How to Prevent Fires, Stay Safe During the Holiday Season

The Buffalo Grove Fire Department has hung a wreath lit by red bulbs at each fire station. If a fire is directly caused by holiday decorations, one red bulb will be changed to a white bulb. By following these tips, you can help “Keep the Wreath Red.”

Christmas Trees:

• Consider an artificial tree; they are much safer and cleaner. Select only fresh trees that are deep green in color, have a strong scent of pine, and do not lose their needles readily.
• 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.

Lights:

• Buy and use lights approved by a national testing laboratory.
• Discard any lights that have frayed or worn cords, cracked sockets, broken or loose connections, bare wires, or operate intermittently.
• Never use indoor lights outdoors. Do not overload electrical outlets (follow the manufacturers instructions for the number of strings that can be plugged in together).
• Do not run extension cords under carpets, across doorways, or near heaters.
• Unplug lights when you leave your home or before going to bed.

Candles:

• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Keep candles away from items that can catch fire, like clothing, books and curtains.
• 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. Candles should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.
• During power outages, avoid carrying a lit candle. Use flashlights.

Winter Season tips:

• Keep matches, lighters and candles out of children's reach.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Keep candles in sturdy holders and away from combustibles.
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing near open flames of a fireplace, candle, or stove.
• Burn only well-seasoned, dry wood in your fireplace.
• NEVER burn Christmas paper wrapping in your fireplace. The paper burns too hot and too fast and could cause a fire in your chimney.