FLORIDA – Florida State Fire Marshall Jimmy Patronis issued a warning about fire hazards with lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles ahead of Hurricane Milton.
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Patronis’ office confirmed 48 lithium-ion battery fires related to storm surge from Hurricane Helene, with 11 of those fires associated with EVs.
Items containing lithium-ion batteries include cars, scooters, hoverboards, golf carts, and children’s toys.
“Floridians living on the coastline who own EVs are at risk of those EVs being inundated with saltwater storm surge which presents a dangerous fire threat to Florida families and their homes,” Patronis said.
RELATED: Video shows electric car catching fire in garage due to saltwater flooding
Patronis’ office gave fire safety tips if your vehicle or device is flooded during Hurricane Milton:
- Leave all windows and/or doors open to allow any potentially flammable gases to vent from the passenger compartment.
- If the vehicle is being stored indoors, and can be moved, move it outside into an open-air location. If it cannot be moved, try to keep the storage area open and vented.
- Unplug and do not attempt to charge the vehicle.
- Disable the vehicle by chocking the wheels, placing the gearshift in park, and removing the ignition key and/or disconnecting the 12V battery.
- Avoid contact with the HV battery especially if a vehicle is showing signs of a damaged or overheating HV battery.
- Follow manufacturers recommendations for your specific vehicle.
Additional Resources and Fire Safety Guidance:
- Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Guide - National Fire Protection Association
- Electric Vehicle Owner/General Public Safety Guide - U.S. Department of Transportation - Interim Guidance for Electric and Hybrid-Electric Vehicles Equipped With High-Voltage Batteries
- Towing & Recovery Operators and Vehicle Storage Facilities Safety Guide - U.S. Department of Transportation - Interim Guidance for Electric and Hybrid-Electric Vehicles Equipped With High-Voltage Batteries