VALHALLA, NY (October 30, 2022) — The Department of Emergency Services is warning residents of the fire danger posed by the improper use of lithium ion batteries.
“In Westchester and across the nation, firefighters are seeing an increase in the number of fires caused by lithium ion batteries. During National Fire Prevention Week, we are highlighting the danger these batteries can pose when they are not charged, stored or disposed of properly,” Emergency Services Commissioner Richard G. Wishnie said.
He noted that an 8-year-old girl was killed in a fire in Queens recently that apparently was caused by a lithium ion battery in an electric scooter. He called the tragedy a stark reminder of the danger posed by everyday items that most people have in their homes.
Wishnie said lithium ion batteries can be found in a wide range of devices, including cordless power tools, cordless vacuums, laptops, tablets, cell phones, e-bikes and e-cigarettes,. He offered the following lithium ion battery safety tips:
- Do not charge any device under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch or arm chair
- Keep batteries at room temperature and avoid placing them in direct sunlight or in a hot car;
- Store batteries away from anything flammable
- Do not leave batteries and devices unattended when charging
- Only use the battery and charging cord that came with the device
Chief Luci Labriola-Cuffe of the DES Fire Training Division said it was important to immediately stop using any battery that is emitting an unusual odor, leaking, changing shape or making unusual noises.
“If it is safe to do so, move the device away from anything flammable and call 911,” she said.
Douglas Stiller, the chief of special operations at DES, said that lithium ion battery fires occur during a process known as thermal runaway. This causes the battery to burst into flames and even explode. Highly toxic and highly flammable gases are emitted during thermal runaway.
“If thermal runaway occurs, you need to leave that area as fast as possible,” Stiller said.
Louis Vetrone, deputy commissioner of the Department of Environmental Facilities, said lithium ion batteries should never be disposed of with household trash. Westchester residents can make an appointment to dispose of these batteries at the County’s Hazardous Materials Recovery Facility in Valhalla. To do so, go to environment.westchestergov.com.
Vetrone said residents with questions about lithium ion and other batteries can call the County’s recycling help line at 914-813-5425.
For a related video, go to: https://www.facebook.com/WCDES/videos/403709055122702
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