcharging the device and using the charging cord that comes with the product.

It's also important to recycle the batteries properly at a safe battery recycling location.

For more lithium-ion battery safety tips visit www.fpw.org.