Courtesy of The Fire Department of New York City (FDNY)
Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have increased dramatically in New York City with deadly consequences.
These rechargeable batteries are found in electric bikes, scooters, cars, laptops, tablets, phones, and common household devices.
Lithium-ion battery fires have caused deaths, serious injuries, and devastating damage to property around the city.
(If using a lithium-ion battery, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage. Always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter for the device. If a battery overheats, discontinue use immediately. Courtesy of FDNY and YouTube.)
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Charge Safe, Ride Safe: NYC’s Electric Micromobility Action Plan (PDF)
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Lithium-Ion Safety Booklet (PDF) | Other languages inside: Español, اللغة العربية, বাংলা, 中文, Français, Kreyòl Ayisyen, 한국어, Polski, Русский, אידיש ,اردو.
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Safety Tips for Devices with Lithium-Ion Batteries Flyer (PDF) | Other languages: Español, اللغة العربية, 中文, Français, Kreyòl Ayisyen, 한국어, Русский.
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Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries (PDF)
(The FDNY urges the public to examine their micro-mobility devices and batteries for damage, to see if they are certified, and to conduct other safety checks. “It is quickly becoming one of the leading causes of fire this year. And we want to emphasize again, these fires are extremely dangerous. They create a large volume of fire very quickly and present significant threats to New Yorkers who are trying to get out of their homes and to our Members as they respond to these calls,” said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. Courtesy of FDNY and YouTube.)
Report Improper Storage, Charging or Disposal
You can report improper storage, charging, or disposal of lithium-ion batteries, which will be will be referred to the appropriate Fire Prevention Unit.
FDNY will review the report and possibly inspect the location by the next business day. You will get a response within 12 hours of submitting your report.
(Lithium-ion batteries that have been tampered with are INCREDIBLY dangerous. The one captured in this surveillance video was illegally discarded and found by a resident on a Brooklyn street. It spontaneously exploded. It was NOT plugged in or recently charged. It burned for nearly 10 minutes while continuously exploding. Flaming debris spread. Attempts to extinguish the fire were unsuccessful. This is an FDNY Public Service Announcement (PSA). Courtesy of the FDNY and YouTube.)
Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) to report the problem.
Battery Recycling
It is illegal to put rechargeable batteries in your trash or recycling. This includes batteries from laptops, cell phones, and digital cameras. Batteries can catch fire and even explode.
Improper disposal can lead to serious property damage, injury, and even death. Keep yourself and others safe by following battery disposal guidelines.
(Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have steadily increased in NYC, causing destruction, injuries, and even death. Here are some important things to remember when using devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. Courtesy of FDNY and YouTube.)
Lithium-Ion Battery PSAs
Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries
(On November 15, 2023, the FDNY hosted a live burn and demonstration to illustrate the dangers of lithium-ion batteries. During the event, the batteries exploded and released toxic gases, quickly burning out of control. The FDNY triggered the e-bike battery to fail to demonstrate the immediate danger and volume of fire when these batteries aren’t handled properly. Courtesy of FDNY and YouTube.)
Another Lithium-Ion Disaster
(Learn more. Courtesy of FDNY and Vimeo.)
Originally posted by FDNY here. Thank you for your continued efforts!
The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is the largest in the United States. FDNY is universally recognized as the world’s busiest and most highly skilled emergency response agency.
The Department’s main goal is to provide fire protection, emergency medical care, and other critical public safety services to residents and visitors in the five boroughs.
Since its inception in 1865, FDNY has helped lead efforts to make New York the safest big city in the nation.
This accomplishment requires a steadfast daily commitment to maintaining the Department’s core values.
To that end, FDNY members are sworn to serve and protect life and property.
FDNY not only responds to more than a million emergencies every year, its personnel also strive to prevent them by continually educating the public in fire, life safety, and disaster preparedness, along with enforcing public safety codes.
To learn more, please visit www.nyc.gov/site/fdny/.
New York Fire Services Win BIG in the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Excellence in Public Safety Awards
American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards, the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, now in its Eighth Year, recognizes industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.
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Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response
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The Firefighter Cancer Awareness & Contamination Reduction Program
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The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control – under the New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services – Introduced this major initiative to help protect its staff, New York State’s firefighters, and their families from the occupational threat of cancer.
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The initiative combines awareness and education about the cancer threat with actions and policies that help to reduce the threat.
Also recognized in the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program:
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Tim Graves, Fire Protection Specialist at NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control, NYS DHS ES, for his commitment to educating firefighters about their risk of occupational cancer.
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Fire Protection Specialist Graves has been instrumental in establishing the policies and legislation for New York State.
FDNY Honored for Third Consecutive Year in Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program
FDNY Bureau of Training Learning Technologies Unit
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Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response
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The FDNY Bureau of Training Learning Technologies Unit epitomizes the flexibility and forward-thinking needed to succeed in today’s rapidly changing emergency service environment.
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The Learning Technologies unit is responsible for maintaining and developing many learning and technology initiatives for all 17,000 members of the FDNY.
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As the FDNY adapted during COVID, this unit was responsible for continuing training when all in-person training was shut down.
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The unit’s ability to reach its members and ensure that learning and education continue is vital for the fire service.
