Key West Fire Department Warns of Lithium-Ion Battery Dangers After House Fire Displaces 12 Residents

A recent house fire that displaced 12 people is a somber reminder that the lithium-ion batteries that charge e-vehicles can be dangerous. The Key West Fire Department wants to remind the owners of electric-powered vehicles that, without using the right safety precautions, lithium-ion batteries can be a fire hazard.

Owners need to always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions for charging and storing them. These batteries can overheat, catch fire or even explode, causing the possibility of injuries, fires and deaths. In addition, running e-vehicles through standing salt water during this month’s king tides can make them unstable.

Over the past years, the Department has seen an uptick in fires caused by unsafe charging of these batteries.

Some of the points to remember are:

  • Store batteries in open spaces
  • Recharge by plugging them directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip
  • Do not leave them to charge overnight
  • Keep batteries away from head and direct sunlight
  • Be sure you have smoke alarms in every room of the house

The Fire Department receives annual donation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and any Key West resident who need help with this can contact the Fire Department at 305-809-3933.

For more vital safety tips, go to www.nfpa.org.

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