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

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1 year 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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Rockland County Health Department Announces Annual Mosquito Control Treatment of Catch Basins and Storm Drains

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17 hours ago

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May 17, 2025

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NEW CITY, NY — As mosquito season approaches, the Rockland County Department of Health has launched its annual mosquito control initiative aimed at protecting residents from mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Beginning on or around May 12, 2025, health officials will begin treating approximately 57,000 catch basins and storm drains across the county. The treatment process is expected to be completed by early June.

“Rockland County has about 57,000 catch basins and storm drains, many of which have the potential to breed mosquitoes,” said Amy Isenberg, Environmental Health Specialist and Mosquito Program Coordinator. “We treat these structures annually to help control the mosquito population and protect the community from diseases mosquitoes can carry.”

The treatment will be conducted by Health Department staff using slow-moving County vehicles, frequently stopping to access catch basins and storm drains. The Department urges drivers and pedestrians to be patient and avoid parking over storm drains during this time to ensure workers can easily perform treatments.
Why Mosquito Control Matters

Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, where larvae hatch and develop over a period of 7 to 10 days before emerging as adult mosquitoes capable of biting and transmitting dangerous viruses.

To help reduce mosquito breeding, residents are encouraged to eliminate sources of standing water on their property, such as:

Birdbaths, pet bowls, and plant saucers (change water regularly)

Unused toys, buckets, tarps, wading pools, and wheelbarrows (flip or store when not in use)

Free Mosquito Control Resources Available

To support public participation in mosquito control, the Rockland County Department of Health is offering free mosquito prevention tools to residents:

Mosquito Dunks®

Where: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona

How: Must be ordered in advance by calling 845-364-3173 or emailing [email protected]

What: Dunks are donut-shaped tablets that float in standing water and release a natural bacterium that kills mosquito larvae. Suitable for unused swimming pools and spas.

Fathead Minnows Giveaway – One Day Only!

When: Wednesday, May 21, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM

Where: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, Pomona

What: These small fish feed on mosquito larvae and are ideal for use in ornamental ponds, unused pools, or any water body with at least 8 inches of water.

Reserve: Call 845-364-3173 or reserve online.

The annual mosquito treatment program is a proactive step toward keeping Rockland County residents safe and reducing the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. By combining county-wide efforts with individual homeowner participation, the Health Department aims to make a significant impact on the local mosquito population this summer.

For more information on mosquito prevention or to reserve mosquito control products, call the Rockland County Health Department at 845-364-3173.

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Senator Bill Weber Honors Virginia Norfleet as 2025 NYS Senate Woman of Distinction

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May 16, 2025

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NANUET, NY: NY State Senator Bill Weber proudly honored Virginia “Ginny” Norfleet as his 2025 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction during a special ceremony held at the State Capitol in Albany on May 13, 2025.

Ms. Norfleet, a lifelong Haverstraw resident, was recognized for her extraordinary commitment to preserving African American history and empowering the Rockland County community. As Founder and Executive Director of the Haverstraw African American Connection (HAAC), she has spent over 15 years educating the public on the vital contributions and legacy of African Americans in Haverstraw and beyond.

The youngest of nine children, Ms. Norfleet overcame economic hardship to become a successful real estate entrepreneur and civil rights leader. Her efforts have led to the creation of the Haverstraw African American Memorial Park, the restoration of community landmarks, and the establishment of local partnerships, including with the Rockland Holocaust Museum and Center for Tolerance and Education, which now features an exhibit on American slavery inspired by her research.

Ms. Norfleet’s advocacy has previously earned her a place in the Rockland County Civil Rights Hall of Fame and special recognition during Black History Month by the Town of Haverstraw.

The New York State Senate Woman of Distinction program honors women across the state who have made significant contributions in their communities and beyond. Each Senator selects one honoree to be recognized during the annual ceremony in Albany. Senator Weber’s previous Woman of Distinction honorees from Rockland County are Ileana Eckert (2023) and Dr. Mary P. Leahy (2024).

“Virginia Norfleet has dedicated her life to lifting up the stories of African American families in Rockland County and building bridges of understanding in our community,” said Senator Weber. “Her tireless leadership and advocacy continue to make a profound impact, and I was proud to recognize her in Albany as this year’s Woman of Distinction representing Rockland County.”

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