As we approach the holiday season, the Village of Hinsdale Fire
Department would like to remind you to keep your holiday safe and
happy. The Fire Department will once again team up with the Illinois
fire Chiefs Association and neighboring fire departments in the
"Keep the Wreath Red" program. This year, the program
will run from Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 22nd) through
Tuesday, January 2nd, 2007.
"Keep the Wreath Red" is a holiday fire safety program
designed to increase fire safety awareness. In the event of a holiday-related
fire, firefighters will replace on of the red bulbs with a white
one. The goal is to keep the bulbs on that wreath red.
Fire safety reminder for safe holiday season include:
- Check all your illuminated decorations to make sure they are
in good condition. Light strands that have frayed or cracked wires
should be thrown away and replaced with UL approved devices. Outside
cords should be approved for exterior uses and inside cords should
not be placed under carpets or throw rugs.
- Keep live Christmas trees watered frequently. Be aware of your
tree's life and when it becomes brittle, discontinue using the
lights. Always turn off the lights when leaving your home.
- Use extreme caution with holiday candles and all other open
flames to assure they are safe and will not set fire to nearby
objects.
- Make sure your fireplace is in good working order and the chimney
is free from obstructions and creosote build-up. Christmas wrappings
and tree branches are not to be burned in the fireplace. Their
intense and rapid burning can cause chimney fires and flames to
extend out of the firebox into your home.
- As always, check your smoke detectors and make sure they are
in good working order. If you did not change the batteries when
you changed your clocks in October, change them now.
We all want to have a safe and happy holiday season. If you have any questions, please contact the Village Fire Prevention Bureau at (630) 789-7060 or fire@villageofhinsdale.org
# # #
