By Bridget Nwoye
As the rainy season intensifies, electrical safety educator, Engineer Patrick Okoye, has urged residents to adopt safer phone charging practices, warning that charging mobile phones on beds while sleeping poses a serious fire risk.
Speaking during an electrical safety awareness programme held on June 25, Engineer Okoye explained that placing phones on mattresses, pillows or under blankets while charging can trap heat, causing devices to overheat and increasing the likelihood of fire outbreak, noting that the risk is even greater during the rainy season when thunderstorms, lightning and unstable power supply often trigger electrical surges.
He advised residents to always charge their phones on hard, flat, non-flammable surfaces such as tables or desks and disconnect chargers once devices are fully charged.
“Many people do not realise that charging a phone on a bed restricts heat dissipation, making the device more likely to overheat. During the rainy season, frequent power fluctuations and lightning related surges further increase the danger. Simple safety habits can save lives and protect property,” he said.
Engineer Okoye cautioned against the use of damaged charging cables, counterfeit chargers and overloaded extension sockets, stressing that electrical safety should become a daily habit in every home.
Engineer Okoye encouraged schools, churches, community leaders and youth organisations to sustain public education on electrical safety, noting that increased awareness remains one of the most effective ways to prevent electrical fires and safeguard lives, particularly during the rainy season.
Reinforcing his message, he said: “Our goal is to prevent avoidable accidents. People should never sleep with a phone charging on the bed or under a pillow. Always charge your phone on a hard surface, away from flammable materials. Safety begins with simple decisions.”
Some participants at the awareness programme shared how the campaign had influenced their safety habits.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ifechukwu, a parent, admitted that she previously left her phone charging on her bed overnight but has since changed the practice after learning about the dangers.
“I used to leave my phone charging on my bed every night. After listening to Engineer Okoye’s safety talk, I realised the risks. My family has now changed that habit,” she said.
Another participant, Mr. Chukwudi Nnaji, described the programme as timely and enlightening.
“Many of us were unaware that charging phones on beds could lead to overheating and possible fire outbreaks. I will also share these safety tips with my neighbours,” he noted.
Bridget Nwoye is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
