**FIRE SAFETY ALERT**
CFO & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Calls on EV Manufacturers to Take Steps to Protect Lives for Milton

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —  Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis issued a warning to residents and first responders about an alarming fire hazard with Lithium-ion batteries, Electric Vehicles (EV), as well as hybrid and fuel cell vehicles in preparation of Hurricane Milton, now a Category 5 storm. The CFO's Division of State Fire Marshal has confirmed 48 lithium-ion battery fires related to storm surge from Hurricane Helene, with 11 of those fires associated with EVs. Consumer items containing lithium-ion batteries include cars, scooters, hover boards, golf carts or children's toys. The CFO also called on EV manufacturers to be pro-active by alerting consumers to place their EVs to higher ground. Finally, the CFO provided tips on Lithium-Ion Battery safety and how to prepare similar devices in areas prone to storm surge flooding.

CFO & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, "In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we have seen nearly 50 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries with 11 of those fires being caused by EVs. Floridians living on the coastline who own EVs are at risk of those EVs being inundated with saltwater storm surge which presents a dangerous fire threat to Florida families and their homes. If you have one of these vehicles including cars, scooters, hover boards, golf carts or children's toys that have been compromised by flooding, please unplug the vehicle or device, and move it safely away from your home or apartment into a clear open space. If a vehicle needs to be towed, contact a reputable tow company in your area to safely remove it from your property. EVs and lithium-battery powered devices cannot be disposed of in a typical car lot or trash bin, so you will also want to contact your local government on the best locations for safe disposal.

"As Hurricane Milton approaches, I am calling on EV manufactures across the country to take pro-active measures by notifying customers in storm surge areas to relocate their vehicles. As I’ve stated before, these compromised vehicles and devices are ticking time bombs, and my office will continue to coordinate with federal, state, and local officials to ensure consumers and first responders are aware of these fire hazards following Hurricane Milton. In the meantime, please take heed of the tips below and ensure that you place your EV at a high level in a parking garage or at a higher elevation that possesses a minor risk of flooding. After the storm, if you do have an EV that has been flooded by saltwater and it remains in your garage or near your home, please remove it immediately to a safe location so that you can worry about fixing your home, instead of rebuilding it due to fire."

Follow these fire safety tips if your EV, hybrid, or alternative fuel vehicle is flooded during Hurricane Milton:

• Leave all windows and/or doors open to allow any potentially flammable gases to vent from the passenger compartment.
• If the vehicle is being stored indoors, and can be moved, move it outside into an open-air location. If it cannot be moved, try to keep the storage area open and vented.
• Unplug and do not attempt to charge the vehicle.
• Disable the vehicle by chocking the wheels, placing the gearshift in park, and removing the ignition key and/or disconnecting the 12V battery.
• Avoid contact with the HV battery especially if a vehicle is showing signs of a damaged or overheating HV battery.
• Follow manufacturers recommendations for your specific vehicle. 

 Additional Resources and Fire Safety Guidance:

• Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Guide - National Fire Protection Association
• Electric Vehicle Owner/General Public Safety Guide - U.S. Department of Transportation - Interim Guidance for Electric and Hybrid-Electric Vehicles Equipped With High-Voltage Batteries 
• Towing & Recovery Operators and Vehicle Storage Facilities Safety Guide - U.S. Department of Transportation - Interim Guidance for Electric and Hybrid-Electric Vehicles Equipped With High-Voltage Batteries

###

About CFO Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and X (@FLDFS).