With 'Keep Wreath Red' Campaign, Plainfield FD Raises Awareness Of Fire Safety

PLAINFIELD, IL — The Plainfield Fire Protection District is participating in a holiday campaign in an effort to raise awareness of fire safety this season.

If you see a wreath adorning all four fire stations in Plainfield, it's part of the campaign, called "Keep the Wreath Red." The wreaths will be displayed from Dec. 1 through Jan. 2 with a stipulation: if a fire is caused by a holiday decoration, a red light will be replaced by a white one.

"The goal is to keep the wreaths red throughout this holiday season," officials said in a news release.

Fire department officials shared several tips to help keep families safe this season:

• Beware of lighted candles. Candles often get forgotten or knocked over by pets or children.
• Beware of space heaters. Space heaters need space. Do not put space heaters near curtains, tablecloths or other loose fabrics.
• Cover your fireplace with a screen. Tempered glass or a metal screen helps protect sparks from leaving the fireplace.
• Have your chimneys and vents checked. Fireplaces produce creosote which can ignite.
• Have your furnace checked. Have it serviced and inspected yearly for proper operation.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Make sure the batteries are fresh if they have them.
• Keep natural Christmas trees watered; do not rely on chemical sprays to make your tree flame-retardant.
• Do not overload extension cords.
• Unplug holiday lights before leaving home or sleeping.