August 14, 2025
Properly charging and storing electronic devices isn’t just about convenience, it’s a matter of safety. Overheating, faulty cords, or leaving devices unattended while charging can pose serious fire risks. This issue hits close to home for COUNTRY. In the last 24 months, we have received 21 property fire claims related to batteries and chargers. This has resulted in $1.6M in direct losses.
According to firestatistics.org, more than 25,000 fires or overheating incidents involving lithium-ion batteries were reported between 2017 and 2022, and the trend continues to rise. Here in Bloomington-Normal, where COUNTRY is headquartered, a malfunctioning lithium-ion battery set an apartment building on fire in July. Micro-mobility devices, such as e-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards, are major contributors.
Lithium-ion batteries power our lives, but they can also pose serious risks if not handled properly. Always charge them in well-ventilated areas, use the correct charger, and never leave them unattended. Safety starts with awareness, and a few simple precautions can prevent fires and protect your home.
Beyond fire hazards, improper storage of lithium-ion battery-powered devices—such as phones, tablets, e-bikes, and power tools—can lead to short circuits, battery swelling, or even explosions. Many of these incidents can be avoided through simple precautions: using UL-certified chargers, avoiding overcharging, and keeping devices away from heat sources. Making these safety measures part of your routine not only minimizes physical risk.
Contact the public relations team at COUNTRY Financial at news@countryfinancial.com to set up an interview with Jesse Kohlbecker or other experts from COUNTRY Financial.
COUNTRY Financial® is a family of affiliated companies (collectively, COUNTRY) located in Bloomington, IL. Learn more about who we are.