The Parkland City Commission on Oct. 8 adopted a proclamation naming the week "Fire Prevention Week" with emphasis on lithium-ion battery safety and heard public-safety updates from Coral Springs Parkland Fire Rescue and the Broward Sheriff's Office.

The proclamation, introduced at the podium, cited rising incidents of fires and explosions involving lithium-ion batteries and urged residents to use manufacturer-approved chargers, charge devices on hard, flat surfaces, unplug when fully charged and recycle batteries responsibly. The proclamation referenced materials from the National Fire Protection Association and directed residents to nfpa.org for additional guidance.

Coral Springs Parkland Fire Rescue reported progress on testing a planned regional communications hub designed to improve interoperability among CAD systems and radio networks. The department said initial connectivity and inter-system testing is successful and that emergency calls were being tested in the system. A department representative said there are "some minor things" to address but that the foundation of the system appears to be working as intended. The department also announced a fundraising pasta dinner on Oct. 25 at Fire Station 80 in Coral Springs; proceeds support cancer awareness charities and a firefighter benevolence/wellness fund.

Captain McCardle of the Broward Sheriff's Office summarized recent community policing activity and a weekend Shred-A-Thon at the Equestrian Center: 154 vehicles participated and deputies collected about 7,600 pounds of paper; deputies handed out 54 gift cards. For September, the BSO reported 1,835 calls for service, 192 incident reports, 13 arrests, 35 crashes, 597 citations (including warnings and citations) and 17 Baker Act field contacts. The captain said deputies continue outreach such as park "walk-and-talks" and business contacts.

Commissioners used the public-safety updates to urge parents to speak with youth about risky behavior, including incidents in which teenagers have kicked on residential doors and engaged in dangerous e-bike activity; the BSO said the public has assisted by providing photos and videos that helped identify at least two juveniles connected with the door-kicking incidents.