The Bound Brook Fire Department and fire marshals have introduced a new initiative to help keep residents and firefighters safe. They're asking for residents with cars running on lithium-ion batteries to register for the new program and then place a bright yellow emergency emblem sticker on the outside of their garage. Officials say that doing so will help first responders when responding to these high-risk fires.

"Having the community put these [stickers] on their doors, garage doors, or front door if their garage is set back, gives us a heads up and head start," said Bound Brook Fire Chief Matt Smith. "Getting the information out to us will allow us to preplan and have an idea where the batteries are and what our best mode of attack [would be] if there's a fire in the residence or garage."

Lithium-ion battery fires spread at a much quicker rate than traditional fires and expose first responders to toxic vapors. The program will serve as a warning for fire crews, provided the fire hasn't spread to where the emblem has been adhered. Residents are asked to share their address, how many electrical vehicles are on the property, how many battery banks are on site, and where each is located.

More information about the program can be found on Bound Brook’s town website or the borough fire department's Facebook page.