In keeping with recent tradition, the Western Springs Department of Fire & Emergency Services will once again participate in the "Keep the Wreath Red" program, in association with the Illinois Fire Chief's Association. This year, the program will run Thanksgiving Day through Friday, January 3, 2020.
The program, designed to increase fire awareness during the holiday season, centers around the display of a Christmas wreath draped in red light bulbs on the side of fire station headquarters. In the event of a holiday-related fire, firefighters will replace a red bulb with a white one. The goal is "Keep the Wreath Red".
Some holiday safety reminders include:
- Check all your illuminated decorations to make sure they are in good condition. Light strands that have frayed or have cracked wires should be thrown out and replaced with UL approved items. Holiday lights can be recycled at Village Hall, Village True Value Hardware, or the Thomas Ford Library.
- Make sure that electrical cords are not overloaded and when used outdoors, and that they are designed for that use. Inside, do not place electrical cords under carpets or rugs. All electrical cords should be UL approved.
- Live Christmas trees need water frequently to keep them from drying out prematurely. Be aware of your tree's condition, and when it becomes dry and brittle, discontinue the use of decorative lighting. Do not leave home with the lights lit - turn them off.
- Use caution with holiday candles, fragrance burners, sternos, the stove, etc., to ensure they will not set fire to objects nearby.
- Make sure your fireplace is in good working order and that the chimney is free of obstructions and creosote build-up. Christmas wrapping, Christmas trees, or tree branches should not be burned in the fireplace. Their intense rapid burning can cause chimney fires, or result in flames extending out of the firebox into your home.
- Check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are in good working order.