Mitigating EV Battery Fire Risks in Milton: Preventive Measures and Strategies

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Understanding and Mitigating EV Battery Fire Risks in Milton

Risks Associated with EV Battery Fires in Milton

Flood-Related Risks:
- Hurricane Milton and other storm surges can cause electric vehicles (EVs) to be inundated with saltwater, leading to short-circuits and thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries. This can result in fires that are difficult to extinguish and pose significant risks to both property and human safety.
- The combination of storm surge from the Gulf of Mexico and lithium-ion batteries has proven to be a recipe for disaster, as seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, where numerous fires were reported due to saltwater exposure.
Chemical and Environmental Hazards:
- During an EV fire, more than 100 chemicals, including heavy metals, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen cyanide, are released. These toxins pose significant environmental and health risks to firefighters and the community.
- The fires can take hours to control, prolonging exposure to harmful substances and increasing the risk of secondary fires.

Preventive Measures

Pre-Incident Planning:
- Modify or establish department policies or standard response guidelines for EV fires. Include guidelines for limited interaction and when crews should allow the vehicle to burn.
- Train firefighters on department policies and perform practical scenarios to support the response plan.
Vehicle Storage and Maintenance:
- EV owners should maintain their vehicle's battery at 100% state of charge if they plan to evacuate. However, they should avoid relying on charging stations along evacuation routes, which may experience long lines or power outages.
- Store EVs outside flood-prone areas and at least 50 feet away from structures or other vehicles. Do not leave the EV plugged into a charger and maintain the battery at less than 30% state of charge if leaving the vehicle behind.

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Post-Incident Safety:
- After a storm, never try to drive or charge a vehicle that has been submerged in floodwaters. Properly dispose of any lithium-ion batteries exposed to floodwaters by contacting local government for safe disposal locations.
- Brief towing companies and their personnel on the hazards, including providing a 50-foot clear space around the vehicle once stored and never inside a building.

Mitigation Strategies

Firefighting Tactics:
- Use water as the primary extinguishing medium for EV fires, as it effectively cools the battery and suppresses the fire.
- Secure a large, continuous, and sustainable water supply from fire hydrants or water tenders (3,000-8,000 gallons) to manage extended operations.
- Use thermal imaging cameras to assist with size-up and monitor the battery’s heat or possible secondary ignition.

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Public Awareness and Education:
- Educate the public on the risks associated with EVs during hurricanes and the importance of moving vehicles to higher ground before a storm hits.
- Conduct regular drills and simulations to prepare emergency responders for EV fires, ensuring they are familiar with the best practices for managing these incidents.
Technological Advancements:
- Invest in research and development of effective thermal management systems (TMS) for batteries to mitigate thermal runaway.
- Explore advancements in battery design that include better insulation and moisture seals to prevent saltwater from causing short circuits.

By implementing these preventive measures and mitigation strategies, Milton can significantly reduce the risks associated with EV battery fires during hurricanes and other flood-related events.

Mitigating EV Battery Fire Risks in Milton: Preventive Measures and Strategies

Preview

Understanding and Mitigating EV Battery Fire Risks in Milton

Risks Associated with EV Battery Fires in Milton

Flood-Related Risks:
- Hurricane Milton and other storm surges can cause electric vehicles (EVs) to be inundated with saltwater, leading to short-circuits and thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries. This can result in fires that are difficult to extinguish and pose significant risks to both property and human safety.
- The combination of storm surge from the Gulf of Mexico and lithium-ion batteries has proven to be a recipe for disaster, as seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, where numerous fires were reported due to saltwater exposure.
Chemical and Environmental Hazards:
- During an EV fire, more than 100 chemicals, including heavy metals, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen cyanide, are released. These toxins pose significant environmental and health risks to firefighters and the community.
- The fires can take hours to control, prolonging exposure to harmful substances and increasing the risk of secondary fires.

Preventive Measures

Pre-Incident Planning:
- Modify or establish department policies or standard response guidelines for EV fires. Include guidelines for limited interaction and when crews should allow the vehicle to burn.
- Train firefighters on department policies and perform practical scenarios to support the response plan.
Vehicle Storage and Maintenance:
- EV owners should maintain their vehicle's battery at 100% state of charge if they plan to evacuate. However, they should avoid relying on charging stations along evacuation routes, which may experience long lines or power outages.
- Store EVs outside flood-prone areas and at least 50 feet away from structures or other vehicles. Do not leave the EV plugged into a charger and maintain the battery at less than 30% state of charge if leaving the vehicle behind.

Preview

Post-Incident Safety:
- After a storm, never try to drive or charge a vehicle that has been submerged in floodwaters. Properly dispose of any lithium-ion batteries exposed to floodwaters by contacting local government for safe disposal locations.
- Brief towing companies and their personnel on the hazards, including providing a 50-foot clear space around the vehicle once stored and never inside a building.

Mitigation Strategies

Firefighting Tactics:
- Use water as the primary extinguishing medium for EV fires, as it effectively cools the battery and suppresses the fire.
- Secure a large, continuous, and sustainable water supply from fire hydrants or water tenders (3,000-8,000 gallons) to manage extended operations.
- Use thermal imaging cameras to assist with size-up and monitor the battery’s heat or possible secondary ignition.

Preview

Public Awareness and Education:
- Educate the public on the risks associated with EVs during hurricanes and the importance of moving vehicles to higher ground before a storm hits.
- Conduct regular drills and simulations to prepare emergency responders for EV fires, ensuring they are familiar with the best practices for managing these incidents.
Technological Advancements:
- Invest in research and development of effective thermal management systems (TMS) for batteries to mitigate thermal runaway.
- Explore advancements in battery design that include better insulation and moisture seals to prevent saltwater from causing short circuits.

By implementing these preventive measures and mitigation strategies, Milton can significantly reduce the risks associated with EV battery fires during hurricanes and other flood-related events.