Keep The Wreath Red Program Commences To Promote Holiday Safety

From the Grayslake Fire Protection District:

GRAYSLAKE, IL - The Grayslake Fire Protection District would like to remind everybody of its participation in the annual “Keep the Wreath Red” Program in an effort to promote Holiday Safety. At each fire station there is a Holiday wreath on display with all red lighted bulbs. If there is a fire caused by any holiday decorations, firefighters will replace a red bulb with a white bulb. Thus, the goal of the program is to “Keep the Wreath Red” which runs from the day after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. Fire Safety Reminders for the home during the Holidays include:

• Have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, in the hallways outside bedrooms, and inside each bedroom. Test alarms monthly, replace batteries at least once a year, and replace alarms when they are 10 years old.
• Have working carbon monoxide alarms with 15 feet of every sleeping area.
• Make sure all electrical cords & decorations are UL-listed, in good condition, and not overloaded. Do not place electrical cords under rugs. Make sure all cords used outside are listed for outdoor use.
• Keep live Christmas trees watered properly and do not utilize live candles on or near the tree!
• Be extremely careful with candles—better yet, use battery-powered candles instead.
• Never leave the house or go to bed with candles lit, holiday lights on, or food cooking on a stove.
• Keep a multi-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher handy and know how to properly use it.
• Have your fireplace chimney professionally inspected and cleaned, using a secure fireplace screen.
• Keep all combustible items at least 3 feet (36 inches) from any heat source.
• Clean the lint from your dryer after every load, and have dryer vent professionally cleaned.

Any questions can be directed to the Grayslake Fire Protection District Fire Prevention Bureau at 847-223-

8960.

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