Wreaths have been hung at each fire station as part of the "Keep the Wreath Red" campaign. This campaign promotes fire safety as residents of Johnston and Grimes decorate for the holidays.
Each of the wreaths is decorated with a string of red lights. If a fire occurs in the city because of holiday decorations or candles, the Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire Department will replace one of the red light bulbs with a white bulb. The mission is to "Keep the Wreath Red" during the holiday season. Since the beginning of the campaign, the department has not had to change a bulb to white, and we hope to keep it that way this year.
Below are a few tips from the Fire Department on how to stay safe this holiday season.
Preventing holiday tree fires:
- Place holiday trees away from fireplaces and space heaters.
- If you have a real tree, keep it in water through the entire season, so it doesn’t dry out; check water levels often. When needles start to drop off, it’s time to move the tree outdoors.
- If you are using an artificial tree, make sure it is flame-retardant.
- Replace broken or worn light strands. Follow manufacturer instructions on the number of light strands to connect. Almost one-third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
- Keep candles at least three feet away from drapes, tablecloths, or any items that can burn.
- Place candles in a visible area, so you don't forget that it is lit.
- Blow out all candles when you leave the room or your home.
- Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep. More candle fires start in bedrooms than in any other room.
- Place candles in stable holders on clean surfaces where they cannot be easily knocked down by children or pets.
- Light candles carefully.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
- Limit the use of extension cords to temporary uses. They should not serve as a permanent power source for any appliance or stationary device.
- Choose decorations that are flame-resistant.
- Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive wear before putting them up.
- Never run extension cords under rugs or furniture.
- Do not overload electrical outlets. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect, usually no more than three.
- Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving the house or going to bed.
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