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CA NEWS

Golf cart battery warning

Submitted by Krystal Wilson, Director of Communications

More than half of Sun City Texas homes have at least one golf
cart. What residents may not know is that charging an electric
golf cart battery overnight or with the garage door closed could
be a safety issue.

During the battery charging process, a lead-acid golf cart battery
can emit hydrogen gas. Similar to carbon monoxide, hydrogen
is colorless and odorless and can activate your carbon monoxide
detector.

Exposure to excessive amounts of hydrogen displaces oxygen,
which has been reported to cause headaches, nausea, dizziness,
difficulty breathing, vertigo and in extreme cases asphyxiation.
Additionally, if enough hydrogen accumulates undetected and
comes in contact with an ignition source it could result in fire
or explosion. If your carbon monoxide detector sounds, always
evacuate the home immediately and call 9-1-1.

According to the Georgetown Fire Department, residents should
be aware of the following when charging an electric golf cart
battery:

– Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use. Never use
batteries for longer than recommended by the manufacturer.

– Never charge your golf cart battery with the garage door
closed.

– Once the batteries are charged, remove the charger so that you
do not over-charge, or purchase a charger with an automatic
shut-off.

– Do not charge your golf cart battery overnight while you
are sleeping

– Always plug the charger directly into an outlet. Plugging
into an extension cord or surge protector could result in an
electrical fire.

NOT SO WELCOME OCTOBER 2016 SUNRAYS | 13
A baby rattlesnake lies coiled behind this welcome sign on
a Sun City front porch. Rattlers are born in late summer
and early fall, with sightings increasing in October. As
temperatures begin to cool, snakes become less nocturnal,
making them more likely to be found in the daytime.
Sun City’s volunteer snake wranglers can assist with snake
identification, removal or relocation. Their contact information
is listed on page 4 of the Sun Rays.

ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG