ORLANDO, Fla. — Electric vehicles can catch fire if they are inundated by saltwater, so owners who live in the path of a major storm like Hurricane Helene should take precautions and prepare for the possibility that they’ll be unable to charge their cars during a power outage.
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What can EV owners do?
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged EV owners this week to get their vehicles to higher ground before Hurricane Helene arrived. Although the problem is rare, there have been a number of instances in recent years of electric vehicles igniting after hurricanes.
Keeping electric vehicles out of standing water is the best way to avoid the possibility of a fire.
Tesla offers similar advice about avoiding letting its vehicles become submerged if at all possible, but if that does happen the carmaker suggests towing the vehicle at least 50 feet away from structures or anything combustible until it can be inspected by a mechanic.
Read: How to help those affected by Hurricane Helene
The best way to get through a power outage is to follow the same kind of advice your dad may have given you about keeping your gas tank full to make sure you wouldn’t be stranded. Keeping your electric vehicle charged offers the most flexibility.
Of course, electric vehicle owners won’t be able to charge their cars during a power outage, so they may need to watch how much they drive. But EVs aren’t any worse off than conventional vehicles because gas stations can’t pump fuel in a power outage either.
Read: Hurricane Helene recovery: How you can help
Helene damage from Chopper 9 Skyzoom
Chopper Nine's views of Hurricane Helene aftermath
Chopper Nine Riverside Dr damage
Cowans Ford Dam after Hurricane Helene
Photos: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock devastated after Helene Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock area on the evening of Sept. 27, 2024
Photos: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock devastated after Helene Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock area on the evening of Sept. 27, 2024
Photos: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock devastated after Helene Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock area on the evening of Sept. 27, 2024
Photos: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock devastated after Helene Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock area on the evening of Sept. 27, 2024
Photos: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock devastated after Helene Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock area on the evening of Sept. 27, 2024
Photos: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock devastated after Helene Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock area on the evening of Sept. 27, 2024
Photos: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock devastated after Helene Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock area on the evening of Sept. 27, 2024
Photos: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock devastated after Helene Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock area on the evening of Sept. 27, 2024
Photos: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock devastated after Helene Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock area on the evening of Sept. 27, 2024
Photos: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock devastated after Helene Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock area on the evening of Sept. 27, 2024
Photos: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock devastated after Helene Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock area on the evening of Sept. 27, 2024
Photos: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock devastated after Helene Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock area on the evening of Sept. 27, 2024
Photos: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock devastated after Helene Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock area on the evening of Sept. 27, 2024
Photos: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock devastated after Helene Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock area on the evening of Sept. 27, 2024
Photos: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock devastated after Helene Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock area on the evening of Sept. 27, 2024
Photos: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock devastated after Helene Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock area on the evening of Sept. 27, 2024
TRACKING: Flood waters continue to rise after Helene moved out
flooding along the Catawba River (WSOC)
flooding along the Catawba River (WSOC)
flooding along the Catawba River (WSOC)
flooding along the Catawba River (WSOC)
flooding along the Catawba River (WSOC)
flooding along the Catawba River (WSOC)
flooding along the Catawba River (WSOC)
flooding along the Catawba River (WSOC)
flooding along the Catawba River (WSOC)
flooding along the Catawba River (WSOC)
flooding along the Catawba River (WSOC)
flooding along the Catawba River (WSOC)
flooding along the Catawba River (WSOC)
flooding along the Catawba River (WSOC)
Mountain Island Dam (WSOC)
Mountain Island Dam (WSOC)
Mountain Island Dam (WSOC)
Tropical Weather Crews work to clean up the tons of sand and debris pushed onto Gulf Boulevard from Hurricane Helene storm surge, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Madeira Beach, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Tropical Weather The sun shines through a hole in a building after storm surge from Hurricane Helene sent tons of sand into homes, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Madeira Beach, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Tropical Weather A home completely destroyed by fire due to Hurricane Helene is pictured on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Madeira Beach, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Tropical Weather This aerial drone view shows damaged homes and a vehicle collapsed into water after storm surge from Hurricane Helene, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Madeira Beach, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Tropical Weather A vehicle sits outside of its garage after storm surge from Hurricane Helene, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Madeira Beach, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Tropical Weather A passerby checks the water depth of a flooded road, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Morganton, N.C. Torrential rain from Hurricane Helene left many area streets flooded. In addition, traffic lights are inoperable due to no power, with downed power lines and trees. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek) (Kathy Kmonicek/AP)
