Call 911

Call 911 to report a fire or any emergency situation that might cause danger to life or personal property. 

This includes reports of lithium-ion batteries that are:

  •  Emitting an odor or odd noises
  •  Changing in shape or color
  •  Leaking

If you notice any of these conditions, stop using the battery immediately. If safe to do so, move the battery away from anything flammable before calling 911.

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Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries. They are found in electric bikes and 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.

It is not illegal to own something that uses lithium-ion batteries. However, you must follow all safety guidelines for storing, charging, and disposing these batteries.

Never put lithium-ion batteries in your trash or recycling.

Learn more about lithium-ion battery safety.

You can report improper storage, charging, or disposal of lithium-ion batteries or devices containing these batteries. 

Complaint types include:

  • Batteries being charged less than 3 feet apart    
  • More than 5 batteries being charged at once
  • Using multiple extension cords to charge batteries
  • Batteries that look like they’ve been tampered with
  • Suspected unlicensed business charging batteries
  • Batteries being disposed in trash or recycling
  • E-bikes or e-scooters being charged while unattended 
  • Any other improper battery storage, charging, or disposal issues

FDNY accepts these complaints by email and by phone.

By Email

FDNY.BusinessSupport@fdny.nyc.gov

By Phone

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) to report the problem.

What Happens Next

Your report 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.

You can report suspected counterfeit chargers to FDNY.

This includes chargers that have fake Underwriters Laboratories (UL) stickers.

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for help.

Always purchase and use devices certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL), such as:

  • Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL)
  • Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. (ITSNA)
  • NSF International (NSF)
  • CSA Group Testing and Certification Inc.

You must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for battery storage, charging, and disposal.

Storage Guidelines

  • Keep your batteries at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
  • Do not store near a heat source or anything flammable.
  • Do not store your battery in a confined space.

Charging Guidelines

  • Always use the correct battery, cord, and power adapter.
  • Plug your device charger directly into a wall outlet. 
  • Charge your battery/device outside, if possible. Keep out of direct sunlight.
  • Monitor your battery for any:
    • Odors
    • Changes in shape or color
    • Leaking
    • Odd noises
  • Do not use generic batteries or chargers unless they are approved for your product.
  • Do not charge your battery/device near a heat source or anything flammable.
  • Do not charge your device on any surface other than the floor.
  • Do not overload an outlet or use an extension cord.
  • Do not overcharge or leave a battery/device charging overnight or unattended.
  • Do not charge your device in a bedroom or near entrances/exits, including:
    • Apartment doors
    • Bedrooms doors
    • Windows
    • Fire escapes

Disposal Guidelines

It is illegal and dangerous to put lithium-ion batteries in your trash or recycling. 

You can dispose of these types of batteries at:

Learn about battery disposal rules from the Department of Sanitation.

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