Battery Safety Guide
Important safety information for handling car key fob batteries. Keep yourself and your family safe by following these critical safety guidelines.
⚠️ Critical Warnings
Dangers with Button Cell Batteries
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):
- Button cell or coin batteries are associated with thousands of emergency department visits every year.
- The consequences of a child swallowing a battery can be immediate, devastating, and deadly.
- A button cell battery can burn through a child's throat or esophagus in as little as two hours if swallowed.
🔄 Proper Battery Handling
Secure Battery Compartments
- Keep remotes, electronics, and products with accessible button cell or coin batteries away from children if the battery compartments do not have a screw closure to secure them.
- If the battery compartment holds button cell or coin batteries and is damaged, replace as soon as possible, repair, or dispose of the product.
- Toys with button cell or coin batteries are required to have a secure closure requiring a screwdriver, coin, or tool to open. Check the toys in your home to make sure battery compartments are secured.
- Do not allow children to play with or be in contact with button cell or coin batteries.
Dispose of Batteries Safely
- As soon as a discharged cell is removed from a product, place non-conductive tape (e.g., electrical tape) over the battery's terminals or around the entire battery.
- Discard at a battery-collection center or follow your local battery disposal guidelines.
- Never throw batteries in regular trash or recycling bins.
🚨 Emergency Information
If a Battery is Swallowed
If a button cell or coin battery is swallowed, immediately seek medical attention.
Important Note: The National Capital Poison Center recommends giving honey to children 12+ months on the way to the emergency room to reduce injury in the critical time between ingestion and when the battery can be properly removed.
- Do not delay going to the emergency room to obtain or give them honey.
- Give 10mL of honey every 10 minutes only for children 12+ months who have ingested button batteries in the past 12 hours.
- Do not exceed six doses of honey.
🛡️ Prevention Tips
Avoid Accidental Swallowing
- Never put button cell or coin batteries in the mouth for any reason. Button cell and coin batteries are easy to swallow accidentally.
- Adults have swallowed button batteries mistaken for pills or tablets. Visually confirm that you are swallowing medications before taking them.
- Store batteries in a secure location, out of reach of children.
- Keep batteries in their original packaging until ready to use.
Safe Battery Replacement
- Always replace batteries in a well-lit area.
- Keep batteries away from children during replacement.
- Immediately secure or dispose of old batteries after removal.
- Follow proper handling techniques when installing new batteries (avoid touching the side without logo/printed information).
📚 Additional Resources
For more information about button cell and coin battery safety, visit:
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission - Button Cell and Coin Battery Information Center
- How to Replace Car Key Battery - Step-by-step replacement guide
- Common Car Key Battery Problems - Troubleshooting guide
⚠️ Remember
Button cell batteries are small, powerful, and potentially dangerous if mishandled. Always prioritize safety when handling, storing, or disposing of batteries. Keep them out of reach of children and pets, and never hesitate to seek medical attention if ingestion is suspected.
