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Sleeping With The Phone Charger Next To You Is Dangerous
This PSA is very helpful to know!
Ashley Fike
07.13.17

Checking your Facebook or favorite websites before bed is a part of many people’s nightly routine. Research has been shown that the light from the screens of our devices can negatively impact our sleep. But not only that — it can be a serious safety issue for your household.

A recent Facebook post uploaded by the Newton Fire Department is bringing awareness to a hazard lurking in a device that we use every single day. It’s our phone chargers. Phone chargers can pose a serious fire hazard if you’re not careful.

This photo of burned sheets and pillows is a shocking awakening as to what can happen if we sleep with our chargers on or near our beds.

Sleeping with our phones beside us can be a serious risk — especially for kids and teens who tend to utilize their phone in bed before sleep, falling asleep with their phones nearby.

“Research has revealed that 53 percent of children/teens charge their phone or tablet either on their bed or under their pillow,” they wrote. “The heat generated cannot dissipate, and the charger will become hotter and hotter.”

Website Pop Sugar says that 72% of children and 89% of teens use a phone in their “sleep environment.” That’s an overwhelming majority. The fire department adds to this saying:

“The likely result is that the pillow/bed will catch fire,” the fire department added. “This places the child/teen as well as everyone else in the home in great danger.”

It’s important to talk to your family and household about these hidden fire dangers before disaster or tragedy strikes. Warn your kids and teens not to sleep with their phones on their bed or pillows.

In addition to this, keep these tips in mind to ensure the safety of your household:

  • Pay attention to where chargers are placed in your house. Avoid areas that could be a fire hazard like near curtains or long carpets.
  • Avoid charging your phone in extreme conditions. If temps are too hot or too cold, it can cause the charger to generate excess heat.
  • Be sure to always use an official charger and not a knock-off brand which has a higher tendency to overheat.
  • Set up a designated “charging station” in your home to ensure optimal safety.

Keep your family safe in this digital age and don’t forget to spread the word about this unknown danger.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

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ABC News
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ABC News

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