Page 14 - The Indian EYE 081624

COMMUNITY OP-ED AUGUST 16, 2024 | The Indian Eye 14

We are working very hard for protecting

New Yorkers from Unsafe Batteries

Approximately 59 percent of last year’s fires started without these faulty batteries even being
plugged in — every New Yorker should be aware of this danger

ERIC ADAMS

ew York is the safest big city
in America, and we are work-
Ning hard every day to keep
New Yorkers safe from all kinds of
dangers — including those posed by
lithium-ion battery fires.
While the rise of battery-pow-
ered mobility devices has had many
positive effects, too many of these
devices contain uncertified lithi- The Department of Transportation will also be launching America’s first municipal trade-in pilot program, which will help get unsafe e-bikes,
um-ion batteries that do not meet
safety standards. Many people are e-scooters, and batteries off our streets (File/Agency photo)
storing these faulty batteries in their
homes and in some cases, businesses well, signing key legislation that will These charging stations will pro- by these devices, even if they are just
are charging hundreds of batteries protect New Yorkers from the dan- vide an alternative to risky charging being stored improperly. We need
at once, leading to explosions, fires, gers of unsafe batteries. sites that block exits, and every one all New Yorkers to know that uncer-
and death. The result? A significant drop of them will be thoroughly inspected tified means unsafe, no matter what.
Since 2019, these batteries have in lithium-ion battery related deaths and approved by the FDNY, the De- Approximately 59 percent of
started more than 700 fires, killing 29 this year. In 2023, there were 18 partment of Transportation, and the last year’s fires started without these
of our fellow New Yorkers, injuring deaths related to lithium-ion battery Department of Buildings. faulty batteries even being plugged
nearly 450 more, and causing tens fires; this year, there has been only The Department of Transporta- in — every New Yorker should be
of millions of dollars in damage. In one so far — still one too many, but tion will also be launching America’s aware of this danger. Just as you
addition, these fires are increasing an important step in the right direc- first municipal trade-in pilot program, wouldn’t store gasoline in your home
the risks faced by our brave FDNY tion and proof that our education which will help get unsafe e-bikes, or bedroom, no one should be keep-
members, who often have to battle and prevention efforts are working. e-scooters, and batteries off our ing these devices in their living spac-
dangerous conditions and toxic gases Now, we are taking another leap streets and replace them with certified, es, either.
when they respond to these fires. forward with the launch of the New high-quality devices and batteries. E-bikes and e-scooters are here
Unsafe lithium-ion batteries are York City Safe Charging Accelerator, In addition, we are working to to stay, and there are clear benefits
a clear and present danger to our city, a groundbreaking new effort to help create the Department of Sustainable to using these low-cost, low-carbon
and our administration is doing ev- make safe charging accessible to all Delivery, a first-in-the-nation entity forms of micromobility. But these
erything we can to address this crisis. New Yorkers. which will regulate new forms of de- benefits must go hand-in-hand with
Working with the FDNY and Com- We’re going to make it easier — livery transit and ensure their safety. updated safety efforts and aggressive
missioner Laura Kavanagh, we have and faster — for property owners to Finally, we are continuing our enforcement. Working together, we
supercharged our safety efforts, step- install public battery charging stations public awareness campaign to in- will ensure New York City is again
ping up enforcement against high- on our city’s sidewalks. These stations form New Yorkers about the dan- leading the way and getting battery
risk charging “hot spots” and ban- will allow for safe battery charging gers of unsafe batteries by investing safety done right as we protect New
ning the sale of uncertified e-vehicles and swapping, increasing compli- an additional $1 million in the FD- Yorkers’ lives.
and refurbished batteries. Governor ance with safety regulations, and NY’s public education campaign. We Eric Adams is the Mayor of
Hochul has been a great partner as protecting the lives of New Yorkers. must underscore the danger posed New York City, NY

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