Festive celebrations, flickering lights and winter greens are hallmarks of the holiday season, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one. Health, Safety & Environment reminds us to keep fire safety in our minds.
An average of 790 home fires per year begin with decorations. These fires result in an average of four deaths, 33 injuries, and more than $14 million in property damage. Electrical equipment was involved in more than two in five home Christmas tree fires. Candle fires peak in December and January. Cooking started one-fifth of decoration fires.
Keep yourself, your families, your home, your colleagues, and workplace safe by following some simple safety tips:
- All electrical lights or electrically operated ornaments must bear the seal of approval from a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (UL and FM are most common).
- Cut trees and live decorations are prohibited in JHU buildings. They dry out and become a fire hazard!
- Decorations must not conceal or impede access to any safety device or obstruct emergency exit paths and exit doors.
- Always be present if using solid fuels (Sterno) for reheating foods. Follow all fire safety instructions.
For more information:
Fire Prevention
Decorations
NFPA Winter Holiday Fire Safety Tips
Health, Safety & Environment, HSEinfo@jhmi.edu
