'Keep The Wreath Red' Campaign Encourages Fire Safety For The Holidays In Plainfield

PLAINFIELD, IL — The Plainfield Fire Protection District is bringing back its holiday campaign to encourage locals to take precautions with holiday decorations to prevent fires.

During the "Keep the Wreath Red" campaign, all four Plainfield fire stations will don a wreath illuminated with red lights. If a fire caused by holiday decorations occurs within the district, a red bulb will be replaced with a white one.

Running from Dec. 1 to Jan. 2, the campaign is meant to raise awareness of fire prevention.

"Our goal is to keep every wreath red throughout the season by encouraging safe holiday practices in our community," officials said.

The department shared the following tips for the holiday season:

• Use caution with candles. Candles can be forgotten or accidentally knocked over by pets or children.
• Be safe with space heaters. Keep them at least three feet away from curtains, tablecloths, and other loose fabrics. Plug space heaters directly into an outlet — never an extension cord — and turn them off when leaving the area.
• Use a fireplace screen. A tempered glass or metal screen prevents sparks from escaping.
• Have chimneys and vents inspected. Fireplaces produce creosote buildup, which can ignite if not cleaned.
• Have your furnace serviced. Annual inspections ensure proper and safe operation.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Replace batteries if needed and ensure alarms are functioning properly.
• Keep natural Christmas trees well-watered. Avoid chemical flame-retardant sprays.
• Do not overload extension cords.
• Unplug holiday lights before leaving home or going to sleep.