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Beware the Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries This Holiday Season by Rockland County Executive Ed Day

Published

3 years ago

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From powering our smartphones, laptops, power tools, and toys to electric vehicles, scooters, even wheelchairs; Lithium-ion batteries are now part of the everyday technology we all use. But unfortunately, these revolutionary batteries can be incredibly dangerous because they have the potential to ignite and explode within seconds, leaving you with little to no time to react.  

Just this summer an e-bike battery caused a fire at a barbershop in Spring Valley. In the last six months there’s been about half a dozen incidents involving lithium-ion batteries. 

Failures are due to several factors one of which is overcharging or overheating, referred to as a thermal runaway. When the battery is overheated, it can cause a chain reaction which leads to a rapid increase in temperature and potentially result in a fire or explosion.  

Sometimes failures are simply due to manufacturing defects, a result of mass production. Even the smallest defect in manufacturing can lead to a hazardous situation. Other failures are simply caused from aging, resulting in a gradual loss of capacity and performance, leaving the batteries more susceptible to overheating and failure.

Our Fire & Emergency Services urges families to: 

  • Not use off-brand products
  • Follow manufacturer guidelines for charging
  • Keep away from hot surfaces & flammable materials
  • Look for Underwriter Laboratories, or UL, Certified products
  • Stop charging if item feels hot to the touch

As a former police commander, I am urging our families and residents to be mindful of these batteries both during usage and disposal. In fact, there have been instances of these batteries starting fires in garbage trucks. 

These items should never be thrown away in the trash or recycling. They must be recycled by the Rockland County Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Pomona located at 35 Firemen’s Memorial Dr, Pomona which you can reach at 845-354-0783. 

I applaud our Fire and Emergency services staff, including Director Chris Kear, who provided an incredibly informative safety demonstration for local media, hoping to spread the word to families who might receive gifts powered by the lithium-ion batteries this holiday season. 

We urge our residents to do what you can to be safe and be sure any items that use these batteries are handled with caution and care.

This is a weekly article by Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

 

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Government

Rockland County Shares Back-to-School Safety Tips for Drivers, Students

Published

4 weeks ago

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August 27, 2026

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With the new school year just around the corner, Rockland County roads will soon become busier with children walking and biking to school, crossing streets and gathering at bus stops during the morning and afternoon commute.

The county is reminding parents, caregivers, students and drivers to take extra precautions to help keep children safe as they return to school.

Younger children can be especially difficult for motorists to see, while some students may be using a new bus stop, crossing unfamiliar streets or walking to school on their own for the first time.

Through its federally funded Safe Streets program, Rockland County is sharing several back-to-school safety reminders for students and motorists.

Safety Tips For Students

Students waiting for the bus are encouraged to:

  • Arrive at the bus stop early and avoid rushing.
  • Stay at least 10 feet away from the curb while waiting for the bus.
  • Look left, right and left again before crossing a street.
  • Never walk behind a school bus.

Safety Tips For Drivers

Motorists are reminded to slow down and remain alert when driving near schools, bus stops and areas where children may be walking or biking.

Drivers should also obey flashing school bus lights and stop as required when children are entering or exiting a school bus.

With more students expected on local roads once classes resume, the county is urging everyone to stay attentive and give children the extra time and space they need to travel safely.

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Government

Clarkstown Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl Launches Text Alerts for Tax Bill Updates

Published

1 month ago

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August 9, 2026

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CLARKSTOWN, NY — Beginning with the new tax season on September 1, the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office will offer residents a new and convenient way to receive updates about their tax bills directly by text message.

Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl announced that residents can opt in to the service by texting “TAXINFO” to 845-644-6899.

Once a resident’s tax bill is ready, those enrolled will receive a text message containing a link. Residents can then enter their property address to view their tax bill and, if they choose, make a payment online.

The new text notification system does not replace traditional mailed tax bills. Residents who sign up for the service will continue to receive their regular tax bill in the mail. The text alerts are intended to provide an additional and more convenient way for residents to know when their bills are available and access their information.

“Residents asked for a simpler way to receive tax bill information, and I’m proud that we were able to make it happen,” Wohl said.

Residents with questions about the new service can contact the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office at 845-639-2010.

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