Recently, Fire Officers from across Norfolk County came together to participate in a crucial Leadership Symposium, aimed at bolstering their knowledge and skills in high-stakes firefighting scenarios.
Over sixty leaders attended the event held at Holy Trinity Catholic school, which addressed critical topics for our local crews such as high-rise firefighting, industrial emergencies, and other specialized techniques and approaches.
One of the focal points was the rising concern of lithium-ion battery emergencies as they’ve become more prevalent in our daily lives.
Chief Gord Stilwell noted “Participating in events like these is crucial for our teams. It not only updates us on the latest industry standards but also provides an opportunity to learn from real-world experiences. This directly translates into better protection and service for our community.”
As Norfolk County’s fire departments continue to prioritize ongoing education, they want to assured residents that their first responders are equipped with the latest tools and knowledge, reinforcing the community’s safety against evolving challenges.
In doing so, the Norfolk County Fire Department shared some tips on how best to handle the use of lithium-ion products.
• Only use the battery and the charging cord that came with their mobile device.
• Don’t keep charging a device, tool, or battery after it is fully charged. This could result in overcharging and damaging the battery.
• Charge your devices like smart phones, laptops, and tablets on a hard surface like a desk, table or counter. Never on your bed or pillow.
• Never charge your electric scooter or E-bike in your exit path. Ensure you always have a clear path out if a fire does occur.
Written by Kennedy Freeman
