A late-night habit that feels harmless could be quietly building toward disaster. Firefighters say devices tucked under a pillow or left charging on top of bedding can trap heat right next to flammable fabric, turning an ordinary routine into a hidden fire risk while everyone in the house sleeps nearbyThat hidden risk is exactly what prompted the Newton, New Hampshire, Fire Department to speak up. The department shared a warning specifically about phones and tablets being charged on beds or slipped beneath pillows overnight, urging families to rethink where devices end up once the lights go out.
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Why Charging in Bed Is Risky
The department’s post cited a figure: 53% of children and teenagers reportedly charge their devices on beds or under pillows. The source of that research wasn’t specified, but the underlying concern is simple and worth taking seriously.
Bedding traps heat. When a charging device is surrounded by blankets, pillows, or a mattress, warmth has nowhere to escape. That buildup raises the risk of overheating, and potentially igniting nearby flammable material.
Safer Charging Habits to Adopt
Officials recommend charging electronics on a hard, flat surface with good ventilation, kept away from blankets, pillows, and upholstered furniture.
Equipment matters too. Use reputable, compatible chargers and cables, and replace anything frayed or damaged promptly.
Watch for warning signs while a device is plugged in: equipment that becomes unusually hot, gives off a burnt smell, or shows discoloration. Stop using it immediately if any of these occur.
A charger left plugged in without a phone attached isn’t automatically dangerous—the real concern is damaged or poorly made equipment, whether or not a device is connected.
The department’s message is practical: check everyone’s charging spot tonight, especially children’s, since devices are often charged near where they sleep.