As New York City grapples with fires stemming from lithium-ion batteries, the FDNY is conducting an educational campaign on best practices for purchasing, using and disposing of the popular battery often found inside electric bikes and scooters.
“Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have increased dramatically in New York City with deadly consequences,” begins a video, which was tweeted by the FDNY’s Twitter account Friday morning.
The FDNY has opened 174 investigations into fires involving lithium-ion batteries from Jan. 1 to Oct. 21 of this year, the fire department said.
In all of 2021, the fire department investigated a total of 104 fires related to lithium-ion batteries, according to the FDNY.
So far this year, there have been 93 injuries and six deaths in fires involving lithium-ion batteries through Oct. 21, the FDNY said. That’s more than all of last year, when fires involving lithium-ion batteries caused 79 injuries and four deaths.
So what does the FDNY recommend New Yorkers do to be as safe as possible when using a device powered by lithium-ion batteries?
First, the FDNY says consumers buying devices with lithium-ion batteries should make sure the devices have the Underwriters Laboratories Mark, which indicates the product has been tested for safety.
The FDNY recommends always following the manufacturer’s charging and storage instructions, never charging the battery under a pillow, bed or couch, and storing batteries away from anything flammable.
Batteries should be kept out of direct sunlight and at room temperature. Additionally, you should always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter designed specifically for the device.
Finally, if a battery gets hot, emits a smell, changes shape or color, leaks or makes noise, the FDNY says you should call 911.
When it comes to disposal of lithium-ion batteries, throwing them in the recycling bin and household waste is strictly prohibited. Instead, the FDNY advises New Yorkers to take them to a battery recycling site or visit nyc.gov/batteries for other disposal instructions.
In July, the New York City Public Housing Authority said it was considering a new rule that would bar tenants and guests from storing e-bikes inside its 177,000 apartments across the city. The move came after a series of fires that were caused by e-bike batteries.
This potential policy change drew backlash from advocates who said it could create challenges for food delivery workers who rely on e-bikes for their jobs and who often store them in their living space.
“At the moment, there is no rule, and therefore no date for implementation; and a determination has not yet been made regarding this new proposed rule while NYCHA works on the next steps,” a NYCHA spokesperson said in a statement. “We are continuing our technical research and meeting with experts and stakeholders to determine the best course of action moving forward. The safety of our residents is our priority and we are working with our partners in the city to ensure safe homes for our residents.”
The City Council’s Committee on Fire and Emergency Management will hold an oversight hearing on October 28 on the fire safety of e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries.
