[Press Release] : Operation Red Wreath - annual fire safety challenge to Columbia residents

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Chief Steven Sapp -(573) 499-7035

Operation Red Wreath - annual fire safety challenge to Columbia
residents

COLUMBIA, MO (December 1, 2008) - 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 adorned with red holiday lights from Dec.
1, 2008, through Jan. 4, 2009. The challenge to Columbia residents is to
keep the lights red. Should a fire occur in Columbia that involves
holiday related activities, 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 an instant
by fire. Common sense and awareness of fire threats can help to keep the
wreath red.

During the 2007-2008 Red Wreath Challenge, the Columbia Fire Department
is proud to report that no fires related to holiday activities were
reported. In the 2006-2007 campaign, three fires were reported during
the period; two unattended cooking fires while preparing holiday meals
and one improper disposal of smoking materials after a holiday
gathering. 

Fires occur due to unattended open flames, such as candles or the use
of fireplaces and woodstoves. Candle related fires have continued to
increase in the past several 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. Natural trees
can be a safe holiday tradition, however, natural Christmas trees may
become fire hazards if not kept well watered. Water your tree 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. Remove the tree from the home as soon as possible
after the holiday.

Use extra care with electrical extension cords and decorative lights.
Use only decorative 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 in good condition, 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 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 - a 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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