Michigan officials warn buyers on products containing lithium-ion batteries

Fire officials from across Michigan joined forces on Monday to sound the alarm about using items that contain lithium-ion batteries. 

Many people may find these batteries in items that end up under a tree and if those items were previously owned, your battery could do more harm than good. They are things we use every day. Cell phones, laptops, electric scooters and bikes typically use lithium-ion batteries.

Now that it is the holiday season, many may try to bargain hunt and buy these items second hand or pre-owned to save a few dollars, but buyers beware.

"Michiganders be safe, think about what you’re doing with batteries, and we can reduce or prevent fires," said State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer.

Before you purchase an item like a motorized bike from a resale shop that uses a lithium-ion battery, make sure this sticker is found on the item.

"The main thing they should be looking for is for a 'Certified Testing Laboratory' initially on that particular device like a UL or a CR or something of that nature, to give the consumer confidence that it’s actually been tested," said Detroit Fire Marshal Donald Thomas.

Also, make sure that the device is operational and that means checking the condition of the battery.

"Check for the battery to make sure it is not warm or over heating if it smells funny these things are actually signs that there may be a problem with the battery," said Thomas. 

If you need a new battery, make sure you get the right kind.

"The one thing we make sure we do is that we match it, like, for like for like, same manufacturer, same charger same battery and that could reduce some of the chances that there could be an actual fire emergency," Thomas said.

Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are not easy to put out.

"So this is where technology kind of got ahead of the fire service," said Chief Teresa Robinson in Ferndale. "Foam does not work we just have to use copious amounts of water, and we do a lot of trial and error to figure out what is the best way to put this out."

Once you get your device like an e-scooter home, make sure you’re charging only in certain areas. Avoid charging it on entry or exit routes of your home, or if it gets damaged or submerged in water.