Tropical Weather An uprooted tree landed on a pickup truck in front of a home on East Main Street after Hurricane Helene, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Glen Alpine, N.C. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek) (Kathy Kmonicek/AP)
Tropical Weather A barrier blocks a flooded Carbon City Road due to the torrential rain from Hurricane Helene , Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 in downtown Morganton, N.C. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek) (Kathy Kmonicek/AP)
Tropical Weather The Riverside RV park was flooded from the overflowing Catawba River after torrential rain from Hurricane Helene, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Morganton, N.C. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek) (Kathy Kmonicek/AP)
Tropical Weather A stop sign can be barely seen above a flooded parking lot after torrential rain from Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Morganton, N.C. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek) (Kathy Kmonicek/AP)
Tropical Weather Daniel Dickert plants an American flag on his property were his boat shed was destroyed and his home damaged in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Jena, Fla., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert/AP)
Tropical Weather Workers clean and gut a property that was flooded from the storm surge, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Steinhatchee, Fla., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert/AP)
Tropical Weather An aerial view of flood damage along the Pigeon River left by Hurricane Helene, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Newport, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) (George Walker IV/AP)
Tropical Weather An aerial view of flood damage left by Hurricane Helene along the Nolichucky River, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Greene County, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) (George Walker IV/AP)
Tropical Weather Residents discard items from their homes which filled with floodwaters from Hurricane Helene in the Shore Acres neighborhood on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Tropical Weather An aerial view of flood-damaged Unicoi County Hospital in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Erwin, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) (George Walker IV/AP)
Tropical Weather Pam Keen cleans up after their house took on water and piles of seaweed from the storm surge, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Steinhatchee, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert/AP)
Tropical Weather An aerial view of flood damage along the Pigeon River left by Hurricane Helene, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Newport, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) (George Walker IV/AP)
Tropical Weather An aerial view a damaged bridge and flooding in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is seen along the Nolichucky River, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Greene County, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) (George Walker IV/AP)
NewsChopper 2 flies over areas flooded from Helene This is the view from NewsChopper 2 on Saturday a day after Tropical Storm Helene caused significant flooding across metro Atlanta.
NewsChopper 2 flies over areas flooded from Helene This is the view from NewsChopper 2 on Saturday a day after Tropical Storm Helene caused significant flooding across metro Atlanta.
NewsChopper 2 flies over areas flooded from Helene This is the view from NewsChopper 2 on Saturday a day after Tropical Storm Helene caused significant flooding across metro Atlanta.
Tropical Weather Frankie Johnson, left, talks with fellow resident Charlene Huggins, whose home was destroyed, amid the destruction in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Horseshoe Beach, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert/AP)
Tropical Weather Frankie Johnson, left, and her husband, Mark Johnson, talk with fellow resident Charlene Huggins, right, amid the destruction in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Horseshoe Beach, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert/AP)
Tropical Weather An American flag flies over the destroyed city hall in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Horseshoe Beach, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Stephen Smith) (Stephen Smith/AP)
How common are EV fires after flooding?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been researching this problem since it was first seen after Hurricane Sandy struck the Northeast in 2012. But no one seems to have detailed statistics on just how often this happens.
Two years ago, Hurricane Ian compromised the batteries of as may as 5,000 electric vehicles, and 36 of them caught fire.
Several more electric vehicles caught fire in Florida last year after Hurricane Idalia, although that storm was weaker than Ian. Researchers at NHTSA speculated that it may have also helped that more people were aware of the problem and moved their vehicles to higher ground before that storm.
Read: Central Florida first responders deploy to help those hit by Helene
But it happens often enough that Florida officials were worried about the possibility before Hurricane Helene arrived because they were expecting a potentially devastating storm surge up to 20 feet deep in the northwestern part of Florida.
These fires do seem to be linked specifically to saltwater because salt can conduct electricity. Similar problems haven’t been reported after freshwater flooding in California that was driven by heavy rains early this year.
