Electrical safety educator Mr. Patrick Okoye has urged Nigerians to stop charging mobile phones on beds while sleeping, warning that the habit increases the risk of fire outbreaks.
Okoye gave the warning on Saturday during an electrical safety awareness programme in Awka.
—“Beds trap heat, block ventilation:—
Okoye explained that placing phones on beds, pillows, or under blankets while charging restricts airflow and traps heat, which can cause devices to overheat.
![](https://www.theconclaveng.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Hartland.png")
“Many people do not realise that charging a phone on a bed restricts heat dissipation, making the device more likely to overheat,” he said.
According to him, prolonged overheating significantly raises the likelihood of fires, especially in enclosed sleeping environments.
—Rainy season adds more danger—
The expert also flagged increased risks during the rainy season due to unstable power supply, lightning strikes, and frequent electrical surges.
“During the rainy season, power fluctuations and lightning-related surges further increase the danger,” he added. Such fluctuations, he noted, can damage devices and heighten the chance of fire while charging.
—Safety tips for Nigerians–
Okoye advised the public to:
– Charge only on hard, flat, non-flammable surfaces such as tables or desks.
– Unplug chargers once devices are fully charged to avoid overheating.
– Avoid damaged cables, counterfeit chargers, and overloaded extension sockets, which pose serious electrical hazards.
He called on schools, churches, community leaders, and youth groups to step up awareness campaigns on electrical safety.
“Our goal is to prevent avoidable accidents. People should never sleep with a phone charging on the bed or under a pillow,” Okoye said, stressing that consistent public education is key to protecting lives and property.
