The Rochelle Fire Department would like to remind Rochelle and surrounding community residents to be safe during the holidays. We are pleased to once again be participating in the “Keep the Wreath Red” program with the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and other area fire departments. The program is simple; a wreath will be placed on the front of the fire station with a string of red lights. The wreath will remain lit for 24 hours a day throughout the holiday season. If a fire occurs during this time, a white bulb replaces a red bulb on the wreath. This serves as a constant reminder to practice fire safety during these festive times.
Fire safety reminders for a 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 of 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 you 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.
Happy Holidays from the Rochelle Fire Department. As always, if you have any questions please feel free to contact us at 815-562-2122 or come by the station.