UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo. - The National Fire Protection Association is using their annual Fire Prevention Week to warn of the hazards surrounding improper use of devices with lithium-ion batteries.

Locally, the University City Fire Department is emphasizing that message for residents.

“These batteries can catch fire, they can smoke, they can off-gas,” explained Battalion Chief Theresa Colp. “So when it does happen, depending on how big the battery is, it could cause catastrophic damage.”

The department pointed to cell phones, smart-watches, laptops and tablets as a few examples of common items containing lithium-ion batteries.

They warned using charges not provided or approved by the manufacturer or charging products on soft-surfaces like beds or couches can result in overheating and damage to the battery, causing a fire.

“You buy a cell phone, it comes with a charger. That charger goes bad. You go buy a cheap one from the store,” said firefighter and paramedic, Alexis Shady. “The issue with that is that those aren't rated or lab tested approved.”

Shady said devices with these batteries cannot just be thrown away, they must be properly disposed of at an approved site.

For those who have lithium-ion-powered items that need to be disposed, click here to find a location nearest you.