EV Safety Tips During Hurricane Milton

As Hurricane Milton approaches, the top priority is your safety. PISO urges all residents and business owners to take appropriate precautions, follow local guidelines, and evacuate if necessary. Once the storm has passed, PISO will be here to assist with your electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. In the meantime, please review these essential safety tips, especially if you own an EV that may be exposed to floodwaters.

Prioritize Your Safety First

Before considering your vehicle, ensure that you and your loved ones are safe:

• Follow local evacuation orders and guidelines. If you live in a mandatory evacuation zone, get to a safe area as soon as possible. If you are in a low-lying/flood-prone area move to higher ground or an emergency shelter.
• Prepare an emergency kit. Include essential supplies like water, non-perishable food, medications, a first aid kit, and important documents.
• Secure your home. If you are not evacuating, barricade windows, doors, and other entry points. Charge electronics and gather supplies like flashlights candles, and non-perishables.

General Vehicle Safety During Floods

Floodwaters can cause severe damage to any vehicle, but electric vehicles face additional risks due to their high-voltage battery systems. Follow these general tips to protect your vehicle from flooding:

• Move your vehicle to higher ground. Park on an elevated surface or take advantage of public parking garages that may offer free spaces in low-lying areas.
  • The City of Tampa is offering free garage parking to all residents in low-lying, flood-prone areas, particularly electric vehicle (EV) owners.
• Avoid driving through floodwaters. Even shallow water can be dangerous; flooding is often much deeper than you think. Always turn around or leave your vehicle and get to safety. Your life is more important than your vehicle.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Safety: What You Need to Know

While electric vehicles are designed to handle some exposure to water, prolonged immersion can cause serious damage to the electrical and mechanical systems. Here are some specific risks and precautions for EV owners:

Battery and Electrical System Damage

• Battery Pack: EVs are equipped with sealed battery packs, which provide some protection against water. However, if water breaches the seals, it can cause the battery to short-circuit or lose efficiency.
• Electrical Components: Water can damage crucial electrical components like wiring, connectors, and control units, leading to malfunctions or corrosion, particularly if exposed to saltwater.

Risk of Short Circuits and Fires

• Short Circuits: While most EVs are designed with safety mechanisms, prolonged exposure to water can lead to short circuits in the battery or electrical components, increasing the risk of fire.
• Thermal Runaway: In rare cases, if the battery is damaged during flooding, it can overheat, leading to a thermal runaway event, which may result in a fire.

Pre-Storm Precautions For EV Charging Stations

• Cover the EV charging station outlet to prevent water exposure to electrical components.
• Disconnect the power to the charging station if flooding is imminent.

Other preventative measures must be taken during installation including Surge protection devices (SPDs), silicone sealing, weatherproof enclosures, fire suppression protocols, installation location, etc. PISO takes all of these preventative measures into consideration during the planning process to ensure to safety and longevity of each station we install. If you are interested in making these improvements to your charging station contact PISO after the storm to find out what’s possible.

Precautions and Steps to Take if Your EV Has Been Flooded

If your electric vehicle has been exposed to floodwaters, it’s important to take immediate steps to ensure safety:

• Move the vehicle into an open-air location. In the case of a fire, you will want the EV as far away from your home as possible to avoid further damage.
• Leave the windows or doors open to allow any flammable gases to escape. If the vehicle cannot be moved, keep the storage area open and vented.
• Disable the vehicle by chocking the wheels, placing the gearshift in park engaging the parking brake.
• Do not attempt to turn on or charge your vehicle until it has been inspected by a professional.
• Inspect the vehicle for any signs of water damage, especially in areas surrounding the battery pack or electrical components.
• Avoid handling the HV (high-voltage) battery. If you notice signs of overheating or damage to the high-voltage battery, avoid contact, distance yourself from the vehicle, and consult with a professional immediately.
• Follow manufacturer recommendations. Consult your vehicle’s manual for specific guidance on how to handle flooded vehicles safely.

Staying Safe and Prepared

PISO encourages all residents and business owners to prioritize safety during Hurricane Milton. Follow these tips to protect yourself, your family, and your electric vehicle. Once the storm has passed, PISO will be ready to assist with restoring your EV infrastructure and charging stations. Remember, safety comes first—vehicles can be repaired or replaced, but your well-being is irreplaceable. Contact us if you have questions or need assistance in getting your EV infrastructure repaired and back online after the storm.