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

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2 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 Promotes Native Plants and Water-Smart Landscaping

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6 hours ago

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June 3, 2026

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The Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to embrace water-smart landscaping practices that conserve water and support environmental health.

Officials recommend reducing nonfunctional lawn areas and replacing them with native plants, drought-tolerant landscaping, rain gardens, bioswales, and rain barrels. These practices help reduce water consumption, manage stormwater runoff, improve groundwater recharge, and increase resilience to climate change.

According to the Council, water demand in Rockland County rises from an average of 30 million gallons per day to as much as 45 million gallons per day during the warmer months, placing additional strain on local water supplies.

Residents are encouraged to consider native plants such as Creeping Phlox, Foamflower ‘Elizabeth Oliver,’ and Jacob’s Ladder, which require less watering once established and are well-suited to local conditions.

Examples of successful rain gardens featuring native plants can be found at Orangeburg Library, Bowline Point Park, Kennedy Dells County Park, and Piermont Library.

By replacing sections of lawn with native plants and incorporating features that manage rainwater naturally, residents can play a direct role in protecting Rockland County’s water resources.

The initiative is part of the county’s ongoing effort to promote sustainable landscaping and encourage participation in the national “Less Lawn More Life” movement.

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Government

Rockland Conservation & Service Corps Stream Team Helps Prevent Flooding and Protect Waterways

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7 hours ago

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June 3, 2026

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Members of the Rockland Conservation & Service Corps are helping protect local communities through their work with the Rockland County Drainage Agency, inspecting and assessing streams throughout Rockland County.

The Corps’ Stream Team identifies obstructions such as fallen trees, debris, and sediment buildup that can restrict water flow and contribute to flooding during heavy storms. Members also document illicit discharges, erosion issues, and areas in need of sediment remediation.

The information collected helps county officials address potential problems before they become larger environmental or public safety concerns.

In addition to reducing flood risks, the Stream Team’s work supports water quality and helps maintain healthy ecosystems throughout the county. By monitoring local waterways and identifying issues early, the team plays an important role in protecting Rockland County’s natural resources and strengthening community resilience.

Officials say the partnership highlights the importance of proactive environmental stewardship and ongoing efforts to keep Rockland County’s streams healthy, safe, and flowing properly.

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