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)
Florida deputies rescue man trapped inside home by Hurricane Helene floodwaters
Storm aftermath James Wilder, 55, of New Port Richey, Fla., walks along a flooded street from Hurricane Helene at Green Key Road near US 19 Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in New Port Richey. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Storm aftermath A boat rests on a street after being relocated during flooding caused by Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Hudson, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Storm aftermath Chase Allbritton flies a drone near downed trees in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Perry, Fla., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert/AP)
Storm aftermath Ronda Bell looks on after an Oak tree landed on her 100-year-old home after Hurricane Helene moved through, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Storm aftermath An airboat transports residents rescued from floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Storm aftermath A damaged 100-year-old home is seen after an Oak tree landed on it after Hurricane Helene moved through the area Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Storm aftermath Vehicles move slowly around trees that have fallen after of Hurricane Helene moved through the area, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Storm aftermath Staff of the Inn On The Gulf clean up after their restaurant flooded with surge from Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Hudson, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Storm aftermath Debris cover the street in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene at Harbor Lights Club mobile home park in Pinellas County, Fla., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (Tampa Bay Times via AP) (AP)
Storm aftermath People and pets are rescued from flooded neighborhoods in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Storm aftermath A boat rests on a street after being relocated during flooding caused by Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Hudson, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Storm aftermath Suzanne Whelehar holds hands with Nancy Parker, as they assess the damage that Hurricane Helene wrought on Parker's home at Harbor Lights Club mobile home park in Pinellas County, Fla., on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (Tampa Bay Times via AP) (AP)
Storm aftermath People make their way to safety in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Storm aftermath Clarissa Lucky gives a tour of her home that flooded from Hurricane Helene near DeSoto Park, Fla., on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Tampa. (Jefferee Woo/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Jefferee Woo/AP)
Storm aftermath Residents are rescued from floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Storm aftermath A Citrus County Firefigher carries 11-year- old, Michael Cribbins, while conducting rescues from floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Storm aftermath Vehicles move slowly around trees that have fallen after Hurricane Helene moved through the area, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Storm aftermath Staff of the Inn On The Gulf clean up after their restaurant flooded with surge from Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Hudson, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Storm aftermath This photo provided by Lee County Sheriff's office shows floodwaters by Hurricane Helene in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (Lee County Sheriff's Office via AP) (AP)
Storm aftermath Vehicles move slowly around trees that have fallen after Hurricane Helene, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Storm aftermath Faisal Bakkal, an employee of a Marathon gas station, walks away from damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Perry, Fla., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert/AP)
Storm aftermath A man walks out of a street with water flooded from Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in New Port Richey, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Storm aftermath Andrew Lucky, 54, speaks about the water damage to his house caused by a flood from Hurricane Helene near DeSoto Park, Fla., on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Tampa. (Jefferee Woo/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Jefferee Woo/AP)
Storm aftermath Faisal Bakkal, an employee of a Marathon gas station, looks at damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Perry, Fla., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert/AP)
Storm aftermath Members of the Ohio Task Force 1 urban search and rescue team rest after conducting high water rescues from flooding caused by Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Hudson, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Storm aftermath Jamir Lewis wades through floodwaters with his two daughters, Nylah and Aria, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Storm aftermath A damaged 100-year-old home is seen after an Oak tree landed on it after Hurricane Helene moved through the area Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 27: A car is submerged in the floodwaters in the Buckhead neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a category four hurricane, and has brought flooding inland as the storm system moves over Georgia, heading into the Carolinas. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) (Megan Varner/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida STEINHATCHEE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Floodwaters at Steinhatchee Rivergate in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 near Steinhatchee, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall nearby last night as a category four storm but has weakened as it moves inland. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 27: A car is submerged in the floodwaters in the Buckhead neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a category four hurricane, and has brought flooding inland as the storm system moves over Georgia, heading into the Carolinas. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) (Megan Varner/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Floodwaters at the Buckhead neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a category four hurricane, and has brought flooding inland as the storm system moves over Georgia, heading into the Carolinas. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) (Megan Varner/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida STEINHATCHEE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Members of law enforcement use a special vehicle in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 near Steinhatchee, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall nearby last night as a Category four. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 27: A car is submerged in the floodwaters in the Buckhead neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a category four hurricane, and has brought flooding inland as the storm system moves over Georgia, heading into the Carolinas. