Lombard Fire Department invites community to open house Oct. 7 during Fire Prevention Week

The Lombard Fire Department invites residents and families to its annual community open house on Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fire Station 45, 50 E. St. Charles Road.

The free event is held in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4–10, and provides an opportunity to meet Lombard firefighters and paramedics while learning important fire safety tips.

During the open house, attendees can explore fire and emergency medical service vehicles, watch demonstrations and learn more about the equipment and services Lombard firefighters and paramedics use to serve the community.

This year's Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on preventing fires involving rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries power many everyday devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, toys, e-bikes and scooters. When damaged or charged improperly, lithium-ion batteries can overheat and cause a fire.

The Lombard Fire Department encourages residents to follow these lithium-ion battery safety tips:

• Use the cord and charger that came with the device or one approved by the manufacturer.
• Charge devices on a hard, flat surface such as a table or desk. Avoid charging on beds, couches, under pillows or other soft surfaces that can trap heat.
• Stop using a device if the battery becomes unusually hot, swells, smokes or produces a strange odor.
• Unplug when charging is complete to avoid leaving devices plugged in longer than necessary.
• Charge e-bikes, scooters and power tools in a safe location away from exits and escape routes.

Fire Prevention Week is sponsored nationally by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to help communities reduce the risk of home fires through education and prevention.

For more information, contact Lombard Fire Marshal & Bureau Chief Perry Johnson at (630) 620-5750 or JohnsonP@villageoflombard.org. Additional information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety is available at www.fpw.org.