Tips to prevent fires this holiday season

As the holiday season begins, the Mount Prospect Fire Department will once again participate in a fire prevention program called "Keep the Wreath Red."

From Dec. 1 through Jan. 1, 2022, a wreath will be hung at the previous Public Safety Building, 112 E. Northwest Hwy., and will be illuminated by a string of red lights. Whenever a fire occurs that is a result of holiday decorations, a white bulb will replace a red bulb on the wreath.

"Keep the Wreath Red" serves as a visual reminder to all residents of Mount Prospect to take additional safety precautions during the holiday season. The most important thing that residents can do is have a working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector and test them regularly.

The following are some precautions to help make this holiday season a safe one:

Christmas trees

• When displaying a live tree, cut about two inches off the trunk, then mount it in a sturdy stand with wide spread legs. Make sure there is enough room around the trunk so you can fill it with water. For larger trees, use thin wire or fishing line to fasten it to a wall or the ceiling to prevent it from toppling over.

• Keep your tree away from fireplaces, radiators or other heat sources. Ensure that it is out of the way of traffic and does not block doorways. Most importantly, remember to keep it watered.

Holiday decorations

• Do not overload extension cords.

• When decorating, make sure that all electrical light cords are not frayed or split.

• Test lights before putting them on the tree.

• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. To hold lights in place, string them through plastic hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks.

• Plug outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters.

• Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house.

Candles

• Use candle holders that are sturdy and won't tip over easily.

• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.

• Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.

• Don't burn a candle all the way down - put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.

• Never use a candle if you use oxygen in your home.

• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.

• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.

• Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle. Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children's reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.

For information, contact the Mount Prospect Fire Prevention Bureau at (847) 818-5253.