A light reminder to decorate safely this season

By Valerie Hardy

Many local fire departments are giving the green light to keeping the red lights lit on their wreaths this season. They are participating in the “Keep the Wreath Red” program, an annual fire prevention awareness campaign that serves as a reminder for the community to decorate and celebrate safely.

Through the program, fire stations display wreaths with all red lightbulbs at the start of the holiday season. If a decoration-related fire within the department’s municipality occurs, one red bulb on the wreath is replaced with a white one. The goal is to keep the wreath entirely red, signifying a fire-free season.

The continued need for this initiative stems from the increased number of fire calls during the holiday season, many of which are caused by decorations catching fire, kitchen fires from overloaded appliances, and fires from batteries in popular holiday gifts like electronic bikes and scooters.

Photo courtesy of Elmhurst Fire Department

However, “Keep the Wreath Red” dates back to a time before high-tech toys topped holiday gift lists. It originated in 1954, the brainchild of a part-time fire lieutenant in Naperville. The program rose in popularity after the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association adopted it in 1980.

The Hinsdale Fire Department has participated in the “Keep the Wreath Red” program annually since 1980. Starting on Thanksgiving Day, the HFD hangs a wreath with the campaign’s signature red lights. “The program is a visual reminder to visitors, residents, and business owners to be mindful of their holiday decorations and other risks associated with the season,” Matt Daly, Assistant to the Fire Chief in Hinsdale, said. “The Fire Department is always looking for ways to minimize risks in our community, and this program really helps us do that.”

Jana Krausfeldt, Communication Specialist for the City of Elmhurst, explained that both of Elmhurst’s fire stations also display wreaths as part of the “Keep the Wreath Red” campaign. Likewise, Downers Grove’s four fire stations display an initially fully red-lit wreath, which remains in place through January 1. “The Fire Department asks that residents do their part to practice fire safety during the holiday months,” Doug Kozlowski, Communication Director for the Village of Downers Grove, said.

While not all local fire departments participate in the “Keep the Wreath Red” program, they universally promote fire-safe practices – at the holidays and always. For example, the Fire Department for the Village of Oak Brook. Kevin Fleege, Oak Brook’s Fire Chief, said, “Although the holiday season should be one filled with joy, festivities, family and friends…[it] can also present additional fire risks that can quickly turn the season in an unfortunate direction.”

He recommends increased vigilance at this time of year, including choosing flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations; using clips rather than nails or staples to hang holiday lights to prevent cord damage; unplugging a lit tree before leaving home or going to bed; and disposing of live trees soon after Christmas, as – according to the National Fire Protection Association – 35 percent of Christmas tree fires occur in January.

Top Tips for Fire-Free Festivities

Below is additional guidance from the Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, and Oak Brook Fire Departments to help ensure the only open fires this season are those meant for roasting chestnuts.

Photo courtesy of Downers Grove Fire Department

Christmas Trees & Holiday Decorations

• If decorating with a live Christmas tree, choose one with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
• Check the water level on live trees daily.
• Keep live trees at least three feet from any heat source.
• Do not allow trees to block any exit paths in the home.
• No more than three strings of lights should be connected for use on trees.
• Make sure outdoor decorations and lights are approved for outdoor use.

Fireplace & Candle Use

• Have fireplaces cleaned and inspected before using them for the season.
• Always confirm the flue is open before starting a fire in a fireplace.
• Do not burn any foreign objects in fireplaces.
• Always use a fireplace screen.
• Never leave candles unattended or near flammable materials.
• Keep lit candles out of reach of children and pets.

Electrical Cords

• Use UL-rated power strips with surge protection when plugging in multiple devices or decorations.
• Do not overload extension cords or outlets with excessive holiday lights.
• Replace old or damaged extension cords.
• Do not run electrical cords under rugs, past doorways, or wrap them around furniture.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

• Follow manufacturer directions regarding charging and replacing batteries for electric bikes, scooters, etc.
• Avoid charging batteries in living spaces, and charge on hard, non-flammable surfaces.
• Batteries should not be disposed of in the garbage. Check with your hardware store for battery collection service information.

Miscellaneous

• Remain in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
• Never pour water on a grease fire.
• Make sure you have a working smoke and carbon monoxide alarm on each level of the home, especially outside sleeping areas.
• Keep the areas around your furnace, hot water heater, electrical panel, and other utilities free from boxes and storage.
• Never store flammable liquids or combustible liquids inside near utilities.
• Have an evacuation plan and call 911 in case of a fire emergency. Do not delay!