A Message from Fire Chief McNally
Published on September 29, 2023
Although we won’t see changing leaves and crisp temperatures in Coral Springs, fall is still a meaningful and eventful time of year for the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department and the residents we serve.
October is Fire Prevention Month. This year’s theme, as designated by the National Fire Protection Association, is “Cooking Safety Starts with YOU – Pay Attention to Fire Prevention.” We will be kicking-off the Month with a Fire-Prevention Event at the Coral Square Mall on Saturday, October 7, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Attendees will experience informative demonstrations to prevent fires and promote safety, including a turkey fryer demo, fire extinguisher prop, Sparky’s Safety Trailer and much more! Our personnel will be visiting schools and community events all month to provide information to help families practice safety in the kitchen.
We hope you will join us for our Annual Cancer Awareness Pasta Dinner on Saturday, October 28, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Fire Station 80 (2825 Coral Springs Drive.) Bring the family to see our fire trucks and equipment, interact with fire personnel, and enjoy a plate of pasta with homemade meatballs and sauce. Proceeds will benefit firefighter cancer research and the Coral Springs Professional Firefighters Benevolent Association. Tickets are now on sale.
Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department Driver Engineer and cancer survivor, Brian Hobson, recently shared his story in a video to raise awareness for cancer prevention in the fire service. The video earned the City of Coral Springs a Telly Award. Watch Hobson’s story.
October 28 is also National First Responders Day. This resolution honors all first responders, including firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and the true FIRST, first responders -- our dedicated 911 call takers and dispatchers. I am extraordinarily proud of the men and women who serve our communities with great dedication, and it is an honor to work side-by-side with them.
With Halloween approaching, please remember to keep little trick-or-treaters safe by following some basic tips:
- Add reflective tape to costumes.
- Carry flashlights.
- Always check candy for anything unusual.
- Remember that gum and hard candy can be a choking hazard for children under age 3.
- Make sure walkways are clear of debris and well lit.
- Slow down when driving.
- …And be extra alert for the ghosts and goblins that may be crossing the street.
Food is central to Thanksgiving celebrations, so it’s important to remember cooking safety:
- Only deep fry a turkey in an open area, on a flat surface, away from trees or structures – never in a garage.
- Make sure the turkey is fully thawed and completely dry.
- Never overfill the fryer and follow instructions carefully.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Keep kids and pets at a safe distance.
- Do not throw water on an oil fire.
When decorating for the holidays, follow these safety tips:
- Do not use light sets with broken sockets or frayed wires.
- Water live trees regularly.
- Keep mistletoe away from kids and pets, as it is toxic.
- Secure trees in a strong and sturdy stand and ensure it does not lean.
- Hang glass ornaments out of reach of little hands.
- Always turn the lights off before going to sleep.
Community education is very important to our department. Look for us at Oktoberfest in Coral Springs, Government Days in Parkland, Coral Springs Annual Holiday Parade, and at events taking place at Home Depot, Coral Square Mall, and City Hall. Follow our social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram, for our events, safety videos, and other valuable information all throughout the year.
Lastly, if we do get a cold front, remember the rules of space heater safety: Place the heater on a solid, flat surface, keep children away, keep the heater at least 3’ from objects, never plug it into an extension cord, and always turn off and unplug before you leave the room.
On behalf of the men and women of the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department, we wish you and your families good health and happiness this holiday season, and a safe and prosperous New Year!