“Keep the Wreath Red” program underway at Arlington Heights Fire Department fire stations. The “Keep the Wreath Red” program was adopted by the Illinois Fire Chief’s Association in 1980. Now an annual event, Keep the Wreath Red is aimed at increasing an awareness of safety while decorating our homes for the holidays.
The program works this way — a wreath is placed on the front of each fire station in Arlington Heights. The wreath is strung with red lights. The wreaths remain lit twenty-four hours a day during the holiday season. If a fire occurs that is determined to be the result of a holiday decoration, a white bulb replaces a red bulb on the wreath. The hope is the wreath will serve as a constant reminder to practice safety while displaying holiday decorations.
Some suggestions for holiday safety are:
Artificial trees are safer than real trees.
If purchasing a real tree select one which is deep green in color and has a strong scent of pine.
Keep extension cord use at a minimum.
Use only lights which are approved by a national testing laboratory.
Do not use indoor lights outdoors.
Do not overload electrical outlets or circuits.
Do not leave candles unattended.
Keep candles away from combustible materials.
Trim all candlewicks to one-quarter inch and extinguish all candles prior to the burning of the last half-inch of wax.
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