What’s in your junk drawer? There’s something you need to get out of there ASAP...

Have you ever tossed some batteries into a storage bin or junk drawer? 

Get them out of there, fast. Londonberry, New Hampshire Fire Chief Kevin MacCaffrie says loose batteries pose a serious fire hazard, especially when they’re in a junk drawer. Those of us who have a junk drawer may not realize how many flammable items are in there. 

A paperclip touching the end of a 9 volt battery could be all it takes to heat up and spark. Post-it notes, eye glass cleaner, cigarette lighters or matches in that drawer can make it a potential fireball. 

It’s best to store batteries in their original packages. If they will be lose, cover the ends in electrical tape and take special care with 9 volts. They pose the most danger because both the positive and negative contacts are on the same end, can easily come in contact with something metallic, heat up and catch fire.