Firefighters Warn About the One Place You Should Never Charge Your Phone
Firefighters are urging the public to avoid charging their phones in one particular place: under your pillow.
Here’s why this habit is so dangerous:
🔥 Fire Risk
When you charge your phone under your pillow, the heat generated by the battery and charger has nowhere to go. Trapped heat can cause your phone or charger to overheat, melt, or even catch fire — especially if you’re using a low-quality or counterfeit charger.
🧯 Real Incidents
There have been several cases where phones left charging under pillows caused house fires or burns while people were sleeping. Fire departments across the country have reported charred bedding and scorched pillows as evidence of how quickly things can go wrong.
🔋 Battery Overheating
Lithium-ion batteries, common in smartphones, are sensitive to heat. Covering your phone with a pillow or blanket blocks airflow and increases the chance of battery failure — sometimes leading to explosions or fire.
🛑 Safety Tips
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Never charge your phone under bedding or cushions.
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Always use a certified charger and cable.
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Place your phone on a hard, flat, well-ventilated surface.
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Unplug it once it’s fully charged.
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Avoid charging your phone overnight if possible.
Firefighters stress that simple precautions can prevent tragedy. A phone is replaceable — your life and home aren’t.
Bottom line: Charge smart. Charge safe. Never charge your phone under your pillow.