How safe is your bedside table? Do you pop your phone on to charge before bed? Maybe you love to watch TV on your laptop or tablet in bed – plugged in to keep the screen bright, of course? Let's take a closer look at how many of us use everyday electrical items – and the fire risks many of us leave ourselves open to without realising it. But first let's start at the beginning... 

Lithium-ion batteries or li-ion batteries (sometimes called LIBs) are the lightweight, rechargeable batteries that power our phones, laptops and cameras. They're found in many electrical devices  from mobility scooters to e-cigarettes, and are used safely by millions of people every day. However, there are some things you need to know when it comes to fire safety, chargers and batteries. 

When used properly, no. But  batteries can present a fire risk when over-charged, short-circuited, submerged in water or if they are damaged. It's really important to charge them safely too. 

Counterfeit electrical chargers can be deadly – many fail to meet UK safety regulations leading to fires and injury. What may seem like a bargain at the market isn't worth the risk when you consider that it could cost a family member's life

It only takes a few minutes to check your home and get tailored advice for your family.

Try our Home Fire Safety Checker

Our firefighters and community safety team visited 80,602 homes in 2018. We can even install free smoke alarms...

The warning an appropriate fire detection system provides can save your life. But what's right for you and your home?

It's all too easy to overload your sockets, so learn how much is too much the fun way with our overload the extension lead game.

The fire risks around vaping tend to come from counterfeit or faulty products, and poor charging practises, so take a look at our safety advice.