An indoor cam caught a dog chewing on a lithium-ion battery power bank, which then set the house on fire. The flames spread through the living room in minutes. The family (and all their pets) got out safely. Note to self: Keep power banks up high away from Abby.
This portable charger caused a house fire - Do you have one?
Third-party smartphone accessories are often convenient and affordable, especially in a pinch. The facts, however, suggest that using unauthorized things like chargers could put your household at risk.
Even trustworthy companies have problems with their products at times. One couple learned this valuable lesson after a fire almost destroyed their Maryland home recently. The brand behind the power bank is already pulling products from its site.
If you own one of these charging devices, stop using it immediately! Read on for details on this dangerous power bank and what to do if you own one.
Check your Anker power bank — your life may depend on it
An Anker 535 power bank has been determined as the cause of a house fire in Maryland. A number of these phone chargers include a manufacturing defect that has the potential to overheat and catch fire.
The Maryland couple left the charger unattended in a packed suitcase when it combusted spontaneously. The device had not been used in at least a week. Thankfully, nobody was hurt. The homeowners evacuated and were able to contain the fire.
The official announcement can be found here. The model number being recalled is A1366.
To verify the model of your Anker power bank, look at the bottom of the device. If you have a recalled model, you should see 535 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K) and Model: A1366 displayed. You can see an example in the photos below.
If you own one of the recalled power banks, Anker said to follow these safety precautions:
- Immediately stop using this device.
- Store this device in a safe location.
- Do not throw batteries into the trash or recycling bin.
- Please dispose of your device at a facility that accepts Lithium batteries.
- Click here to initiate a refund for your 535 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K) A1366.
You’re entitled to a full refund if you own the recalled power bank. You will need proof of purchase to get the refund.
Replace your old flashlight with this powerful, compact model
We all have that flashlight we keep handy for emergencies. It’s in the drawer near the fridge or at the bottom of the basement stairs. But it’s not that good, is it? It helps you stumble around to the circuit breaker during a storm, but what other utility does it provide?
Fix anything, anywhere
Travel prepared like a good little scout. (Fun fact: I was a Boy Scout leader. It’s a long story.) Bring these nifty gadgets to fix:
- Hiccups, with a straw that stops them instantly (need this for the studio).
- Bad breath, with pre-pasted disposable toothbrushes under $8.
- Glasses, with this $2 repair kit.
- A dead phone battery, with a compact Anker power bank that’s 17% off.
- Everything else, with pocket-sized, go-anywhere duct tape on sale. Sure wish I’d invented that!
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
📶 Calling all RVers, travelers and campers: The new Starlink Mini dish gives you Wi-Fi anywhere, fueled by a power bank or solar generator. Price: $599 for the hardware, then $150 a month for unlimited data, or $50 per month for 50GB of data.
🔥 Anker power bank recall: You risk a fire if you’re using an Anker 334 MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K), Anker Power Bank and Anker MagGo Power Bank with a model number of A1642, A1647 or A1652. These were all sold between Jan. 3, 2024, and Sept. 17, 2024. If you own one, stop using it immediately and fill out the recall form.
Review: Einova 63W universal power bank
Over the past few years, one tech accessory that’s evolved into something I don’t know what I would do without is a portable power bank — the backup battery that charges your phone or other gadgets on the go. I make sure to have at least one when traveling, especially when camping, as a way to keep my iPhone ready to use in case of emergency.
20 problem-solving gadgets that'll help make your tech troubles disappear
When was the last time your phone died while you were running errands? Have you shattered any phone screens lately? These common issues pop up for all of us, at least every once in a while. The thing is, they don’t have to be problems at all. There are some easy ways to keep your phone from dying or your screen from shattering into hundreds of tiny pieces, but it’s tough to know what they are.
Multitools are the best
Save money and space with one thing that does many things. Time to feel like Inspector Gadget or maybe MacGyver. These are all Father’s Day home runs, too!
- “Write” on: This pen ($9.99) is also a stylus, leveler, ruler, and flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers.
- 12-in-1: A hammer (21% off, $16.75) that’s also pliers, a serrated knife, a saw, a wire cutter, a prying claw, a nail file, a bottle opener, and flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers.
- Every car needs one: A flashlight ($23.99) that’s also a seatbelt cutter, a window breaker, a red flashing emergency light, a power bank and an alarm.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
For the outdoorsy mom
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12. Today, gifts for the mom (or anyone else) who loves hiking and camping.
- Top-of-the-line Darn Tough hiking socks in a pretty floral print.
- She can keep her seltzer (or chardonnay) cool with this trendy Stanley tumbler ($20).
- A classic “it’s for you but really for me” gift: Stainless steel skewers for roasting marshmallows around the campfire.
- A lightweight cork massage ball to pop in her daypack for after-hike muscle aches.
- A long-lasting power bank with a solar panel for battery top-ups. It’s 39% off!
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
🛳️ Cruisin’ together
Five little essentials to pack for your voyage on the high seas — or, really, any summer vacay:
- Pocket-sized router: Think of a travel router as your own private hub on the ship’s network. Pay for the internet for one device but share it using this. Score: Under $34 right now.
- Outlets for everyone: Buyer beware: Cruise staff will confiscate regular surge protectors. Opt for this cruise-approved model with three outlets, two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports — now 29% off ($9.98).
- Li’l nightlight: Cruise cabins get dark at night. Light your path to the loo with a motion sensor nightlight that runs on AAA batteries. Right now, it’s 25% off ($17.99).
- Hangin’ out: Hang your towels, shirts, toiletry bag, sunnies — whatever ya got — on these super-strong magnetic hooks.
- Cruise juice: A dead phone battery on an off-ship excursion? What a disaster. This portable power bank is 40% off ($17.99).
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Life upgrades you didn’t know you needed
- Get the best night’s sleep of your life with a Bluetooth sleep mask.
- A high-tech mug warmer will keep your java nice and hot.
- This power bank is small enough to fit in your pocket and works with iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and others.
- You’ll use this combo phone stand, Bluetooth speaker and clock every day.
- Protect your debit and credit cards from thieves with this slim RFID-blocking wallet.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
20 things I bought on Amazon you might want, too
Here are some items that I recently purchased on Amazon. I thought maybe you could use a few of the things that I purchased, too.
For years, I’ve been printing, signing and sending sensitive, as well as financial, documents from home. It’s just dumb to throw those papers in the trash. Sure, you can tear them up, but that’s not good enough.