The holidays are quickly approaching, and that means candles ablaze, cozy fires in the fireplace, and decorative lights on the Christmas tree. But keep in mind that although those warm and fuzzy things are part of the beauty of the season, they also can be dangerous when it comes to fire.
“People use the same lights every year, and candles are a big one,” said Scott Bartelt, deputy fire chief-community services for Oak Park. “A lot of fires have to do with candles.”
To promote the awareness of fires caused by holiday-related decorations, the Village Fire Department is once again teaming up with the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and neighboring fire departments in the “Keep the Wreath Red” fire safety program, which will run from Thanksgiving Day through Jan. 8.
The program is simple. As the holiday season approaches, fire departments are asked to hang a holiday wreath in a window easily seen by the public. The wreath is lit up with red lights, but if a fire occurs anywhere in the village that’s directly caused by holiday decorations (trees, lights, cords, candles, burning wrapping paper in fireplaces, etc.) , the red bulbs are changed to white bulbs. Oak Park’s wreath, which will hang in the window of the Main Fire Station at 100 N. Euclid Ave., is intended to serve as a visual reminder to take additional safety precautions during the holiday season.
“The whole idea is to keep the wreath red,” said Chief Bartelt. “That’s what we try to do.”
Chief Bartelt has offered a few tips for keeping it safe during the next couple months. We hope they’ll help keep the upcoming season a happy time for all.
* As always, check your smoke detectors to ensure they are working. Change your detector’s battery each time you change your clocks for daylight saving time. “The big thing is checking smoke and CO (carbon monoxide) detectors, especially in winter when heating units and furnaces are going to put out CO,” said Chief Bartelt. Smoke detectors over 10 years old should be replaced. New smoke detectors make good presents, the chief said.
* Use extreme caution while using candles and blow them out when leaving the room or going to sleep for the night. Use sturdy candle holders that won’t tip easily. Trim candle wicks to keep flames small. Use the new, battery-operated flameless candles.
* Maintain and clean your fireplace and use seasoned wood. Make sure it is in good working order. Have the chimney cleaned regularly. Make sure the flue is open before using. Keep combustible materials away from furnaces and space heaters, and as for the latter, make sure you get a heater with a tipping safety feature.
* Don’t use nails or metal to hang lights, use the new plastic devices or plastic hooks. Light strands that have frayed/cracked wires should be tossed out and replaced with UL-approved devices. Outside cords should be approved for exterior use and inside cords should not be placed under carpets or throw rugs. Power strips should be used inside whenever possible.
* Keep live trees watered frequently. The water level should cover the tree stem by at least two inches and should be checked daily. Turn off the lights when leaving your home or going to bed. Never use lighted candles on trees.
There are other, simple precautions that will help keep you and your family safe. In the kitchen, keep your oven mitts, dish towels, and anything flammable away from the stove when you’re cooking, especially your loose-fitting clothes. Pot handles should be turned in for the safety of children. And do not use your oven to heat your house, as the carbon monoxide levels can increase, “and you don’t want to do that,” said Chief Bartelt.
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Felicia Dechter is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press.