An electrical safety educator, Mr. Patrick Okoye, has advised Nigerians to avoid charging their mobile phones while sleeping, saying the practice increases the risk of fire outbreaks.
Okoye gave the advice during an electrical safety awareness programme on Saturday in Awka.
He explained that placing phones on mattresses, pillows, or under blankets while charging traps heat, causing devices to overheat and raising the likelihood of fire incidents.
According to him, the risk is higher during the rainy season due to frequent thunderstorms, lightning, and unstable power supply, which often trigger electrical surges.
“Many people do not realise that charging a phone on the bed restricts heat dissipation, making the device more likely to overheat. During the rainy season, power fluctuations and lightning surges further increase the danger,” he said.
Okoye advised residents to charge phones only on hard, flat, and non-flammable surfaces such as tables or desks, and to unplug chargers once the devices are fully charged.
He also cautioned against using damaged charging cables, counterfeit chargers, and overloaded extension sockets.
The engineer emphasised that electrical safety should become a daily habit in every home.
He called on schools, churches, community leaders, and youth organisations to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on electrical safety.
Okoye noted that sustained awareness is one of the most effective ways to prevent electrical fires and protect lives and property.
“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,” he said.