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Simply stated, life and death situations are often defined by the responding firefighters’ training level.
Additionally, Recognized in the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program:
Chief of the FDNY Fire Academy Charles R. Downey
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Chief Chuck Downey of the Fire Academy for the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY).
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Chief Downey is a 32-year veteran of the Department and oversees training for probationary firefighters, in-service refresher training for active firefighters, and all operations at the FDNY Training Academy on Randall’s Island, and is a member of New York Task Force 1, part of the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Response System.
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Chief Downey joined the FDNY in 1990 and has been cited twice for bravery. His father, Deputy Chief Raymond Downey, a U.S. Marine (Rtd), had a 39½-year career and was the Chief in Charge of Special Operations Command when he made the Supreme Sacrifice at the World Trade Center on September 11.
FDNY Captain Jerry Perillo
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Captain Jerry Perillo of the FDNY Bureau of Training Learning Technologies Unit. Captain Jerald Perillo has served with the FDNY since 2001 and is assigned to Training as Unit Head of Learning Technologies and previously assigned to Ladder 3 and 31.
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Captain Perillo holds a B.S. in Economics from St. John’s University and an A.S. in Nursing. Captain Perillo also Supervises Fire Academy Production and Remote Tactical Training.
FDNY Lieutenant Thomas Bendick
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Lieutenant Thomas Bendick of the FDNY Bureau of Training Learning Technologies Unit. Lieutenant Bendick has 24 years of service, and his prior assignments include Engine 66 and 65 and FDNY EMS.
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Lieutenant Bendick’s background includes Communications and Media for local TV. He currently supervises all aspects of technology related to training, including the Remote Tactical Training Unit and Fire Academy Production Unit.
FDNY Firefighter Joshua Raeben
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Firefighter Joshua Raeben of the Bureau of Training Learning Technologies Unit has served the FDNY since 2014. He is assigned to the Bureau of Training and was previously assigned to Ladder 34.
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Firefighter Raeben holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Management and Technology from Syracuse University and a Master of Science in Crisis, Emergency, and Risk Management from George Washington University. His background includes over a decade of IT experience in diverse corporate settings.
FDNY Honored in 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Excellence in Public Safety Awards Program
Additionally, Recognized in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program:
FDNY Chief Richard Blatus
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Chief Richard Blatus, a 42+ year member of the FDNY, previously serving as the Acting Chief of Fire Operations with direct oversight of the daily operational and administrative duties of uniformed fire personnel, was honored for his Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response, through his lifetime of service to the City of New York.
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A strong proponent of training, Chief Blatusis a published author and has lectured nationally on topics ranging from homeland security to leadership and emergency management training.
FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin
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Chief Joseph Jardin, who formerly served as the Chief of Fire Prevention and FDNY’s Chief of Safety, was honored for Excellence in Public Safety for his unwavering efforts in Fire Prevention in NYC.
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With more than 35 years of service with the FDNY, much of Joe’s career was spent in Rescue Operations – Firefighter – Rescue Co. 2, Lieutenant – Squad 252, Captain in Rescue Operations, and Battalion Chief in the Rescue Battalion.
FDNY Chief Frank Leeb
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Chief Frank Leeb, a Deputy Assistant Chief in the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), serves as the acting chief of training and has been a member of the FDNY since 1992 and the East Farmingdale Fire Department since 1983 (Long Island, NY).
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Chief Leeb is a frequent author and speaker on several fire service topics, most notably cancer in the fire service, and is the author of the new bestseller ‘Cornerstones of Leadership: On and Off the Fireground: Training – Teamwork – Mentorship.”
FDNY Honored in 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Excellence in Public Safety Awards Program
Thomas Richardson, FDNY Chief of Department
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Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Chief of Department Thomas J. Richardson is a 40-year veteran and true servant leader who served tirelessly as a Battalion Chief in the aftermath of 9/11. After having lost 343 of his colleagues, Chief Richardson never sounded retreat or surrender to those who tried to harm our Country.
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Chief Richardson retired after 41 years on the job, with FDNY brass, city officials, firefighters, and the chief’s friends joining him for a walkout ceremony on Wednesday, January 12, 2022.
Richard Blatus, FDNY Assistant Chief of Operations
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Assistant Chief of Operations Richard Blatus, is also a 40-year Department veteran who served as a Battalion Chief in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
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Chief Blatus (now retired), continues to lead, inspire, and mentor firefighters.
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He is a strong proponent of training who lectures on the regional and national levels, and Chief Blatus holds a master’s degree in homeland security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, as well as degrees in both fire and business administration.
The 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by Platinum Event Sponsor: NEC National Security Systems (NSS)
And Our RETURNING Premier Sponsors:
ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America,
Guard Dog AI, IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, SIMS Software, and American Security Today!
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old-school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace and brings forward a fresh, compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorials that provide solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches Private and public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from the Government at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as from private firms allied to the government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants and Dams, Bridges and Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting and Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools and Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Be On the LookOut for the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2023 ‘A Year in Review.’
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition reviews ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.
It will serve as your Go-To Source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2023 Products and Services’ endorsed by American Security Today and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware, and Networking Security – to name a few), the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION will have WHAT YOU NEED to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It will also include featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders and recognized firms in the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2024 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
