Environmental Health and Safety has offered holiday fire-safety tips to keep in mind this winter—both on and off campus.
- Artificial trees and wreaths must be labeled by the manufacturer as flame retardant.
- Use only nonflammable decorations.
- Keep all decorations away from heaters or open flames.
- Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before using them.
- All lighting and wiring should be UL-approved and bare its tag.
- The use of electrical wiring and lighting on metal trees is prohibited.
- Use extension cords temporarily, not on a permanent basis. (Note: The use of extension cords is prohibited in the Residence Halls)
- The use of candles and open flames on or near any decorations is prohibited.
- Do not obstruct the exits, pullstations or fire extinguishers with decorations.
- Do not hang decorations from sprinkler heads or smoke detectors. This can affect the device.
- Do not leave lights on unattended.
- If using a live Christmas tree (live Christmas trees and wreaths are prohibited in residence halls):
- Keep it in sturdy base to avoid it from tipping over.
- The base should be capable of holding a minimum a 2 day supply of water.
- Keep it watered and check it at least daily.
- Check the tree daily for dryness by shaking a branch. If the needles fall off readily or if the needles are brittle and break when bent between the thumb and index finger the tree should be removed.
- Remove the tree before leaving for an extended period of time.
- Don’t place the tree close to a heat source, including a space heater or heat vent. Keep away at least a distance equal to the height of the tree.
For more information regarding holiday fire safety visit usfa.fema.gov/citizens/focus/holiday.shtm.