Encounter with Firefighters by Tesla Owner (and TOCNYS member)

We received the following email recently from one of our members. Great timing really, considering the help TOCNYS members recently provided with a local fire department in Watkins Glen International and relevant also since we've added our First Responders Packet to our website resources! Anyway, on to our member's email...

Today's experience should be shared across the entire Tesla and EV nation:

Upon leaving my model 3 at the local big box store, I happened to see four men and women who where exiting the SUV fully clothed in fire fighting garb. As I later was on my way to pay for my item and leave the store, I noticed those four were directly in front of me in line. I spoke to the women and asked them if they have ever had any training or experience putting out Tesla/EV fires. Surprisingly their answer was "No". Wow, what an opportunity to teach them what I know about my P3D, I thought.

They happily followed me to my car which was directly across the lot from me. I showed them the way to open the frunk if it couldn't be opened from inside. Their jaws of life spreader would work if stuck. I pulled up the small battery cover and showed them were to cut the red HV lead (in two spots), and then showed them appropriately where on rear passenger side C pillar to use the K-12 cutter to slice through it.

I also showed them my 2 Gel extinguishers. Putting out lithium ion battery fires can be deadly for responders if done incorrectly. They knew that much and were grateful that I shared what info I could with my model 3. I wasn't sure about our other Tesla models in the fleet, so I could only share what I knew. They all shook my hand and went on to have their planned BBQ.

Maybe we can plan and organize some paperwork to hand out to our local fire fighters so they can familiarize themselves with the Tesla methods of safely extinguishing battery fires. I know fire departments have their own ways of teaching each other, but how many departments have 3, 4, or 5 different members with all the models in the Tesla fleet?

Let me know what you this of this idea. For me personally, I am going to make it a point to educate MY local fire department on my Model 3 for their safety alone... NYS has the 2nd largest number of Tesla models in the US...

Thanks, Keith

‍