Lombard Fire Department campaigns to “Keep The Wreath Red”

LOMBARD, Illinois— The Lombard Fire Department embarked on its annual campaign to “Keep the Wreath Red” today. The “Keep the Wreath Red” program is designed to emphasize fire safety during the holiday season.

From the day after Thanksgiving until New Year's Day, a wreath will be placed on each of Lombard's two fire stations. The wreaths will be lit with all red bulbs. Each time there is a fire related to the holidays, a red bulb will be replaced with a white bulb. A wreath that contains all red bulbs indicates our goal, a safe holiday season. Last year in Lombard there were no holiday related fires and all of the bulbs remained red.

There are many things residents can do to make the season safe this year, including:

• Keep the live tree stands filled with water.

• Keep all trees, wreaths and all holiday decorations away from any heat source, such as fireplaces, space heaters or candles.

• Check decoration electrical cords for indications of damage before using them.

• Keep candles in approved containers. Glass containers can protect candles from being knocked over or in direct contact with combustibles.

• Extinguish all candles before going to sleep or leaving your home.

• When using a fireplace, make sure there is a fire screen in place. Don't close the damper until the fire is completely out and burn only seasoned firewood.

• After any entertaining, check waste baskets and furniture for smoldering cigarettes.

• Make sure your home has at least one working smoke detector per floor and that everyone knows how to exit in case of an emergency.

All of the members of the Lombard Fire Department wish residents a safe and happy holiday season. The Lombard Fire Department is always available for assistance with fire safety information. For assistance, residents are advised to call the Lombard Fire Prevention Bureau at (630) 620-5750.