TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is warning Floridians about the danger posed by electric vehicles (EVs) and other lithium ion powered devices during storm surges.
Before landfall, forecasters say Idalia’s storm surge – when a storm’s winds push the ocean onshore – could force water to rise up to 15 feet in parts of northern Florida. The surge may include large and dangerous waves, according to the National Hurricane Center.
“We saw a number of fires associated with EVs from Hurricane Ian,” CFO Patronis said. “We know that the saltwater from storm surge can compromise these batteries, causing fires which cannot be easily suppressed.”
Patronis said leaving EVs and other battery powered devices like scooters and golf carts on your property or in your garage could create a fire threat to your home. Patronis recommends moving EVs to higher ground even if the risk of storm surge is small in your area.
Visit the Florida CFOs website for more information on how you can avoid EV battery fires during and after Hurricane Idalia.