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) (Megan Varner/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida STEINHATCHEE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Emergency responders share information in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 near Steinhatchee, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall nearby last night as a category four storm but has weakened as it moves inland. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Floodwaters in the Buckhead neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a category four hurricane, and has brought flooding inland as the storm system moves over Georgia, heading into the Carolinas. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) (Megan Varner/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Flood waters inundate the main street after Hurricane Helene passed offshore on September 27, 2024 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Flood waters inundate the main street after Hurricane Helene passed offshore on September 27, 2024 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida STEINHATCHEE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Members of law enforcement use a special vehicle in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 near Steinhatchee, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall nearby last night as a category four storm but has weakened as it moves inland. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
APTOPIX Cuba Tropical Weather A resident leads his pig through a street flooded in the passing of Hurricane Helene, in Batabano, Mayabeque province, Cuba, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) (Ramon Espinosa/AP)
Tropical Weather Vehicles move slowly around trees that have fallen after Hurricane Helene moved through the area, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
APTOPIX Cuba Tropical Weather Residents wade through a street flooded in the passing of Hurricane Helene, in Batabano, Mayabeque province, Cuba, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) (Ramon Espinosa/AP)
APTOPIX Cuba Tropical Weather A woman looks at her dogs sitting on a sofa, as she stands inside her home that was flooded in the passing of Hurricane Helene, in Batabano, Mayabeque province, Cuba, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) (Ramon Espinosa/AP)
Tropical Weather Vehicles move slowly around trees that have fallen after Hurricane Helene, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Tropical Weather This photo provided by Lee County Sheriff's office shows floodwaters by Hurricane Helene in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (Lee County Sheriff's Office via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
Tropical Weather Lee County Sheriff's deputies dispatch a rescue boat to search for people trapped by floodwaters by Hurricane Helene in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (Lee County Sheriff's Office via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
Tropical Weather Vehicles move slowly around trees that have fallen after of Hurricane Helene moved through the area, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Tropical Weather A damaged 100-year-old home is seen after an Oak tree landed on it after Hurricane Helene moved through the area Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Tropical Weather A person looks over a flooded street due to Hurricane Helene late Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in New Port Richey, Fla. (Danielle Molisee via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
APTOPIX Tropical Weather Ronda Bell looks on after an Oak tree landed on her 100-year-old home after Hurricane Helene moved through, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Pictures of the Week Latin America and Caribbean Photo Gallery A man lights charcoal to cook dinner in his flooded home after the passage of Hurricane Helene in Guanimar, Artemisa province, Cuba, Sept. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) (Ramon Espinosa/AP)
Florida crews respond to house fire during flooding from Hurricane Helene
Helene ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 2: A capsized boat washes ashore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Peteersburg Florida. Already a Category 3 storm, Helene was expected to gain further strength before making landfall this evening on Florida’s northwestern coast. Flash flood warnings extend to northern Georgia and western North Carolina. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: A surfer rides a wave kicked up as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 2: People walk in the wind and rain next to Tampa Bay as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Already a Category 3 storm, Helene was expected to gain further strength before making landfall this evening on Florida’s northwestern coast. Flash flood warnings extend to northern Georgia and western North Carolina. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: A road is empty of traffic as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Already a Category 3 storm, Helene was expected to gain further strength before making landfall this evening on Florida’s northwestern coast. Flash flood warnings extend to northern Georgia and western North Carolina. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Tanner Flynn stands in shallow water near crashing waves as Hurricane Helene passes offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Tanner Flynn stands in shallow water near crashing waves as Hurricane Helene passes offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: The Gulf of Mexico's water pushes up against the beach as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Neil (who did not want to provide their last name) visits the beach as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 2: A capsized boat washes ashore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Peteersburg Florida. Already a Category 3 storm, Helene was expected to gain further strength before making landfall this evening on Florida’s northwestern coast. Flash flood warnings extend to northern Georgia and western North Carolina. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: People visit the beach as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Neil (who did not want to provide their last name) visits the beach as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Waves from the Gulf of Mexico crash on shore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene CRAWFORDVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Utility crews repair a line damaged by an outer band of Hurricane Helene on the morning of September 26, 2024 near Crawfordville, Florida. Hurricane Helene is forecasted to make landfall nearby along the gulf coast this evening. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Helene ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: A vehicle is stranded in floodwaters as Hurricane Helene passes offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Already a Category 3 storm, Helene was expected to gain further strength before making landfall this evening on Florida’s northwestern coast. Flash flood warnings extend to northern Georgia and western North Carolina. