Skip to main content
NIH Logo NIH Logo
Office of Research Services

Serving the NIH Community

ORS Home

NIH Websites Are Changing

Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted. The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov. Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at opm.gov.

Fire Prevention Week 2026 - Charge Into Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower

The NIH Fire Marshal would like to share this year's National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week campaign message “Charge Into Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower."  This campaign offers the following general lithium-ion device safety tips that are applicable to both the workplace and home:

  • Only use products with lithium-ion batteries that are listed. Look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL or CSA. These markings indicate the products meet important safety standards.
  • Charge devices safely. Always use the cables that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or aftermarket chargers that the manufacturer has approved.
  • Charge your lithium-ion devices on a hard surface to allow for adequate ventilation.
  • Don't overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it's fully charged.
  • Stop using your device right away if the battery generates an unusual odor, gets too hot, makes popping noises, or changes in shape or color. If it is safe, move the device away from anything that can catch fire.
  • Recycle batteries and devices at a battery recycling location. Do not throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire.

At NIH, there are additional requirements as they pertain to the charging and storage of specific types of equipment that utilize lithium-ion batteries:

  • Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) shall only be charged in designated EV charging locations. EVs and PHEVs must not be connected to an electrical outlet that is not authorized for EV charging.  Additional information regarding the EV parking program, to include charging locations on the Bethesda campus, can be found on the Office of Research Services Division of Amenities and Transportation Services website.
  • Powered micromobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters should not be charged or stored within NIH buildings (this does not apply to powered wheelchairs and powered mobility aids specifically for use by persons with disabilities).

If you have any questions regarding the safety of devices utilizing lithium-ion batteries or general fire safety precautions, please contact the NIH Division of the Fire Marshal (DFM) at 301-496-0487.

You can use the Division of the Fire Marshal hazard reporting tool for situations on the Bethesda campus. You may remain anonymous when reporting a hazard, but it always helps to have contact information so DFM can follow-up as needed.​

​