Keep the Wreath Red

For the past 15 years, the Geneva Fire Department has participated in the Keep the Wreath Red program during the holiday season. There will be wreaths prominently displayed at each fire station illuminated with red bulbs. If a fire during the holiday season is caused by the misuse of holiday decorations, a red bulb is changed to white. The goal is to “Keep the Wreath Red”; and with the following tips and a little help from you, we can achieve this goal.

• Holiday trees that are not kept moist can present a very serious fire hazard.
• When placing your tree, make sure it is kept away from sources of heat like fireplaces or heat vents and out of the way of traffic.
• Inspect lights before placing them on trees; look for broken or frayed wires.
• Make sure that you do not overload extension cords and outlets. Do not use more than three light strands unless the directions indicate that it is safe to do so.
• Avoid using candles when possible. If you use them, make sure to put them out when you leave or retire for the evening.
• Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your house. Test them monthly.
• All decorations should be nonflammable or flame retardant and placed away from heat vents.
• Don’t cover your address with decorations.
• Check labels of lights to be used outdoors to see that they are suitable for outdoor use.

Remember, fires don’t take a holiday; and by taking some precautions, you and your family can celebrate a fire-safe holiday. For more information on holiday fire safety, you can contact Firefighter Dave Lentz at 630-232-2530, or visit the Geneva Fire Department Web site.

This article first appeared in the November 2008 issue of eGeneva Magazine.