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Waves from the Gulf of Mexico push up against the shore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: People look out at the waves from the Gulf of Mexico pushing up against the shore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: The Gulf of Mexico water pushes up against the shore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Vehicles drive along a flooded street as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: In this aerial view, vehicles drive through a flooded street as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Water from the Gulf of Mexico floods a road as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Already a Category 3 storm, Helene was expected to gain further strength before making landfall this evening on Florida’s northwestern coast. Flash flood warnings extend to northern Georgia and western North Carolina. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Gov. DeSantis to give update on response after Hurricane Helene slams Florida
Hurricane Helene damage in Florida Tree falls down in Leesburg. Courtesy of FG. (FG /FG)
Hurricane Helene damage in Florida Tree falls down in Pine Hills. Courtesy of Chanda Laird. (Chanda Laird/Chanda Laird)
Hurricane Helene damage in Florida Tree falls down in Pine Hills. Courtesy of Chanda Laird. (Chanda Laird/Chanda Laird)
Hurricane Helene damage in Florida Shed collapses in Winter Haven. Courtesy of Montana. (Montana/Montana)
Hurricane Helene tree falls in Apopka Hurricane Helene tree falls in Apopka. Courtesy of Mathue Brown. (Mathue Brown/Mathue Brown)
Hurricane Helene tree falls in Apopka Hurricane Helene tree falls in Apopka. Courtesy of Mathue Brown. (Mathue Brown/Mathue Brown)
Hurricane Helene tree fall in Apopka Hurricane Helene tree falls in Apopka. Courtesy of JJ (JJ /JJ)
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Jacksonville Police Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Jacksonville Police Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Jacksonville Police Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Jacksonville Police Department (WFTV)
Traffic Light Collapses on Washington and Magnolia Strong winds from Hurricane Helene push over Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando
Traffic Light Collapses at Washington and Magnolia Strong Winds from Hurricane Helene push over a Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando
Traffic Light Collapses at Washington and Magnolia Strong Winds from Hurricane Helene push over a Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando
Traffic Light Collapses at Washington and Magnolia Strong Winds from Hurricane Helene push over a Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando
Traffic Light Collapses at Washington and Magnolia Strong Winds from Hurricane Helene push over a Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando
Traffic Light Collapses at Washington and Magnolia Strong Winds from Hurricane Helene push over a Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando
Traffic Light Collapses at Washington and Magnolia Strong Winds from Hurricane Helene push over a Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando
Traffic Light Collapses at Washington and Magnolia Strong Winds from Hurricane Helene push over a Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando
Traffic Light Collapses at Washington and Magnolia Strong Winds from Hurricane Helene push over a Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (WFTV)
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)
Hurricane Helene damage Fallen tree in Plymouth. Credit: Rachelle Young (Rachelle Young)
Hurricane Helene damage Fallen tree in Plymouth. Credit: Rachelle Young (Rachelle Young/Rachelle Young)
Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief (WFTV)
Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (WFTV)
U.S. Coast Guard rescues man and dog (WFTV)
Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (WFTV)
Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)
Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (WFTV)
Florida’s Big Bend prepares for catastrophic damage from Hurricane Helene
Edgewater residents before Hurricane Helene Edgewater residents prepare for the worst as Hurricane Helene approaches Florida (WFTV Staff/WFTV)
Utility companies across Central Florida brace for Helene Workers with multiple utility companies are getting ready to respond as Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall in the Big Bend region later Thursday evening. (WFTV Staff/WFTV)
Sumter County prepares for Hurricane Helene Sumter County officials ask residents to ‘review their housing options’ ahead of Hurricane Helene. (WFTV Staff/WFTV)
BREVARD BRACES FOR HURRICANE HELENE
Edgewater, haunted by recent flooding, prepares for Helene Edgewater, haunted by recent flooding, prepares for Helene
Tropical Storm Helene preparations Marion County residents fill up sandbags ahead of Tropical Storm Helene. (WFTV Staff/WFTV)
Tropical Storm Helene preparations Marion County residents fill up sandbags ahead of Tropical Storm Helene. (WFTV Staff/WFTV)
Tropical Storm Helene preparations Marion County residents fill up sandbags ahead of Tropical Storm Helene. (WFTV Staff/WFTV)
What causes EVs to catch fire?
Electric vehicles with lithium ion batteries can catch fire if the batteries short circuit and start to heat up. Tom Barth with the National Transportation Safety Board said that if the heat starts to spread between different cells in the battery back it can cause a chain reaction called thermal runaway.
“If the saltwater is able to bridge the gap between the positive and negative terminals of battery, then it can cause a short circuit,” said Barth, who is chief of the special investigations branch of the NTSB’s Office of Highway Safety.
Carmakers do design their batteries to try to prevent this problem. There are often separations or insulation barriers between different cells in the battery pack, and manufacturers take steps to keep moisture out. But they do have to include ways for the batteries to vent heat.
“Where it begins to be a problem is if you have the batteries submerged in standing water. That’s where it starts to overcome the moisture seals in the battery,” Barth said.
Read: Parts of North Carolina devastated by flooding, mudslides from Helene
Sometimes electric vehicles can catch fire long after the floodwaters have receded because even after the water evaporates salt that can conduct electricity may be left behind. So it’s important to have them checked out if they are submerged.
“It’s not like every vehicle that gets flooded is therefore going to ignite and catch fire,” Barth said.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it is working to improve battery safety as officials learn more about the problems. The agency has proposed updating some of the safety requirements for electric vehicle batteries to reduce the risks.
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