Fire Department offers hover board safety tips Published April 25, 2018 JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Hover board — part toy, part transportation. These self-balancing scooters have quickly become the latest fad. However, many hover boards have been linked to fires. Joint Base MDL Fire Emergency Services urges you to be fire safe when using these devices. If you purchase a hover board: -Choose a device with the seal of an independent testing laboratory -Read and follow all manufacturer directions. Ask for help if you do not understand them -An adult should be responsible for charging the hover board -Do not leave a charging hover board unattended -Never leave the hover board plugged in overnight -Only use the charging cord that came with the hover board -Stop using your hover board if it overheats -Extreme hot or cold temperature can hurt the battery Some hover board fires have involved the Lithium-Ion battery or charger. Signs you could have a problem include: -Leaking fluids -Excessive heat -Odor -Sparking -Smoke If you notice any of these signs, stop using the device right away. Call 9-1-1. If safe to do so, move the hover board outside away from anything that can burn. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the JB-MDL Fire Prevention office at 754-2451.