Plainfield FPD Launches Holiday Fire Safety Campaign

PLAINFIELD, IL — The Plainfield Fire Protection District is participating in a holiday-themed fire safety campaign called "Keep the Wreath Red" to raise awareness of the fire risks holiday lights and decorations can pose. Fire officials say all their stations will be decorated with holiday wreaths lit with red lights. Every time a holiday decoration starts a fire somewhere in the district, one of the red lights will be replaced with a white one.

"Our goal, with everyone's help, is to keep the wreaths red this holiday season," the district said in a news release.

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Officials say candles are the most common source of fire and that December is the most dangerous month for candle-related fires. So, remember to keep candles at least a foot away from anything that can burn, use sturdy candle holders that won't tip over, and never leave a child or pet alone with a burning candle. In fact, always blow candles out before leaving them alone at all, officials said. And never burn a candle if portable oxygen tanks are used in your home.

"Please consider decorating with flameless candles that can look and smell like real candles," fire officials added.

With so many holiday decorations plugged into a home's outlets, officials said electrical safety is also a concern. Make sure your lights were tested by a laboratory for safety, replace lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulbs, and always read the instructions to see the maximum number of lights you can connect safely.

If you're hanging lights outside, make sure your cords are rated for that. Use clips, not nails, to hang lights and always turn lights off before going to bed, officials said.

And don't forget about the Christmas tree, especially if it's the real deal. Make sure the needles don't fall off when touched and immediately clean up any that do fall off. Cut two inches from the base of the trunk before putting it into a stand and add water to the stand every day. If the tree starts to dry out, remove it from your house as soon as possible, because dry trees can go up in a flash. Just be sure to move the tree away from your home or garage while waiting for it to be disposed of.

For more information, call the Plainfield Fire Protection District at 815-436-5335 or visit PlainfieldPFD.com.

Photo via Plainfield Fire Protection District