Keep the Wreath Green

Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue needs your help to "Keep The Wreath Green" this holiday season.

Keep the Wreath Green starts Thanksgiving Day at Fire Station #3.

Fire Rescue has a wreath which is illuminated with green bulbs, at Fire Station Three (next to First Presbyterian Church on William Hilton Parkway).

• If a fire occurs during the Holiday Season, one of the green bulbs will change to red.
  • This includes preventable fires such as cooking, smoking, space heaters, candles, etc.
• The wreath serves as a reminder of the safety precautions that should be taken during this Holiday Season and throughout the year.
• The goal is to keep the wreath green.

The wreath will remain lit Thanksgiving through January 1, 2025.

Fire Safety Tips

Use the following Fire Safety Tips for a Safe Holiday Season.

Decorations and Lights

• Check all your illuminated decorations to make sure they are in good condition.
  • Light strands that have frayed or cracked wires should be thrown away and replaced with UL approved devices.
• Do not place indoor cords under carpets or throw rugs.
• Outside lights should be approved for outdoor use. Never use indoor lights outside.
• Never use more than the listed amount of light sets per extension cord.
  • Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and do not use more than the number of light sets recommended in one circuit.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.
• Always turn off decorative lights when leaving your home.

Trees

• Artificial trees should have a listing label. Some unlabeled plastic trees can burn extremely fast.
• If using a live tree, keep it watered frequently.
  • The needles should not come off in your hand.
  • The tree should be deep green in color and the trunk should be sticky with sap.
• Place your tree away from heat sources like fire places.

Candles

• When using candles, always make sure candles are not close to combustible materials such as curtains.
• Make sure all candles are out before leaving the house.

Fireplaces

• Make sure your fireplace is in good working order and the chimney is free from creosote build-up.
• Christmas wrappings and tree branches should not be burned in the fireplace.
  • Their intense and rapid burning can cause chimney fires and flames to extend out of the firebox into your home.

Space Heaters

• Never use heaters around water. Water increases the chances of electric shock.
• Unplug your heater when it is not in use.
• Don't use your heater as a dryer.
• Keep clothing and other combustible materials at least 3 feet from your heater.
• Don't place a heater in a doorway, hall or walkway where it's likely to get bumped.
• Don't' leave space heaters unattended.

Smoke Alarms

• As always, check your smoke alarms and make sure they are in good working order.
• Change your batteries twice a year.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season.