在100余年来首次遭遇大型飓风直接打击的佛罗里达州Tampa湾地区，Tampa市市长Jane Castor在当地时间周三的新闻发布会上提醒居民，该市的车库仍处于开放状态，敦促电动汽车的车主充分利用车库的上层，避免洪水和火灾的风险。Castor建议车主：Florida officials warn that electric cars submerged in floods pose a risk of causing fires, 'because once these batteries catch fire, they cannot be extinguished.' The state fire department has confirmed that the previous Hurricane Helene caused 48 lithium-ion battery fires, 11 of which were related to electric cars.
Hurricane Milton not only forced the evacuation of 6 million residents, threatened the value of 30 billion US municipal bonds and even the GDP growth of the USA, but also made electric cars in the affected areas a potential source of fire risk.
On Wednesday, October 9th, local time, Hurricane Milton began to hit the southern state of Florida in the USA. State officials warned that flood-submerged electric vehicles could pose a fire hazard.
In the Tampa Bay area of Florida, which is directly hit by a major hurricane for the first time in over 100 years, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor reminded residents at a local press conference on Wednesday to utilize the upper levels of the city's garages to avoid the risk of flood and fire. Castor advised car owners, "You can place electric vehicles at a higher location. Make sure to place all batteries and electronics at a high level, as once these batteries catch fire, they cannot be extinguished."
"You can place electric vehicles at a higher location. Make sure to place all batteries and electronics at a high level, as once these batteries catch fire, they cannot be extinguished."
Castor also mentioned that two weeks ago, Hurricane Helene hit Florida, causing some houses in the state to be destroyed because sea water flooded electric cars, causing fires.
Before Hurricane Helene arrived, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida warned residents of the state about the risk of floods and fires caused by electric vehicles, as batteries coming into contact with saltwater can short circuit, triggering a chain reaction of thermal runaway, releasing heat energy from the batteries, leading to fires.
In response to Hurricane Milton, the transportation department of Tampa city pointed out that all parking lots in the city have waived fees to encourage more users of electric vehicles to fully utilize ground parking spaces. A notice sent to residents stated, "During Hurricane Helene, at least two house fires were caused by electric vehicle batteries coming into contact with flood water."
On Monday of this week, Florida's Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis called on electric auto manufacturers to take measures to protect lives during the onslaught of Hurricane Milton.
The Florida Fire Department mentioned in a fire safety alert issued to residents of the state that, according to the State Fire Marshal's Office, '48 lithium-ion battery fires have been caused by Hurricane Helene's storm surge, 11 of which are related to electric autos'. The State Fire Department also urged electric auto manufacturers to proactively take measures and reminded consumers to park electric autos in higher ground.
Patronis stated that if vehicle owners need to tow their vehicles, 'please contact a reputable towing company in your area to safely remove it from your property. Electric autos and lithium battery power equipment should not be left in ordinary parking lots or trash bins, so you also need to contact local authorities to find out the best safe disposal location.'
Patronis also urged electric auto manufacturers in the usa to proactively inform customers of such risks, saying 'these damaged vehicles and equipment are time bombs', urging vehicle owners that after the hurricane passes, if electric autos are submerged in seawater and still remain in the garage or near home, please move them to a safe location immediately, otherwise there may be house reconstruction due to fires.'
In response to vehicle owners who have encountered or may encounter flooding events, Tesla has published guidelines on its official website, recommending that before potential 'submersion events' occur, move electric autos to higher ground. If there are signs of 'fire, smoke, audible explosion/hissing noises, or heating' coming from the vehicle, please leave immediately and contact emergency personnel. Even without these signs, vehicle owners should call insurance companies if vehicle batteries are submerged in water for a safety inspection. For Tesla owners, Tesla Service Centers will provide inspections, and Tesla Roadside Assistance can tow vehicles to a safe distance of 50 feet from any buildings or other vehicles.
