FDNY Emergency Preparedness & Lithium-Ion Batteries
FDNY-Lithium-Ion-Battery Safety Tips
2022-2023- Fire & Emergency Preparedness Annual Bulletin
Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh noted during a briefing on public safety that the lithium ion batteries used to power e-bikes and e-scooters have sparked 22 fires in 2023, four times the number of fires compared to this time last year.
Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have increased dramatically in New York City with deadly consequences. These rechargeable batteries are found in electric bikes and scooters, cars, laptops, tablets, phones and common household devices. Lithium-ion battery fires have caused deaths, serious injuries and devastating damage to property around the city.
ALWAYS:
ALWAYS purchase and use devices certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory UL (Underwriters Laboratory) and the most common laboratories
- ALWAYS follow the manufacturer’s instructions for: charging and storage
- ALWAYS use the correct battery, cord and power adapter
- ALWAYS plug directly into a wall electrical outlet for charging
- ALWAYS keep batteries and devices at room temperature
- ALWAYS store and/or charge batteries away from anything flammable
- ALWAYS keep away from heat sources
- ALWAYS bring batteries to NYC Battery Recycling Centers. Find one at nyc.gov/batteries
NEVER:
NEVER use aftermarket (or generic) batteries or chargers
- NEVER plug into a power strip or overload an outlet
- NEVER overcharge or leave battery charging overnight
- NEVER charge a battery or device under your pillow, on your bed, or near a couch
- NEVER leave e-bikes or e-scooters unattended while charging
- NEVER block your primary way in or out of a room/space
