Brantford Fire invites teens to participate in PSA Reel Contest

BRANTFORD, ON – The Brantford Fire Department invites students aged 13 to 18 who live in or attend public, private, virtual or home school in the City of Brantford are invited to create a 15 to 30 second public service announcement (PSA) reel that helps promote safe charging habits. The top three videos selected will be featured on Brantford Fire’s social media channels and will receive prizes valued up to $200.

“Many of our daily electronic devices use lithium-ion batteries that when damaged or charged the wrong way, can overheat, start a fire, or even explode,” says Brantford Fire Chief Todd Binkley. “We encourage Brantford students to help us spread the word on safe charging habits to prevent home fires.”

Students are encouraged to include accurate fire or safety messaging about charging lithium-ion powered devices, including:

• Buying products listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL, ETL, or CSA.
• Using the cord and charger that came with your lithium-ion powered device or one approved by the manufacturer
• Charge lithium-ion devices on a hard, flat surface, like a table, desk, counter, or bare floor
• Stop using your device if it feels very hot, start to swell, smell strange, leak, smoke, or make popping or hissing sounds
• Unplug lithium-ion devices when fully charged
• Items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools should be charged outside when possible.

When on a plane, keep your device where you can see it while charging. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to respond quickly.

The Brantford Fire Department will select the top three videos who will receive the following:

First place: JBL Tune 770 wireless headphones donated by FM Audio Video
Second place: Bose Soundlink Flex SE Portable Speaker
Third place: $50.00 in Dairee Delite gift cards donated by Dairee Delite

To enter the contest and review the full contest details, including parent/legal guardian consent for entrants under the age of 18, visit Brantford.ca/FirePreventionWeek. For more general information about lithium-ion batteries, visit Brantford.ca/LithiumIonBatteries or contact a Fire Prevention Officer at fire@brantford.ca or 519-752-4346.

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Media Contact:

City of Brantford Communications and Community Engagement 

519-759-4150 | communications@brantford.ca