For immediate release:
Dalton Township Fire Department initiates a new public awareness program,


Keep the Wreath Red

In 1980, a new fire service program, called “Keep the Wreath Red” was founded. Keep the Wreath Red has become an annual event, with fire departments all across the United States. The program is designed to focus an awareness of safety while decorating our homes for the holidays.



How the program works is quite simple; the fire department places a wreath on the front of their building and lights it with a string of red lights. The wreaths remain lit twenty-four hours a day throughout the holiday season. Whenever a fire occurs that is a result of holiday decorations, a white bulb replaces a red bulb on the wreath. This serves as a constant reminder to practice safety while installing and displaying holiday decorations.

Some suggestions to help make this holiday season safer are:
• Keep the use of extension cords to a minimum
• If extension cords must be used, make sure they are free of cracked or split insulation, have appropriate grounding plugs in place
• Keep all electrical wiring out of walkways or places where they may become pinched or worn
• Read the packaging for all lights to be sure you are not overloading your electrical circuits
• Check the electrical wiring often for possible problems
• Do not use candles on or near combustible decorations
• Do not leave burning candles unattended

The Dalton Township Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday season.