A lot of people donB次元官网网址檛 think twice about plugging in their cell phone or any other device to charge before going to bed.
But parents have been circulating on social media photos of burned bedding and charred pillows from childrenB次元官网网址檚 rooms in hopes of alerting other parents to just how potentially dangerous that can be.
Many youth are plugging their phones or tablets in at night and sleeping with them under their pillows so they can hear any notifications throughout the night.
But, as Langford Fire Assistant Chief Lance Caven noted, batteries, plugs and the phones themselves can get very hot when charging.
When itB次元官网网址檚 under a pillow or in blankets, thereB次元官网网址檚 no where for that heat to escape.
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The best thing to do, he noted, is to make sure any batteries or devices are charged on a cool surface with plenty of air flow.
While the department hasnB次元官网网址檛 seen too many fires that specifically relate to cell phones, they have seen their share of fires involving charging batteries.
Caven noted theyB次元官网网址檝e had a number of calls where a lap top has been left on a piece of furniture to charge and the heat from the lithium-ion battery has caused charring on the surface underneath.
He added fires from those types of batteries are quite intense and can easily ignite nearby materials.
B次元官网网址淭he best thing to do if parents are concerned B次元官网网址� is to look at the manufactureB次元官网网址檚 recommendations,B次元官网网址� Caven said. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 lots of tips and tricks online.B次元官网网址�
One of those tips is quite simple. If you can avoid it, do not charge your phone overnight.
By limiting the amount of time the phone is plugged in, you can reduce the risk of heat building up.
Find all of the stories that were in the fall West Shore Family publication .
