Authorities are issuing a warning for residents whose electric vehicles (EVs) or golf carts may have been submerged in saltwater during Hurricane Helene. Electric vehicles that have been flooded with saltwater pose a significant fire risk, with the potential to ignite spontaneously.

Officials are urging those who evacuated and left their electric vehicles or golf carts in garages or under buildings to report them if they cannot safely access or move the vehicles. Saltwater exposure can severely damage battery components in electric vehicles, potentially leading to dangerous chemical reactions that could cause the vehicle to catch fire.

Residents who have evacuated from affected areas and are unable to return should notify local emergency services of the location of any electric vehicles left behind. Authorities are prioritizing fire safety as rescue and recovery operations continue, and they want to mitigate any potential hazards caused by damaged electric vehicle batteries.

In light of these risks, emergency responders are advising residents not to attempt to move a flooded electric vehicle themselves but instead contact authorities for proper assessment and assistance.