The Barrington Fire Department needs your help to the “Keep the Wreath Red.”

 

As the holiday season begins, each fire station will place in public view a holiday wreath decorated with red bulbs. The wreaths are illuminated constantly. If a fire is directly caused by holiday decorations, one red bulb will be changed to a white bulb.

 

The “Keep the Wreath Red” Program is a visual reminder to citizens to take additional fire safety precautions during the holiday season. This program is promoted and endorsed by the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association to alert the community of fires caused by holiday decorations.

 

The Barrington Fire Department offers the following tips to help “Keep the Wreath Red” …

 

Christmas Trees

- Select only fresh trees that are deep green in color and have a strong scent of pine. Trees should not lose their needles easily.

- Do not rely on chemical sprays to make your tree flame resistant.

- Keep trees in water-holding stands and keep stands full of water.

- Place trees away from heat sources and a safe distance from exits.

 

Holiday Lights

- Buy and use lights approved by UL (Underwriters Laboratories).

- Discard any lights that have frayed or worn cords, broken or cracked sockets, loose connections, bare wires, or operate intermittently.

- Never use indoor lights outdoors.

- Do not overload electrical outlets (three sets of lights per single extension).

- Do not run extension cords under carpets, across doorways, or near heaters.

- Unplug lights when you leave your home and before going to bed.

 

Holiday Flames

- Keep matches, lighters and candles out of children's reach.

- Do not wear loose fitting clothing near open flames of a fireplace, candle, or stove.

- Burn only well-seasoned, dry wood in your fireplace.

 

Candles

- Never leave burning candles unattended.

- Keep candles away from combustibles like clothing, books and curtains.

- Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.

- Use candleholders that are sturdy, won’t tip over easily, are made from a material that cannot burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax.

- Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.

- Keep candlewicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get to within two inches of the holder. Votives and container candles should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.

- During power outages, avoid carrying a lit candle. Use flashlights.

 

New Year Celebrations

- Provide smokers with deep, non-tip ashtrays and check under furniture and in garbage cans for smoldering cigarettes.

- At a party, be sure the exits are clear.

 

Questions or comments can be directed to the Barrington Fire Department at 847-304-3600. Please use our wreaths as a reminder to have a Fire Safe Holiday.

Help us to "Keep the Wreaths Red!"