Upper Merion Township Fire & EMS Shares Fire Safety Tips at Home Depot Community Event

Members of the Upper Merion Township Fire & EMS Department recently participated in a community event at The Home Depot, giving families a chance to learn important fire safety information while getting an up-close look at several of the Department’s fire apparatus.

The event provided firefighters and Fire Prevention personnel an opportunity to speak directly with children, parents, and guardians about practical ways to prevent fires and stay safe. Fire safety topics included smoke alarms, home escape planning, cooking safety, electrical safety, and the importance of calling 9-1-1 during an emergency.

As part of the Department's 2026 fire prevention efforts, personnel also highlighted the national fire prevention theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.” They focused on lithium-ion battery safety, including the safe use and charging of rechargeable batteries commonly found in cell phones, tablets, laptops, e-bikes, e-scooters, power tools, and other household devices.

Firefighters reminded residents to use manufacturer-approved chargers, avoid charging devices on beds or other combustible surfaces, inspect batteries and charging equipment for signs of damage, and stop using batteries that become swollen, excessively hot, damaged, or otherwise appear abnormal. Residents were also encouraged to follow manufacturer instructions and never leave lithium-ion battery-powered devices charging unattended for extended periods.

One highlight for the children was seeing the fire trucks up close. Firefighters showed children and their parents and guardians some of the equipment used to respond to emergencies and explained how the apparatus and equipment help protect the community.

“Community events like this provide an excellent opportunity for our firefighters to interact with residents in a positive setting and help families understand what they can do to prevent fires and stay safe,” said Upper Merion Township Fire & EMS Safety Chief William Jenaway. “We especially enjoy giving children the opportunity to see the fire trucks and meet the firefighters who may respond to their home during an emergency.”

The Upper Merion Township Fire & EMS Department encourages residents to take a few minutes to review their home fire safety plans, make sure smoke alarms are working properly, and ensure everyone in the household knows two ways out of every sleeping area. Residents are also encouraged to review the safe use and charging of lithium-ion batteries and rechargeable devices at home.

The Department thanks The Home Depot for hosting the event and allowing Upper Merion Township Fire & EMS to connect with residents and promote fire prevention and life safety throughout the community.

For more information about fire safety or fire prevention programs in Upper Merion Township, contact the Upper Merion Township Fire & EMS Department at 610-205-8554.