For Immediate Release: Friday, June 14, 2024
Contact: Office of Communications, Communications@MyFloridaCFO.com, 850.413.2842

**CONSUMER ALERT**
CFO Jimmy Patronis: Beware of Fire Dangers of Lithium Battery Powered Tools this Father’s Day

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is warning Floridians of the potential fire dangers associated with aftermarket lithium-ion powered batteries ahead of Father’s Day. There are many aftermarket and even counterfeit batteries on store shelves or online that may seem like a bargain, but purchasing one of these batteries could result in poor performance, shorter tool life, and may even pose serious fire dangers.

CFO & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “When searching for gifts for dad this year, beware of the dangers of purchasing aftermarket lithium-ion powered batteries for power tools or other battery powered devices. Original manufactured batteries have undergone rigorous testing and are far more reliable than knock-off alternatives. We’ve already seen firsthand the devastation that can come from lithium-ion battery fires and there has been a spike in scammers who have attempted to sell unauthorized replica batteries online with packaging that mirrors that of popular and reputable power tool brands. A bad lithium battery could pose a serious fire hazard so make sure you do your research before your Father’s Day gift goes up in flames.”

Tips to Consider Before Purchasing Power Tool Batteries

• Do your research. Always purchase batteries from trusted sources. Many manufacturers sell directly from their websites or provide a list of trusted vendors.
• Avoid third-party battery purchases. Although many batteries from these sellers may appear to be legitimate original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products, they are unlikely to be trustworthy.
• Don’t fall for deep discounts. It is good practice to compare prices before purchasing. However, batteries sold at significantly lower-than-average prices are likely counterfeit.
• Always avoid batteries that:
• are not properly packaged.
• have misprinted or misspelled labels.
• have labels that peel off.
• do not have official manufacturer batch numbers.

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