Batteries are a big investment
If you want to make your lithium safer & last longer then read on!
Tip #1
Always store & transport your batteries in a safe manner.
Lithium Polymer batteries should always be stored and transported in a safe manner. This includes being at "storage charge" (generally 3.8V per cell) whenever not in use and while being transported. We reccomend using a lipo bag for all transport as well as covering exposed terminals and making sure there are no sharp items in the bag that could puncture the cells. For long term storage something more substantial like an ammo box from an army surplus store with the rubber seal removed is a cheap solution. Having your batteries at storage charge will also prolong the storage / shelf life. Most chargers have a storage mode or you can purchase a discharger which will generally discharge batteries a lot faster.
Tip# 2
Batteries should NEVER be left unattended while charging/discharging
This is a simple one - don't leave your batteries to charge/discharge while you aren't watching them. The most common time for a lipo to "go bad" is while charging and also in the discharge phase, if something goes wrong you want to be present to be able to react - keeping a bucket of sand close is cheap insurance should you need to smother a flame.
Tip #3
Never over charge/discharge your battery!
Be absolutely sure that the Lithium Polymer charger settings are correct for the battery pack being charged – both voltage and current settings. ALWAYS check your charger end voltage settings and charge rates for your battery. As a rule of thumb you should never charge more than 1c and 4.20 volts per cell and 3.8V for discharge. - yes, some batteries will advertise higher c rating for charging, however higher recharge rates will reduce your batteries long term life. Over charging your batteries (say a non HV battery to HV voltages) will reduce your cycle life and possibly cause a fire. Discharging past storage voltage will also reduce cycle life, capacity and possibly cause a fire. And don't forget, always use a high quality balance charger!
Tip #4
Never charge inside an vehicle, even when parked!
so many reasons why you should never charge in a vehicle. Just don't do it! Charging from your car battery directly can be done however you it's a good idea to situate the charge station away from the vehicle with an extended lead.
Tip #5
Do not charge batteries near flammable items or liquids
Just in case you have an catastrophic incident while charging - having something flammable nearby definitely doesn't help the cause! A bit of a no brainer, however worth a reminder is to have a look around your charging station, make sure it's clear of aerosols, papers etc. Charging on an old cinder block or a surface that won't combust is paramount. Definitely not on the bed or couch!
Tip #6
KEEP BATTERIES AWAY from children and pets at ALL times.
Children and pets do unexpected things with batteries. Batteries are, after all dangerous goods and should be treated like any other dangerous chemicals - out of reach of children and pets.