By the IR (internal resistance) of the batteries cells. You should get a charger (or a stand alone IR meter) that measures IRs and keep a journal by your charging station that you log each batteries IRs when you cahrge them. Once a batteries IRs get over about 10 mOhm then it should probably be...
I do the opposite. I store them in the open but I always charge them in an ammo can. Its highly unlikely that a lipo is ever going to go fail unless its in use. Glad it didnt catch anything else on fire!