diff --git a/README b/README
index 8ccfc2f..022c035 100644
--- a/README
+++ b/README
@@ -11,6 +11,12 @@
 It supports a wide range of DIP32, PLCC32, DIP8, SO8/SOIC8, TSOP32, and TSOP40
 chips, which use various protocols such as LPC, FWH, parallel flash, or SPI.
 
+Do not use flashrom on laptops! The embedded controller (EC) present in many
+laptops interacts badly with any flash attempts and can brick your laptop
+permanently.
+
+Please make a backup of your flash chip before writing to it.
+
 Please see the flashrom(8) manpage.