Most of us use our cellphones constantly throughout the day. Naturally, it makes sense to plug them in to charge at night while we’re sleeping. However, have you ever thought about where you charge your phone while you sleep? Many of us are quite attached to our phones, and because of this, we often sleep with them beside us or even under our pillows. But firefighters are now warning about how dangerous this seemingly innocent habit can actually be.

The Newton New Hampshire Fire Department shared a Facebook post that perfectly reveals this danger. According to the post, 53% of children and teenagers charge their phones or tablets either on their beds or under their pillows. This can be a significant risk because the heat generated from the charger has nowhere to go, causing the charger to get hotter and hotter as the night progresses. It’s easy to see how bedding and pillows could quickly catch fire as a result.

Pretty scary, isn’t it? It’s astonishing how something as simple as charging our devices could potentially start a house fire and even threaten lives. To keep safe, you should always charge your phone, tablet, or laptop on a hard surface. Avoid soft, fabric surfaces like beds, pillows, and couches. They are a big no-no. Also, if you notice a charger that’s worn-out or beginning to fray, throw it out and replace it immediately. Old chargers have a higher chance of sparking and thus, causing a fire.

Now that you’re armed with this vital information, make sure you act on it. Charging your phone in the right place could mean the difference between life and death for you and your family. Spread this lifesaving information to everyone you know, especially those with children and teens who use cellphones!