Lithium Battery Safety

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Sept. 28, 2024) - Lithium batteries exposed to floodwater should not be kept inside your home, garage, or shed. Flooded batteries may deteriorate rapidly and enter an uncontrollable self-heating state, releasing gases that could result in an explosion and fast-moving fire.

Charlotte County Fire & EMS has responded to numerous fires caused by flooded lithium batteries and chargers.

Equipment that may use lithium batteries includes electric vehicles, bikes, scooters, golf carts, lawnmowers, and tools. Homeowners with electric vehicle chargers should have their EV chargers checked by a licensed electrician before use.

For storm information, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Those with internet access can find information on resources at www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/storm.

Follow Charlotte County Emergency Management for important emergency information at www.charlottecountyfl.gov/em, www.facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty, and www.x.com/ccoem.

For media information, contact Communications Director Brian Gleason at 941-661-6415 or [email protected].

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