As the 2025 hurricane season ramps up, local emergency officials are urging residents to take steps now to protect their boats and electric vehicles from flood damage.

Hillsborough County Firefighter Captain Jeff Hartzner said last year’s Hurricane Helene caught many boat owners by surprise.

“A lot of these boats were lifted off their boat lifts and ended up drifting through Tampa Bay and nearby canals,” Hartzner said.

Loose boats can cause significant property damage and environmental harm as they crash into docks or other vessels and potentially leak fuel or oil.

“With high winds pushing those boats around, they can end up smashed against a dock or another boat,” Hartzner added.

To avoid that, Hartzner recommends getting your boat out of the water ahead of any major storm. Whether through a professional transport service or using your own trailer, he stressed the importance of moving boats to higher ground outside evacuation zones.

Electric vehicles—including scooters and e-bikes—require similar care.

Fire Investigator David Tucker said lithium-ion batteries must be kept away from floodwaters to prevent fires or explosions.

“These large battery systems carry a significant fire risk if they become over-pressurized after flood exposure,” Tucker explained.

While fires involving electric vehicles remain relatively rare compared to gas-powered engines, Tucker said they present unique challenges for first responders.

“The technology is constantly evolving, and the fire service is still adapting to keep up,” he said.

For EV owners planning to evacuate, Tucker recommends identifying charging stations along your route in advance. And if your vehicle has been exposed to floodwaters, he cautions against simply powering it back on.

“Always consult your dealership or service center before attempting to restart any EV after potential flood damage,” he said.

Hillsborough County recorded multiple fires during last year’s hurricane events, though officials note not all were directly linked to the storms.

Between Sept. 25–27, 2024—around the time Hurricane Helene passed—there were 12 building fires and seven vehicle fires. When Hurricane Milton moved through Oct. 8–10, officials reported 10 building fires and two vehicle fires.

These safety tips were part of a series of hurricane preparedness sessions hosted by Hillsborough County to help residents get ready before the next storm strikes.

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