Fire Safety Jamboree returns Saturday with safety demos for both kids and adults
The Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department Fire Safety Jamboree is back this Saturday, Oct. 11 to close out its participation in the nationwide Fire Safety Week campaign.
The event will take place at the Coral Square Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with hands-on experiences including live fire and hose demonstrations and CPR and AED training. Plus, children will get the chance to meet firefighters and Sparky the Fire Dog.
This year, safety advocates are focusing on lithium-ion batteries, a growing presence in many homes. They power everything from pacemakers to smartphones, laptops, portable chargers, bluetooth headphones and speakers, as well as various electric vehicles from mobility scooters, to golf carts, cars and vans.
Fire Marshal Harold Alcalde advised the City Commission during a September meeting that citizens need to be safe because the batteries can react differently than other materials, creating difficult-to-manage fires if not handled and disposed of properly.
Here’s how Coral Springs families can stay safe.
How do I know which batteries are safe to purchase?
If you’re considering buying a device that contains lithium-ion batteries, looking for a safety certification label is essential, officials say.
Reliable products will have a UL, CSA, or ETL label clearly noted on packaging or the item itself. Consumers can also avoid fires by sticking with reliable chargers from the same manufacturer as the chargeable product, avoiding off-brand products, according to Fire Prevention Week documents.
How do I charge devices safely?
Electricity can cause devices to heat up. For example, residents may notice that their smartphones are warm to the touch, especially as the items age.
Apple advises consumers to never leave devices on flammable surfaces while charging. That includes beds, couches and blankets. One of the most common mistakes is charging a phone overnight underneath a pillow — a tactic that not only makes your device more likely to overheat, but also risks severe burns if the battery does combust.
Residents who need to charge larger devices, such as e-bikes and scooters, should take additional precautions. Keeping those devices away from direct sunlight and water is necessary, as both can cause fires.
How to dispose of lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries can cause fires and serious environmental issues if punctured, so they shouldn’t go in normal trash or recycling bins. Instead, dedicated recycling centers can take the devices for you. Tools like call2recycle.org can help consumers find nearby resources.
Some locations near Coral Springs include Express Radio on Wiles Road, uBreakiFix on University Drive, and neighborhood Lowe’s and Home Depot stores.
This story was originally published October 7, 2025 at 6:25 PM.
