Lemont Fire Department to Residents: Help Us 'Keep the Wreath Red'

Editor's note: The following is a press release issued by the Lemont Fire Protection District.

Lemont’s “Keep the Wreath Red" program is a visual reminder to residents to take additional safety precautions to make this a safe and happy holiday season.  

Once again this year, thanks to the generosity of the Lemont Garden Club, each fire station in the Lemont Fire District displays a beautiful holiday wreath decorated with red bulbs.  

Each wreath will remain lit for 24 hours a day throughout the holiday season.  During the season, if a home fire is caused by holiday decorations, one red bulb will be changed to a white bulb.  

“While here in Lemont we have been blessed to have remained safe during my years as chief, I am reminded according the National Fire Protection Association in 2011, one civilian fire death occurred every two hours and 55 minutes, said Lemont Fire Chief Carl Churulo. “This program is a chance to draw awareness to things we often forget about during the holiday season. If you neglect your Christmas tree it can quickly become a significant fire hazard. We want to remind people to think about the holiday and reducing those risks." 

Year-round, visit the Lemont Fire Department website at lemontfire.com for more family safety tips and information about our services and activities.

The fire department offers the following tips to 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.

Keep fresh trees in water‐holding stands and keep stands full of water. Place trees away from heat sources and a safe distance from exits.

Lights

Discard any lights that have frayed or worn cords, cracked sockets, broken or loose connections, bare wires or that operate intermittently.

Never use indoor lights outdoors. Do not overload electrical outlets (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of strings that can be plugged in together).

Do not run extension cords under carpets, across doorways or near heaters.

Candles

Consider flameless candles – they are just as beautiful and much, much safer.

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.

Winter Season Tips

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.

NEVER burn Christmas paper wrapping in your fireplace. The paper burns too hot and too fast and could cause a fire in your chimney.

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