In 2023, a middle school student in Arizona had a really scary experience when a fire almost took her life. The fire started because her cellphone caught fire while it was charging overnight in her bed.
Firefighters are now urging people who use smartphones to be careful when charging their devices, so you and your phone stay safe and don’t end up in a dangerous situation.
Keep reading to learn the risks of improper charging!
A new study shows that 62% of people go to sleep with their phones plugged in overnight, so they can have a full battery the next day.
However, the Montgomery County Fire Department is warning everyone that this is a “very dangerous habit.” They tweeted, “No matter how much you LOVE your phone – please DON’T sleep with it!” They also pointed out that chargers can actually start fires. It’s really important not to leave phones charging on beds, under pillows, or on anything that can catch fire. (Make sure to tell your friends who are always on their phones!)
One of those kids was Faustina Feeley from Arizona. She used to keep her phone charging in bed while she slept.
In May 2023, while she was peacefully sleeping, something scary happened that woke her up. Just before 7 a.m., she opened her eyes to find flames burning her bed.
“I woke up and heard this like pop sound,” Faustina told 12 News, an NBC affiliate. “I looked down and I saw that there [were] flames.”
Seeing that her bed was on fire, the young girl bolted out of her room and started shouting for her parents.
⚠️VERY…DANGEROUS
— MontgomeryCo(MD)Fire (@mcfrs) November 6, 2023
No matter how much you LOVE your phone — please DON'T sleep with it!#DYK that your charger can start a fire? Never leave phones charging on a bed, under a pillow or on any flammable surface. (tell your #kids who are always on their phones). #firesafe @mcfrs pic.twitter.com/QIXLF8mwb0
Faustina’s dad, Jim Feeley, rushed to the scene after hearing her shout in the hallway, “My bed is on fire!”
“You could see how the flames were eating up the mattress,” Feeley explained, noting that he managed to put out the fire before anyone got hurt.
As reported by the news, Faustina had fallen asleep with her phone charging right next to her on the bed.
“My phone case started melting,” Faustina said, showing off her damaged device. “It’s basically torn in half.”
From her experience, Faustina advises, “Make sure to keep your phone away from your bed and any fabric that could catch fire.”
Safe charging
Improper charging can pose fire risks if not handled correctly but with a few mindful steps, you can avoid potential hazards and keep your device (and yourself) safe.
Use quality chargers and cables: Always use the charger and cable that came with your phone or get certified replacements from trusted brands. Don’t fall for cheap chargers from discount stores. These off-brand chargers might not have safety features, which can cause overheating, short circuits, and even fires in serious cases. Make sure to avoid fake chargers and look for safety certifications like CE or UL, which show that the charger meets safety standards.
Try not to charge your phone overnight. While it might seem easy, charging for too long can make your phone overheat if it doesn’t have a “smart charging” feature. Leaving it plugged in for too long can stress the battery and create extra heat. Instead, charge your phone during the day and unplug it when it’s fully charged.
Always charge your device on a hard, flat surface. Charging on soft things like beds, sofas, or pillows can trap heat and stop your phone from cooling down. For safe charging, put your phone on a desk or table where there’s good airflow. A spot with good ventilation helps keep your device cool and lowers the chance of overheating.
Make sure to check your charging cable and port regularly. Worn-out or damaged cables can be a fire risk. If you see any damage, replace the cable right away. Also, keep your phone’s charging port clean and free of dirt to ensure a good connection.
Don’t use your phone while charging: Using your phone while it’s charging causes it to work harder, which generates more heat. This can be dangerous, especially with high-intensity activities like gaming or video streaming, as they add additional strain to the battery. If possible, let your phone rest while it charges to avoid overheating.
If you follow these easy tips, you can make sure your phone charges safely and won’t catch fire. Being careful when you charge your phone helps keep your device, battery, and, most importantly, you safe.
We’d love to hear what you think! Also, share this story with your friends so they can learn about the dangers of charging their phones the wrong way!
