Safety during the Holiday Season
Holiday decorations add a joyous and festive mood to the holiday season, but when holiday decorations are not used properly they can turn from festive to fiery in a split second.
Jordan School District would like everyone to follow a few safety tips when decorating to avoid a tragic holiday and keep everyone safe.
Holiday Decorating Safety Tips
- All decorations must not exceed the fire code requirements for combustible materials in schools, no more than 20% of the hallways and 50% of the classroom can be covered with combustible materials, with no combustible path from the floor to the ceiling. Three-dimensional decorations (crumpled paper trees, ceiling suspended decorations, etc.) should not be permitted within the school.
- Do not place decorations in areas where it will obstruct or hinder persons exiting the area in the event of an emergency.
- Do not use open flame candles, candle warmers, or wax melting devices in JSD buildings.
- Christmas, string, twinkle lights must be used in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and should not be plugged in when unattended. The use of LED lights is recommended over incandescent bulbs (due to the lack of heat buildup). The lights should also be UL Listed. Lights are to be used on a temporary basis.
- Inspect all lights, light cords and extension cords before using and replace any frayed or damaged cords and/or worn sets of lights or those with loose connections.
- Live Christmas Trees and Live wreaths are prohibited. Flame resistant artificial Christmas trees and other decorations are allowed but cannot block or impede emergency egress.
- Keep all decorations and displays away from ignition sources such as electrical panels, heating services or anything that may produce an open flame or high heat.
- Maintain an 18” clearance between sprinkler heads and decorations.
- No decorations or lights may be attached or hung across ceilings, from sprinkler heads, sprinkler system piping, smoke detectors or heat detectors. Decorations may be hung on perimeter walls.
- Decorations cannot obstruct access to or visibility of exits, exit signs, fire alarm pull stations, alarm panels or fire extinguishers.
- Decorations must be affixed or mounted in such a way as to prevent damage to doors, ceilings, walls or
floors.
These are some tips to follow to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable holiday.