City of Pensacola issued the following announcement on Nov. 25
The Pensacola Fire Department, in collaboration with Escambia County Fire Rescue, will launch its annual “Keep the Wreath Green” Fire Safety campaign Tuesday, Dec. 1. While a joyous time of year, cold weather, holiday decorations and festivities can create serious fire dangers. Firefighters hope to reduce the number of fires by promoting simple, life-saving holiday safety tips each day in December.
During the month-long campaign, 5-foot wreaths will be on display at five city fire stations and 21 county fire stations, with wreaths also be placed outside Escambia County's Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building downtown, the Escambia County Public Safety Building, Pensacola City Hall and Cordova Mall near the food court entrance. Each time firefighters respond to a residential fire with damage, a green bulb we be replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by fires in residential homes. In 2019, one bulb was changed to red on city wreaths, in 2018, two bulbs were changed to red on city wreaths and in 2017, seven bulbs were changed to red.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two of every five (44%) of home Christmas tree fires. Two of every five (39%) home Christmas tree fires started in the living room. One of every five (21%) decoration fires were started in the kitchen.
Almost three of every five (57%) December home decoration fires were started by candles, compared to the one of every three (32%) in January to November. The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve.
According to the United States Fire Administration, fires occurring during the winter claim the lives of over 900 people and cause over $2.1 billion in damage. Nationally, cooking is the leading cause of home winter fires, with 5-8 p.m. being the most common time for a fire to occur. A working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half. Additionally, practice space heater safety and know the potential risks associated with home heating equipment.
City of Pensacola residents are encouraged to call the Pensacola Fire Department at 850-436-5200 for smoke alarm assistance. County residents may call Escambia County Fire Rescue at 850-595-HERO (4376).
For fire safety tips and other updates from the Pensacola Fire Department, like Pensacola Fire Department on Facebook.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up