10 hospitalized after these items made it onto a flight and caused a fire

vapes on a plane
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Did you know your vape device can spontaneously combust, even when not in use? A vape battery unexpectedly caught fire inside a Spirit Airlines passenger cabin. Could anything have been done to prevent the disaster?

Here’s the story and what you can do to avoid a similar fate.

How one vape caused a colossal commotion midair

According to official reports, the vape was attached to its charging pack when the battery began to burn. 

Flight attendants noticed smoke fuming from an overhead cabin and sought to address the situation quickly. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to protect everybody aboard.

The Orlando-bound flight landed early in Jacksonville, where first responders provided emergency medical aid to those affected, and firefighters were able to put the fire out safely. At least 10 people were sent to the hospital to recover from the incident.

The Transportation Security Administration and the International Civil Aviation Organization never allow the transport of lithium-ion batteries rated at over 100 watt-hours in a checked bag.

Up to two consumer lithium batteries or power banks can be checked and stowed in a passenger’s carry-on luggage outside the cargo area. Still, even when working within these standards, an improperly stored battery can cause severe damage.

There’s a reason authorities recommend removing your lithium-ion batteries from devices before boarding a plane or leaving them unattended for long periods. Failing to do so might put your life at risk.

How safe is your vape pen?

We have a few tips to prevent an unfortunate battery fire in your home, luggage or personal vehicle. A few best practices to consider include the following:

  • Avoid dropping or banging your batteries and chargers around. This can impair them and cause them to overheat.
  • Keep your devices out of the heat and safe from temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Choose name-brand chargers and batteries over generic or third-party ones.
  • Get out of the habit of over-charging your devices, especially overnight.
  • Take good care of your devices and replace them if you notice damage, fraying wires, excessive heat or unusual odors when they’re in use.
  • Be aware of any recalls or defects found in your favorite products. Registering devices with the manufacturers you bought them from is one way to ensure you never miss a beat.

Keep reading

Five tech tips that will make your long-haul flights more bearable

Smart step to take before you travel

Tags: battery, lithium-ion batteries, security