Environmental Health,
Safety and Risk Management

Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season!

Holiday Safety Tips

• Remember to remove all decorations before leaving for the holiday break.
• Do not use candles or other decorations with open flames; they are prohibited on campus.
• Use only fire-resistant Christmas trees approved by Underwriters Laboratories. Look for the UL label on your tree. Do not use real trees as Christmas trees on campus.
• Avoid placing decorations in building doorways and exits, which need to be clear in case of emergencies.
• Do not hang decorations from sprinkler heads.
• Use only UL-approved lights to decorate your office.
• Check the light wirings for frays, cuts or loose connections and discard damaged light strands.
• Do not plug multiple strands of light in the same outlet; use a UL-rated surge-protected power strip to avoid excessive heat and overloaded circuits.
• Unplug all lights and lighted decorations at the end of the day.

Download the holiday safety tips poster.