MOLINE, Ill — Local firefighters are encouraging families in the Quad Cities to keep fire safety in mind as the holiday season gets into full swing.
From Friday, Dec. 1 to Tuesday, Jan. 2, the Moline Fire Department is hosting a "Keep the Wreath Red" awareness campaign. All four fire stations will be displaying a wreath outside covered in red lights. Each time firefighters respond to a fire call, one of the bulbs on each wreath will be changed from red to white.
Below are some tips from Moline firefighters on what you can do to keep the holidays safe and fun for everyone:
- Test smoke alarms. Make sure batteries are fresh, and place smoke alarms in the kitchen, laundry room, and bedrooms.
- Have your furnace checked. It is worth the money to hire a professional to inspect and service your furnace once a year.
- Have your chimneys and vents checked. Fireplaces produce creosote which can ignite. If you light fires frequently, you need a chimney sweep service once a year. When you burn wood, make sure it's dry and seasoned so that it produces more flame and less smoke.
- Cover the fireplace with a screen. Tempered glass or a metal screen helps protect sparks from leaving the fireplace. Even so, make sure that children and pets sit at least three feet away when you light a fire.
- Beware of lighted candles. Candles get forgotten or knocked over by kids or pets.
- Beware of space heaters. Space heaters need space. As with fireplaces, people and pets should not be allowed to sit any closer than three feet. Also, do not put space heaters near curtains, tablecloths, or other fluttering fabrics.
- Know how to put out kitchen fires quickly. Water does not help a grease fire, which can get out of control. Keep lids handy to put on top of pots and pans that get too hot.
- Practice an escape route. Businesses have fire drills; your family should as well. Teach your family to crawl to the nearest exit from every room. Show them how to drop and roll if their clothes were ever to catch on fire.
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