Keep the Wreath Red

From fires sparked by holiday decorations to kitchen fires from an overloaded appliance, it’s the time of year for increased fire calls – and an increase in the number of fire deaths and injuries, and the heartbreak when they involve children. NFPA fire statistics confirm that during the winter months and particularly the holiday season – the number of structure fires increases. 

The Hanover Park Fire Department has duplicated a program entitled “Keep the Wreath Red,” originated in 1954 by the Naperville (Illinois) Fire Department and then adopted in 1980 by the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association. The program has yielded outstanding community results in our area. The concept is simple, with “Keep the Wreath Red,” each of our fire stations will display a holiday wreath, large enough to be seen by passersby or vehicles, decorated in all red holiday lights. The lighted wreath is festive yet helps celebrate all of the diversity in our community during the holiday season.  Should a fire occur that is determined to be the result of a holiday decoration, a white bulb replaces a red bulb on the wreath.

Below are some tips from Hanover Park firefighters on what you can do to keep the holidays safe and fun for everyone:

Test smoke alarms - Make sure batteries are fresh, and place smoke alarms in the kitchen, laundry room, and bedrooms.

Have your furnace checked - It is worth the money to hire a professional to inspect and service your furnace once a year. 

Have your chimneys and vents checked - Fireplaces produce creosote which can ignite. If you light fires frequently, you need a chimney sweep service once a year. When you burn wood, make sure it's dry and seasoned so that it produces more flame and less smoke.

Cover the fireplace with a screen - Tempered glass or a metal screen helps protect sparks from leaving the fireplace. Even so, make sure that children and pets sit at least three feet away when you light a fire.

Beware of lighted candles - Candles get forgotten or knocked over by kids or pets.

Beware of space heaters - Space heaters need space. As with fireplaces, people and pets should not be allowed to sit any closer than three feet. Also, do not put space heaters near curtains, tablecloths, or other fluttering fabrics.

Know how to put out kitchen fires quickly - Water does not help a grease fire, which can get out of control. Keep lids handy to put on top of pots and pans that get too hot.

Practice an escape route - Businesses have fire drills; your family should as well. Teach your family to crawl to the nearest exit from every room. Show them how to drop and roll if their clothes were ever to catch on fire.