Takeaways from Tallahassee — Charge safely

Tallahassee, Fla. —

As the holiday shopping season ramps up, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is reminding consumers to be mindful of where they charge their electronic devices.

In recent weeks, the department has received several reports of counterfeit and uncertified charging devices causing fires and injuries.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe when charging your devices:

• Only use charging devices that are certified by a reputable organization, such as UL or ETL.
• Avoid using charging devices that are visibly damaged.
• Never leave a charging device unattended.
• Unplug the charging device from the outlet when it is not in use.
• Keep charging devices away from flammable materials.

If you are unsure whether a charging device is safe to use, err on the side of caution and do not use it.

For more information on electrical safety, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website at www.freshfromflorida.com.