Search by Keyword
Search by Department
All Departments Administration Corrections Development Services Facilities Management Human Resources Information Technology Library Services Management and Budget Services Natural Resources Management Neighborhood and Human Services Parks and Recreation Public Safety Public Works Veterans Services Waste ServicesEscambia County Fire Rescue, in collaboration with the Pensacola Fire Department, launched its annual “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign Monday, 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, five-foot wreaths will be on display at 18 county fire stations and five city fire stations, as well as Escambia County's Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building downtown, the Escambia County Public Safety Building, Pensacola City Hall and Cordova Mall. Each time firefighters respond to a residential or commercial fire with damage, a green light bulb will be replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by fires in residential and commercial buildings. In 2024, 14 bulbs were changed to red on county wreaths, while three bulbs were changed in the city.
"We encourage all of our residents to practice fire safety throughout the holiday season and join us as we ‘keep the wreath green,’” Fire Chief Adam Harrison said. “While fire safety needs to be practiced year-round, we tend to see an increase in fires during the colder months. Let’s keep this season full of cheer and do our part in keeping the wreath green."
Escambia County Fire Rescue would like to encourage residents to practice space heater safety and know the potential risks associated with home heating equipment. Click here for tips on how to heat your home safely.
For information about obtaining a home smoke alarm, call Escambia County Fire Rescue at 850-595-HERO (4376) or 850-436-5200 for City of Pensacola residents.
For fire safety tips and other updates from Escambia County Fire Rescue, follow Escambia County Fire Rescue on Facebook and Instagram.
Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Pensacola Fire Department offer the following holiday safety tips, one for each day of the month:
Dec. 1 - Prior to buying a live tree, test its freshness by pulling along a small branch. If the needles fall away in your hand, the tree is already too dry.
Dec. 2 - Prior to buying an artificial tree, make sure the tree bears a UL label of approval and is made of fire-retardant materials.
Dec. 3 - To keep a live tree fresh, cut 1-2 inches from the bottom and check the water level daily.
Dec. 4 - Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Burn candles inside a 1-foot circle of safety, free of anything that can ignite. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Dec. 5 - Make sure all holiday lights are UL labeled and inspect them prior to use. If possible, use LED lights since they burn cooler. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Dec. 6 - Follow the manufacturer's guidelines when hanging holiday lights. Do not overload electrical outlets or circuits, and do not run power cords underneath rugs or carpets.
Dec. 7 - When decorating, remember not to block stairways, doors or windows. Always unplug lights and extinguish candles before leaving the house or going to bed.
Dec. 8 - Design an emergency plan for your home and your family. Make sure everyone understands what to do in an emergency. Also, make sure you have enough smoke alarms.
Dec. 9 - Know two ways out of every room in case of fire, and practice them as part of your emergency plan.
Dec. 10 - In the event of a fire, crawl low under smoke and feel closed doors for heat. If you come to a door that is warm, find another way out.
Dec. 11 - If you become trapped, close doors and stuff the door cracks to keep smoke out. Call 911 and let them know exactly where you are, and signal for help from a window.
Dec. 12 - Pay special attention to young children, elderly people and the disabled. Be sure to include them in your emergency plan.
Dec. 13 - In the event of a fire, get out as fast as you can and stay out. Once you’re safely outside, have someone go to a neighbor’s house and call 911.
Dec. 14 - Remember, matches and lighters are tools for adults. Store them in a safe place out of reach of children.
Dec. 15 - Have a fire extinguisher readily available in your home, and make sure it is fully charged. Know how to use your fire extinguisher. Remember the PASS system:
Dec. 16 - Have your chimney and fireplace inspected by a professional to make sure they are clean and free of obstructions. Never burn paper or trash in the fireplace.
Dec. 17 - Be sure your fireplace is covered with a metal screen or glass doors to prevent the spread of sparks and fire.
Dec. 18 - Make sure to have a working smoke alarm outside of every bedroom and on every level of your house. Test them monthly and change the batteries.
Dec. 19 - With children out of school, people doing yard work, dry vegetation, high winds and low humidity, remember that wildfires can happen quickly.
Dec. 20 - Don’t leave campfires or warming fires unattended – make sure they are completely out!
Dec. 21 - Never leave cooking food unattended. Handles on stovetop pots should be turned away from the front, so they won’t be accidentally tipped or knocked over.
Dec. 22 - Before you cook that holiday dinner, be sure that the oven and stovetop are clean, free of grease and are in good working order.
Dec. 23 - Keep cooking areas clean and free of grease and other combustibles (e.g. potholders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging), which can catch fire easily.
Dec. 24 - Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace because of the high flammability, dangerous sparks and possibility of flash fires.
Dec. 25 - Merry Christmas! Remember to be safety conscious and have a happy holiday.
Dec. 26 - When purchasing a space heater, look for heaters that have safety features such as cut-off switches that turn the heater off if it accidentally tips over or overheats.
Dec. 27 - Space heaters need space. Make sure they are at least 3 feet away from combustible materials such as draperies, furniture, bedding, clothing and decorations.
Dec. 28 - Use only UL labeled space heaters and follow the manufactured instructions. Never use stoves, ovens or other cooking appliances to warm your home.
Dec. 29 - Turn space heaters off when you leave the room. Also, remember to constantly supervise children and pets when space heaters are in use.
Dec. 30 - Don’t burn your tree in the fireplace, which can ignite and cause a chimney fire. Dispose of your tree by following the instructions of your local trash disposal service.
Dec. 31 - Don’t drink and drive. Have a designated driver or call a friend.
Escambia County Fire Rescue wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
The mission of Escambia County government is to provide efficient, responsive services that enhance our quality of life, meet common needs and promote a safe and healthy community.
Under Florida law, IP addresses and both the content of emails and email addresses are public records. If you do not want your IP address and the content of your email or your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in person.