'Keep The Wreath Red' Program Raises Fire Safety Awareness During Holidays: Arlington Heights FD

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — The annual Keep the Wreath holiday safety program is in progress, with the Arlington Heights Fire Department participating once again. Started in Naperville in 1954, the program is intended to raise awareness about fire safety during the holiday season.

According to AHFD, a wreath strung with red lights has been placed on each of the four fire stations in the village. Starting at Thanksgiving and running through New Year's Day, the wreaths remain lit 24 hours a day. If a fire occurs that is determined to be the result of a holiday decoration, a white bulb replaces a red bulb on the wreath. The hope is the wreath will serve as a constant reminder to practice safety while displaying holiday decorations.

The Arlington Height Fire Department has the following suggestions for holiday safety:

• Artificial trees are safer than real trees.
• If purchasing a real ttree,select one that is deep green in color and has a strong scent of pine.
• Keep extension cord use at a minimum.
• Use only lights that are approved by a national testing laboratory.
• Do not use indoor lights outdoors.
• Do not overload electrical outlets or circuits.
• Do not leave candles unattended.
• Keep candles away from combustible materials.
• Trim all candle wicks to one-quarter inch and extinguish all candles prior to the burning of the last half inch of wax.