'Keep the Wreath Red' program to promote holiday fire safety
Festive wreaths displayed at area fire stations are part of a public awareness program designed to help the Barrington Fire Department and Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District promote fire safety this holiday season.
2010 marks the third year that the fire department and district have participated in the “Keep the Wreath Red” program, which features holiday wreaths outside each of the three fire stations that serve village and district residents: 400 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington; 120 W. Algonquin Road, Barrington Hills; and 22222 N. Pepper Road, Lake Barrington.
Each wreath is illuminated with red bulbs. The fire department will replace a red bulb with a white bulb for each fire that is caused by holiday decorations. There have been no such fires in Barrington or in the district in the past five years, according to Fire Chief James Arie.
The “Keep the Wreath Red” program is a visual reminder to residents that the season offers no holiday from fire-related accidents. The Illinois Fire Chiefs Association adopted the program in 1980 as an effective way to alert the community of fires caused by holiday decorations.
“Departments across the state who participate in this program have observed that people are very interested in seeing whether their community has had a fire caused by holiday decorations,” Arie explains. “It offers a unique approach for reminding residents to keep their families safe.”
Tips to help residents “Keep the Wreath Red” include:
Christmas Trees:
Select only fresh trees that are deep green in color and have a strong scent of pine. Trees should not lose their needles easily.
Keep tree stands filled with water.
Verify that artificial trees are flame retardant, and keep all trees away from fireplaces or heating vents.
Holiday Lights:
Buy and use lights approved by UL (Underwriters Laboratories).
Discard any lights that have frayed or worn cords, broken or cracked sockets, loose connections, bare wires, or operate intermittently.
Never use indoor lights outdoors.
Do not overload electrical outlets.
Do not run extension cords under carpets, across doorways, or near heaters.
Unplug lights when you leave home and before going to bed.
Candles:
Never leave burning candles unattended.
Keep candles away from combustibles such as clothing, books, curtains and flammable liquids.
Use candleholders that are sturdy, won't tip over easily, are made from a material that cannot burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
For more information, contact the Barrington Fire Department at (847) 304-3600. Additional information on the program is available at the district's website, bcfpd.org, or the village's website, barrington-il.gov.
The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District receives emergency fire and medical service from the Barrington Fire Department, which is responsible for protecting the lives and property of district residents through an intergovernmental agreement between the district and village of Barrington. The district serves portions of Barrington Hills, South Barrington, Lake Barrington and Inverness; and portions of unincorporated Cook, Lake and McHenry Counties.