Help Keep the Wreath Red

The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District wants you to help “Keep the Wreath Red” by safely displaying holiday decorations at your home or business this season.

As the holiday time begins, each of our three fire stations will exhibit a holiday wreath decorated with red bulbs. The wreaths will be illuminated constantly. If a fire in the district is directly caused by holiday decorations, one red bulb will be changed to a white bulb.

The “Keep the Wreath Red” Program is a visual reminder to residents to take additional fire safety precautions during the holiday season.  This program is promoted and endorsed by the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association to alert the community of fires caused by holiday decorations.

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.
• Do not rely on chemical sprays to make your tree flame resistant.
• Keep trees in water-holding stands and keep stands full of water.
• Place trees away from heat sources and a safe distance from exits.

Holiday Lights

• Buy and use lights listed by UL.
• 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 (three sets of lights per single extension).
• Do not run extension cords under carpets, across doorways, or near heaters.
• Unplug lights when you leave your home or before going to bed.

Holiday Flames

• Keep matches, lighters and candles out of children's reach.
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing near open flames of a fireplace, candle, or stove.
• Burn only well-seasoned, dry wood in your fireplace.

Candles

• Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Keep candles away from combustibles like clothing, books and curtains.
• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• 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.
• Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
• Keep candlewicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get to within two inches of the holder.
• Votives and container candles should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.
• During power outages, avoid carrying a lit candle. Use flashlights.

New Year Celebrations

• Provide smokers with deep, non-tip ashtrays and check under furniture and in garbage cans for smoldering cigarettes.
• At a party, be sure the exits are clear. 

Questions or comments can be directed to the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District at 847-304-3600.