Hoverboard/Balanceboard Update

Many of you might remember the post on our blog, back on December 11, regarding a Hoverboard fire in Gaithersburg (November).

Since then, cases of Hoverboard fires have increased as you can see by the tweet earlier this week from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.  As well, and not to be overlooked, the number of injuries are increasing.

With that in mind, MCFRS is offering an updated list of safety tips below. In addition, we are posting several articles of interest on the topic. Be informed and be safe. Our firefighters do not wish to meet you or a loved one by "accident!"

Safety Tips (some from CPSC)

• Only buy a “Hoverboard” which has been certified by a recognized testing lab such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL). The box and/or “Hoverboard” should have the logo imprinted on it.
• If you own one already - only charge the ‘hoverboard” if you are, and will be, present the entire time.
• Charge and store in an open dry area away from combustibles (meaning items that can catch fire). 
• Do not charge directly after riding. Let the device cool for an hour before charging. 
• Don't modify batteries in an attempt to get more power/charge out of them. (Use high/good quality batteries) 
• Use the correct charger. Using cheap chargers could be problematic. 
• If a product containing a rechargeable battery shows any signs of damage, overheating, swelling, or deformation, get rid of it because those are serious warning signs. 
• Follow manufacturers instructions 
•  Do not ride near vehicular traffic. 
• Wear safety gear when using a hoverboard. It should be the same safety gear that you would wear when riding a skateboard -- a skateboard helmet, and knee and elbow pads and wrist guards for protection from falls.

Some media coverage of interest:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2016/01/04/american-university-joins-list-of-places-to-ban-hoverboards/

http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/hoverboard-fires-destroy-homes-in-california-and-australia/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=socialm&utm_campaign=dlvr.it

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Hoverboard-Starts-Fire-at-Gaithersburg-Home-361576801.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/hoverboard-linked-to-fire-in-house-in-montgomery/2015/12/11/8edd4a32-a07b-11e5-a3c5-c77f2cc5a43c_story.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2015/12/10/airlines-are-banning-hoverboards-after-fires-trigger-safety-concerns/

http://abcnews.go.com/US/charging-hoverboard-sparks-maryland-house-fire-officials/story?id=35725668

http://www.wusa9.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2015/12/10/delta-bans-hoverboards-airlines-fret-fire-risk/77110988/

http://wjla.com/features/7-on-your-side/7oys-consumer-alert-the-continuing-saga-of-hoverboard-hazards

http://wjla.com/news/local/11-year-olds-hoverboard-explodes-catches-fire-in-home

http://www.thebaynet.com/news/hoverboard-sparks-fire-in-maryland-home.html

#hoverboards: 28 fire investigations in 19 states. Many fires occurred while charging/soon after. Keep this nearby. pic.twitter.com/O9UGtAyfb7

— U.S. CPSC (@USCPSC) January 4, 2016

Recent “HoverBoard” Fire and Safety Tips

Recently, we have received questions regarding ‘Hoverboards” and the potential that they may cause fires. 

On November 8, 2015 units from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue responded for a reported house fire in the 7700 block of Mineral Springs Drive in Gaithersburg.  Firefighters arrived at the home to find a smoldering fire in an upstairs bedroom, which was quickly extinguished.

Fire Investigators conducted an investigation and found a “Hoverboard” was in the area of origin and was plugged into an electrical outlet to charge. The scooter caught fire and rolled to the bed igniting the bedding material. See photos below.

MCFRS offers the below safety tips for the time being until more information can be learned:

Only buy a “Hoverboard” which has been certified by a recognized testing lab such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL).  The box and/or “Hoverboard” should have the logo imprinted on it.

If you own one already - only charge the ‘hoverboard” if you are, and will be, present the entire time.

Some related articles you may find of interest:

Airlines are banning ‘hoverboards’ after fires trigger safety concerns

USA's three biggest airlines now ban hoverboards