The Plainfield Fire Protection District's holiday wreaths will have special meaning this year.

Each of the District's holiday wreaths with red lights will have a white bulb to represent each fire that is caused by a  holiday decoration.

The District wants residents to help keep the lights red by practicing fire safety through the following ways:

Electrical Decorations:

• Inspect decorations for cracked or frayed wires and loose lights sockets.
• Use outdoor-rated electric decorations and extension cords.
• Don't run electric cords under rugs or through doorways.
• Don't overload outlets
• Check decorations and extension cords for damage or overheating
• Connect only a maximum of three strands of min light sets
• Connect a maximum of 50 bulbs for the screw-in bub type of light sets.
• Ensure decorations have an independent testing laboratory
• Turn off decorations before leaving the house or sleeping

Live Christmas Trees:

• Choose a fresh tree; ensure needles do not fall off when touched
• Cut one-to-two inches from the base of the tree trunk before placing in stand
• Give tree water each day
• Place tree at least three feet from heat vents, fireplaces, space heaters and candles
• Remove tree from home when it begins to dry out, but do not place against garage or home.
• Don't place tree in front of exits

Candles:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended
• Place candles in sturdy holder large enough to collect melting way
• Place at least 12 inches from flammable items
• Ensure candles are placed out of reach of children or pet
• Extinguish candles before leaving home or going to sleep
• Keep matches and lighters in a high, locked cabinet out of childrens' reach.

Holiday Entertaining:

• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Advise house guests of the home's escape plan
• Provide smokers with large, deep ashtrays and ask them to wet cigarette butts prior to disposal
• Stay in kitchen while cooking on the stove top

For more fire safety information, call the District at 815-436-5335 or visit www.plainfieldfpd.com.

Other Web sites with helpful information include the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org, the United States Fire Administration at www.usfa.dhs.gov, the Home Safety Council at www.homesafetycouncil.org or Underwriters Laboratory at www.safetyathome.com.