As the holiday season approaches, we extend warm wishes to our cherished campus family. While this time brings joy and festivities, safety remains our top priority. To ensure a safe and happy holiday season for everyone, please take note of the following tips:
1. Mindful Decorating: Adorn your spaces with approved and properly functioning electrical decorations. Inspect lights for damage, and avoid overloading outlets. Read below for helpful Holiday Safety Requirements that celebrate safely.
2. Candle Caution: While candles add a cozy ambiance, they pose fire risks. Keep them away from flammable materials, never leave them unattended, and ensure they’re extinguished before leaving a room. Please note that candles are prohibited on campus; see the full list of prohibited items here.
3. Cooking Safety: Be cautious in the kitchen during holiday meals. Unattended cooking is a common cause of fires, so stay alert and keep flammable items away from stovetops.
4. Heating Devices: As temperatures drop, follow manufacturer guidelines for heating devices. Never leave them unattended. Check our Guide Sheet on Electrical Safety for more information.
5. Emergency Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with fire exits and emergency equipment on campus. Knowing what to do in case of an emergency can make a significant difference.
By adhering to these safety tips, we can all contribute to a secure and enjoyable holiday season. Let’s celebrate responsibly, ensuring that the warmth of the season comes from shared moments and not unexpected incidents.
Wishing you a safe, joyful, and happy holiday season!
Warm regards,
USC’s Environmental Health and Safety and Fire Safety and Emergency Planning Departments
Decorations
- May not obstruct or conceal (in whole, or even in part) any emergency routes, signage, or devices — such as exits, exit lights, fire alarm pull boxes, fire hose cabinets, fire extinguishers, sprinkler heads, smoke detectors, etc.
- Must be made from non-flammable material, or treated with a flame-retardant solution or process approved by the State Fire Marshal.
Trees
- All holiday trees must be kept out of corridors, and away from doorways and heat sources.
- Flame-retardant – Cut natural trees shall be flame-retardant treated in accordance with Title 19, C.C.R., and a State Fire Marshal Certificate of Flame Resistance Tag shall be attached near the base.
- Cut natural trees must be kept in water at all times to slow the natural drying process.
Lights
- Lights must bear the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) seal of approval.
- Be certain that there are no loose sockets, and that wires are not frayed or damaged. Do not run wiring through doorways, under carpeting, or through holes in walls.
- Do not use zip cord extension cords — we recommend using a multiple outlet power strip, with an internal circuit breaker. Never plug one extension cord into another.
- Always turn the holiday lights off when you leave the building.
Also… Please Remember
- Candles and open flame devices are not permitted.
- Do not decorate the corridor with wrapping paper.
- Dispose of all decorations, trees, and wrappings immediately after the holidays by taking them to campus dumpster areas.
