NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Cape May fire officials are warning residents about using battery-powered devices that may have been exposed to floodwater from last weekend's nor'easter.
That includes batteries used in power tools, e-bikes or scooters, cellphones, laptops, tablets and other rechargeable devices.
Batteries exposed to water can overheat, catch fire or even explode.
Ocean County officials say that appears to have been the case Thursday in Wildwood, where a home went up in flames. Authorities believe the fire may have started with a golf cart under the deck.
Wildwood Fire Chief Daniel Dunn says if your house was flooded, don't assume electronics are safe.
Authorities say the safest thing to do with any flood-damaged batteries is to leave them unplugged and seek guidance before using or throwing them away.
Fire department warns of using battery-charged devices exposed to nor'easter floodwaters
Fire department warns of using battery-charged devices exposed to nor'easter floodwaters
