About the Project

Are you prepared to respond?

NFPA’s Electric Vehicle Safety Training project is a nationwide program to help firefighters and other first responders prepare for the growing number of electric and hybrid vehicles on the road in the United States. The NFPA project, funded by a $4.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, provides first responders with information they need to most effectively deal with potential emergency situations involving these types of vehicles.

The project is being developed in support of the Department of Energy’s overarching goal of increasing the number of electric vehicles on the road. Knowing that firefighters and first responders are equipped with the information they need about electric vehicles will be crucial to the public’s acceptance of these vehicles. 

Goals

The goal of NFPA's Electric Vehicle Safety Training project is to ensure that firefighters and first responders are prepared for emergencies involving electric vehicles. The training seeks to:

• Create awareness of unique emergency response needs for electric vehicles
• Drive awareness of availability of available training
• Remove concern about inherent safety of electric vehicles and ability to safely respond in emergency situations
• Reassure public that trained first responders know what to do in emergency situations involving electric vehicles

Who should participate in the Electric Vehicle Safety Training?

Members of the fire service, law enforcement and EMS personnel should participate in the training.

Why is this training being offered?

Firefighters and other first responders put their lives on the line every day. It is critical that they have all of the specific information they need about electric vehicles when preparing to deal with hazardous situations. They deserve to know what is coming down the road.

Who is developing the training?

The training we developed was based on extensive research and findings from the Fire Protection Research Foundation, NFPA, Subject Matter Experts, Auto Manufacturers and others.

What topics will be covered in the training?

• Overview of the EV electrical & safety systems
• Identification of electric & hybrid vehicle
• Immobilization process
• Electrical power-down procedures
• EV extrication awareness, including high strength steel
• Vehicle fire recommended practices
• Emergency operations (battery fires, submersion)
• New challenges presented by vehicle charging stations and infrastructure