Cherokee Fire participating in wreath campaign for fire prevention this holiday season

Nov. 30—During the holiday season, Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services will participate in the "Keep the Wreath Green" campaign from Dec. 1 through Jan. 1.

One green bulb on the wreath will be replaced by a red bulb for every structure fire that occurs in Cherokee County during that time period in an effort to remind the community to practice fire prevention during the holidays.

Cherokee Fire officials asks that residents do the following to ensure a safe holiday:

—Decorate with kids in mind by moving ornaments that are breakable or have metal hooks towards the top of the tree, and put things that are OK to touch at the bottom.

—Be sure to water your natural tree often to prevent dry needles from becoming a fire hazard.

—Discard your tree as soon as possible after the holiday.

—Check your lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections and broken sockets.

—Never leave lit candles unattended.

—Store matches and lighters away from children.

—Keep harmful plants like mistletoe berries, holly berries and Jerusalem Cherry away from children and pets. If an accident does occur call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

—Buy toys appropriate for children's ages, and check for choking hazards.

—Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from any other object.

—Be careful about having a fire when stockings are hung on the fireplace.

—Use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from escaping.

—If traveling this season, be sure everyone in the car is safe. Have car seats checked before hitting the road. For appointments visit www.safekidscherokeecounty.org

—Plan for a trip with little ones to take longer.

—Getting a new bike this holiday? Don't forget the helmet.

—Keep a 3-foot kid-free zone around the oven and stove.

—Check the smoke alarm for batteries.

—Sleep with the bedroom doors closed to prevent spread of fire.

—Review the family fire escape plan and have a meeting place outside the home in case of a fire.

—Teach guests the family fire escape plan.

—When attending holiday celebrations, designate a driver to get everyone home safely.

Lisa Grisham, senior fire educator, said the fire department dealt with eight structure fires last year, and that she hopes the wreath stays green this year.

The fire stations where the wreaths are placed are Station 3 in Hickory Flat, Station 7 at Little River, Station 8 in Holly Springs, Fire Station 19 at Ridge Mill Court, Fire Station 22 on Bells Ferry Road and Fire Station 23 on Vaughan Road in Hickory Flat and Cherokee County Fire Headquarters. Wreaths have also been placed at other locations including Northside Hospital Cherokee, Lowes in Canton, Bridgemill Subdivision, Cannon Park, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and the Cherokee County Parks and Recreation Center.