[Press Release] : Operation Red Wreath

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

Operation Red Wreath: annual fire safety challenge to Columbia
residents

COLUMBIA, MO (November 30, 2007) - 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. 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.

During the 2006-2007 Red Wreath Challenge, three fires occurred; two
caused by unattended cooking and one caused by discarding smoking
materials into a combustible container. 
Far too many fires occur due to unattended open flames, such as candles
or the use of fireplaces and wood stoves. Candle-related fires have
increased over 50 percent 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 holiday tradition. However, natural Christmas trees
may become fire hazards if not kept well-watered. Water your tree at
least daily. When you purchase your tree, do so from a reputable dealer.
Make sure the tree is fresh and not dry. Make sure a fresh cut is made
to the trunk of the tree to aid in water absorption before placing the
tree in its stand. Don't place the tree near heating vents or fireplaces
that could dry the tree out prematurely. Keep open flames such as
candles away from the tree. 

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 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 experts 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. 

- 30 -
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