VIDEO: The FDNY has launched a new $1 million ad campaign to raise awareness on the dangers of lithium-ion batteries.
Starting soon, officials say New Yorkers will start seeing safety ads on subways, buses, and social media. Yesterday, the FDNY posted an example of one of those ads on 'X' saying, "In 2023, 133 lithium-ion batteries exploded while they weren't even charging." Since 2019, these batteries have started 733 fires, killed 29 New Yorkers and injured more than 442 others, according to the FDNY. Department officials say 55 of those injuries happened in 2024.
Today, we asked Bronx residents just how effective they think these ads will actually be. "I think it will bring some awareness," said Juan Ortiz. "Now will that completely eliminate the usage. Probably not. But I think awareness helps."