Dramatic video footage released by officials in Pinellas County reveals a Tesla igniting in flames within a Florida garage that was flooded due to Hurricane Helene. This alarming incident serves as a cautionary tale for electric vehicle owners in storm-affected regions. The surveillance footage captures the fire igniting beneath the vehicle and rapidly spreading, completely engulfing the car in less than a minute. Thick smoke quickly fills the cluttered garage.
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A Warning for Electric Vehicle Owners
The warning comes in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which caused significant flooding in Florida, North Carolina, and other southeastern states. The Pinellas County Government shared the surveillance video on Facebook Saturday to alert electric vehicle owners about the associated risks.
“Electric Vehicles that have been flooded in saltwater can catch fire. If you evacuated and left an electric vehicle or golf cart in your garage or under a building and you are not able to get to it or move it, we want you to let us know,” the county stated in a Facebook post.
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Precautionary Measures Advised
Officials also encouraged electric car owners to take preventive measures to avoid similar situations. Pinellas County advised against charging, driving, or storing electric vehicles or E-bikes in homes or garages. Additionally, they recommended moving the electric vehicle at least 50 feet away from combustible materials and having it towed to a dealership for inspection.
Hurricane Helene’s Impact
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday as a Category 4 storm, delivering 140 mph winds and widespread destruction. As it moved through Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, the hurricane uprooted trees, damaged homes, caused creeks and rivers to overflow, spawned tornadoes, and strained dams. The powerful storm resulted in at least 93 fatalities and left millions without power, according to the New York Post.
Relief Efforts
President Joe Biden plans to visit the areas affected by Hurricane Helene this week, contingent on not disrupting ongoing rescue and recovery operations. He assured that his administration is providing all available resources to support the affected states. The American Red Cross has initiated a large-scale relief effort, deploying over 1,400 disaster workers and opening numerous shelters for those impacted.
