What you should know
- These consumer products have improved lives in many ways; However, they pose serious safety risks if not used correctly and with safety in mind. In New York City there were more than 250 fires, more than 130 injuries and at least 18 deaths in 2023.
- This multi-agency effort will educate consumers on how to properly purchase, use, charge and maintain devices with lithium-ion batteries and the potential dangers of improper use.
- The “Buy Safe, Load Safe” public awareness campaign will be conducted statewide starting February 1, 2024.
NEW YORK — New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced a statewide campaign to raise awareness about the safe use of consumer products containing lithium-ion batteries, such as electric bicycles, electric scooters, hoverboards, smartphones , laptops, toys and power tools.
These consumer products have improved lives in many ways; However, they pose serious safety risks if not used correctly and with safety in mind. In New York City there were more than 250 fires, more than 130 injuries and at least 18 deaths in 2023.
Governor Hochul also proposed banning the sale of uncertified or improperly certified lithium-ion batteries used in micromobility devices such as electric bicycles and scooters.
“As our technology develops, sometimes at a dizzying pace, it can make our lives easier and more enjoyable. It can also bring risks that we are not used to and our first line of defense is awareness,” said Governor Hochul. “This campaign effort launched by our best-equipped agencies will help New Yorkers make informed, safe and smart decisions with their purchases about how to best store and use them. “I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to heed these warnings and protect life and property – one life lost is too many.”
This multi-agency effort will educate consumers on how to properly purchase, use, charge and maintain devices with lithium-ion batteries and the potential dangers of improper use.
In her State of the State and Executive Budget, the governor also included a proposal to restrict the sale of lithium-ion batteries in micromobility devices unless the batteries have been certified by a nationally recognized testing and certification laboratory under the specific security standards.
The “Buy Safe, Charge Safe” public awareness campaign will run statewide beginning February 1, 2024. The campaign will include display, search, and social media ads targeting people who purchase or use products from consumption containing lithium ion batteries.
“Consumer products powered by lithium-ion batteries are increasingly used in our daily lives, but many consumers are unaware of the potential dangers they pose when not handled properly,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “It is critical for New York consumers to understand how to use, carry and store these products safely, and that is why we have worked with our partner agencies to develop clear user guidance and a consumer education campaign to “help keep New Yorkers safe.”
The ads will focus on what to look for when purchasing lithium-ion batteries, how to use them safely and how to dispose of them. The ads will also be combined with an educational video. Consumers who click on the ads or videos will be directed to a website with more information about the safe use of lithium-ion batteries.
For more information about the campaign, click here.
2024-02-02 03:57:42
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