Holiday Decor Promotes Safety at Dunedin Fire Stations

Houses across Dunedin are becoming more colorful as residents decorate for the holidays. Dunedin’s three fire stations have also added some color and holiday cheer, but the Fire Department hopes you’ll note the significance of their decorations. 

Wreaths outside each fire station are part of the “Keep the Wreath Red” fire safety campaign, a nationwide program that reminds you to practice fire safety during the holiday season. The wreaths feature decorative red lights, and for each Dunedin fire caused by holiday decorations, the Fire Department will replace one red bulb with a white bulb. 

Please help the Dunedin Fire Department “Keep the Wreath Red” by using these fire safety practices this season:

1. Unplug holiday lights before leaving home or sleeping
2. Be careful with candles and open flames
3. Use flame-retardant decorations
4. Ensure lights are in good condition and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) - listed
5. Stay in the kitchen when cooking something on top of the stove or when grilling or broiling food.
6. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from space heaters, woodstoves, etc.
7. Replace damaged electrical or extension cords.
8. Keep real Christmas trees watered.                                              
9. Don't put a live Christmas tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water.
10. Avoid using lighted candles; try flameless candles instead.

Editor's Note: This is a Nov. 29 news release from the Dunedin Fire Department.