The Cape May County Fire Marshal's Office is asking residents to use caution with batteries and battery-powered devices that may have been exposed to flood water. A battery does not have to look damaged to be unsafe. Water exposure can damage lithium-ion and other rechargeable batteries and may cause them to overheat, catch fire, or explode.

If a battery or battery-powered device has been in flood water, do not plug it in, charge it, or try to test it. This includes batteries used in power tools, e-bikes and e-scooters, cell phones, laptops, tablets, backup power systems, and other rechargeable devices.

Flood-damaged batteries should also not be placed in household trash or curbside recycling. A damaged battery can create a fire hazard during collection, transportation, or processing. Residents who are unsure whether a battery has been damaged, or who need information about proper disposal, should contact the Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA) Headquarters at 609-465-9026 before handling or disposing of the battery.

The Fire Marshal's Office reminds residents that if there is any question about whether a battery was exposed to flood water, the safest course is to leave it unplugged and get guidance before using or disposing of it.