Help us Prevent Holiday Fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), holiday decorations (excluding trees) cause about 790 home fires annually in the United States, resulting in 1 civilian fire death, 26 civilian injuries, and $13 million in direct property damages. As you decorate in the coming weeks, keep fire prevention uppermost in your mind.
What does it mean to keep the wreath red? Where did this idea come from? The “Keep the Wreath Red” program was established in 1954 by an Illinois Paid-On-Call Firefighter, Paul Boecker. The program is a visual reminder for us to take safety precautions during the holiday season to make it a safe one for our families and loved ones. “Keep the Wreath Red” was adopted by the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association in 1980 to alert residents of fires caused by holiday decorations, and promote prevention through awareness.