[Press Release] : Fire Safety Challenge

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Battalion Chief Steven E. Sapp, Public Information Officer -
(573) 874-7557

Let's keep the wreath red this holiday season - a fire safety challenge
to Columbia residents 

COLUMBIA, MO (November 30, 2005) -- During this holiday season, the
Columbia Fire Department is continuing the annual fire service tradition
of Operation Red Wreath. In Columbia, the downtown fire station on 10th
Street will display a wreath with red holiday lights from Dec. 1 through
Jan. 2, 2006. The challenge to Columbia residents is to keep the lights
red. Should a fire occur in Columbia that involves holiday lights or
decorations, a bulb in the wreath will be changed from red to white. The
purpose of this campaign is to remind everyone that the happiness of the
holiday season can be forever changed in a moment by fire. Common sense
and awareness of fire threats can help to keep our wreath red.

Far too many fires occur due to unattended open flames, such as candles
or the use of fire places and woodstoves. Candle related fires have
increased over 50% in the past four years in Columbia. Make sure candles
are well-secured in a proper holder and kept at least three feet away
from anything combustible. Never leave a candle burning when you leave
the room, the house, or retire for the night.

Natural trees are a big part of our holiday tradition. However,
Christmas trees become serious fire hazards if not kept well-watered.
Water your tree at least daily. Use extra care with electrical extension
cords and lights. Use only lights that display the Underwriter's
Laboratory, (UL) label. Read and follow the manufacturer's guidelines
for how to use decorative lights and how many strings of lights can be
connected together. Frayed cords and overloaded electrical circuits can
be a cause of holiday fires. 

If decorating outdoors, make sure the decorations are listed for
outdoor use. If using a ladder to install decorations, make sure that
the ladder is rated for the proper weight load, make sure that you do
not over extend your reach while on the ladder, and watch for overhead
power lines. Always make sure that the base of the ladder is firmly
secure to the ground. Work off of a level surface. It is always best
practice to have another person with you if working on a ladder to
assist or steady the ladder if needed. 

In the event you're still searching for that gift for someone on your
list, consider the gift of life by giving a smoke detector and carbon
monoxide alarm. Industry expert's state that battery operated smoke
detectors more than 10 years old should be replaced. If you can't recall
when you bought and installed your smoke detector, now is a great time
to purchase a new unit. The cost of even the top-of-the-line smoke
detectors is often less than $15 and many have batteries that will last
up to 10 years. Carbon monoxide - that colorless, odorless gas -
presents invisible danger all year long but especially during the cold
winter months. Today's carbon monoxide detectors are more accurate and
dependable than ever and generally cost less than $30. No home should be
without at least one carbon monoxide detector. 

During this holiday season, please keep these few safety tips and
suggestions in mind. If you have questions, please call your Columbia
Fire Department at 874-7391. The men and women of the Columbia Fire
Department wish everyone a safe holiday season.

- 30 -
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