Williston’s Fire Prevention Week Has a Lot Going On. Here’s the Schedule
This was always one of the weeks I looked forward to when I was younger.
Fire Prevention Week is October 4-10, and this year's theme is "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower." The message is simple: a few good habits when charging the things we use every day can help prevent a fire.
Phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, toys, e-bikes and scooters all commonly use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Those batteries can store a lot of energy in a small space. If a battery is damaged or charged improperly, it can overheat, start a fire or even explode.
Williston Fire Chief Corey Johnson says safe charging comes down to simple habits every time you plug something in.
A Few Simple Charging Habits
Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage a battery and increase the risk of fire.
It's also important to think about where you charge. Put devices on a table, desk or another hard, flat surface. Beds, couches, and pillows can trap heat and block airflow.
If a device becomes extremely hot, starts swelling, smokes, or develops a strange smell, stop using it. Those can be signs of a damaged or failing battery.
Once a device is fully charged, unplug it rather than leaving it connected longer than necessary.
Larger batteries deserve extra attention. E-bikes, scooters and power tools should be charged outside and away from exits because their larger batteries store more energy and can result in fires that grow quickly.
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Fire Prevention Week Around Williston
The Williston Fire Department has several activities planned throughout the week.
Elementary school visits are scheduled for Monday, October 5. On Tuesday, October 6, fifth graders will tour Station 1, while the Rural Fire Department will host a Smoke House from 5-8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 7, brings open houses at all city fire stations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A parade will follow, starting at the Rural Fire Hall at 4:30 p.m. and ending at 2nd and Main.
Daycare and preschool visits, along with a station tour for the new Preschool Center, are planned for Thursday and Friday.
The highlight is the parade on Thursday, October 7 starting at 4:30pm. It starts at the Rural Fire Station on 11th, heads to Main Street and down to 2nd. It will be shiny, loud and fun!
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Sound the Sirens for Fire and EMS
There will also be a Sound The Sirens freewill BBQ Thursday, October 8, from 5-7 p.m. in the Emergency Room parking lot at CHI St. Alexius Health.
The event will bring the community together with local fire and EMS first responders while raising money for the CHI St. Alexius Health Williston Foundation.
The proceeds will be donated in honor of Williston Rural and City Fire as they compete in the Sound The Siren Challenge. The goal is to see which department can raise the most money toward the Emergency Room expansion.
So, whether you're visiting a fire station, watching the parade or simply plugging in your phone at home, Fire Prevention Week is a good reminder that fire safety can start with something as simple as charging your devices the right way.
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Gallery Credit: Scott Haugen