So how does a newbie minimize risk? I'm not going to be rebuilding or buying mechs anytime soon, but do I need to worry about ego batteries? I just bought "generic" 400mah ones from a reputable dealer... I was concerned they were called generics, but it's a dealer with a good reputation. Should I be concerned?
Use common sense and use safe battery practices:
Batteries should never get warm or hot. If they do, they are defective. The tanks with heating atomizers will get warm or hot, that's a different matter altogether.
Use only the approved charger for the batteries that you are using. Don't mix and match chargers or batteries from different brands. Don't use your charger in the usb ports on a computer or car; these could have too little or too much current for either the charger or the battery and could cause damage.


eGo charger and usb/wall adaptor
Don't charge batteries unattended. Be around the charging area so should an incident occur you are around to put out a fire or call the fire department.
Charge batteries on a flame resistant surface: Marble counter top, stove top, metal baking pan, pyrex dish. Lithium batteries and chargers emit flames when they fail.


Statistically, most battery incidents occur while the battery is charging. This is when a battery is most vulnerable to vent or explode. Its common sense to remove a battery from the charger once it is fully charged; do not leave on the charger overnight while sleeping. Most chargers are "supposed" to stop charging after a full charge, but electrical circuits can fail. Don't trust your home to a failed circuit board.
Brand name eGo batteries (Joyetech, Vision, Kangertech) are considered to have a higher quality control than "generic batteries", which could have been built with less factory quality control with inferior materials. Generic batteries are of unknown quality made by an unknown manufacturer who doesn't give a crap about you and your safety. IMHO, its well worth paying a little extra for a better quality battery from a reputable manufacturer than trying to save a couple of bucks with a generic.