Before You Leave for the Holiday: Unplug All Lithium-Ion Battery Chargers
- kevinsdoyle
- Dec 22, 2025
- 2 min read
Holiday breaks are a time to rest, recharge, and step away from our buildings. Unfortunately, preventable fires do occur, often in empty schools, offices, and other facilities.
One of the most common and overlooked risks is lithium-ion battery chargers left plugged in during extended closures.
Why This Matters
Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere: laptops, tablets, radios, power tools, e-bikes, scooters, drones, and backup battery packs. While these devices are generally safe when used and charged properly, leaving them unattended for long periods significantly increases the risk.
Fires frequently start:
After charging is complete
When chargers remain energized on aging outlets or power strips
When no one is present to notice heat, odor, or early warning signs
During holidays, there is no immediate response. What might have been a minor incident can quickly become a major fire loss.
What Should Be Unplugged Before You Leave
Before the holiday break begins, ensure the following are fully unplugged from outlets:
Student and staff laptops and tablets
Phone chargers and power banks
Two-way radios and walkie-talkies
Power tools and tool batteries
E-bikes, scooters, and mobility devices
Drones, cameras, and spare battery packs
If it does not need to be actively charging, it should not be plugged in.
Duty of Care: Simple Actions, Real Impact
This is not about fear or overreaction. It is about Duty of Care; identifying known hazards and taking reasonable steps to reduce risk.
Unplugging chargers before a holiday break is:
Low effort
No cost
High impact
It is one of the easiest ways schools, districts, and organizations can reduce fire risk during extended closures.
A Simple Holiday Checklist
Before locking the door:
Charging devices disconnected
Power strips are not energized
Storage areas free of charging batteries
Nothing is charging overnight or during closure
Final Thought
Many fires don’t start during busy school days. They start when buildings are quiet, empty, and unattended.
When in doubt, get out. When you leave for the holiday, unplug.
For more guidance on lithium-ion battery safety, school risk reduction, and Duty of Care practices, contact Kevin@KevinDoyleConsulting.com
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