People are always losing their phone chargers. As a solution, many people reach for the low-cost, generic plug-in USB chargers and charging cables found in the sea of impulse items that flank check-out lines. Knockoffs can be great, but not when replacing your original phone charger. Here are some tips for staying safe while charging:

• Do not leave items that are charging unattended.
• Always keep charging items away from flammable objects, especially bedding, and do not take them to bed with you. Tell kids and teens to NEVER place any charging device under their pillow. The heat generated gets trapped, which could cause the pillow or bed to catch fire.
• Do not touch charging electronic devices with wet hands or while standing in water.
• Make sure charging components are certified by a reputable third-party testing laboratory.
• Only buy product-approved chargers and cables (those made or certified by the manufacturer). Using cheaper devices can cause damage to the USB charge chip, which can have a lasting impact on how quickly and effectively your device charges in the future.
• Be on the lookout for fakes or impostors claiming to be brand approved. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.