Holiday decorations in our facilities are a common fixture this time of year! They’re a great way to raise everyone’s spirit, especially as we face this pandemic. However, it’s important that these decorations are set up with safety in mind. Here are some tips you can follow to ensure the decorations are safe:

• All decorations, artificial trees and wreaths shall be flame retardant.
• Electric lights such as electric candles, lights in strands and lights used in other decorative items, shall be prohibited in patient care areas.
• Live holiday trees, tree branches, pine cones, and other dry vegetation shall not be displayed in any area of the hospital. Metallic trees are also not permitted.
• Ensure that decorations are not accessible to young children.
• Ensure that decorations do not pose a trip hazard or otherwise provide an obstruction to walking or sitting.
• Ensure that all corridors and hallways are clear, and provide the required unobstructed egress.
• Ensure that decorations do not obstruct or interfere with any line of sight visibility of approved exit signs and exit routes.
• Decorations must be at least 36” away from portable fire extinguishers, exit signs, pull stations, fire alarm strobes, and smoke detectors.
• Decorations may not be hung from or affixed to fire protection equipment or systems.
• Lighted natural candles, open flames, or spark-producing devices of any type are strictly prohibited.
• No items can be placed on doors. All doors must remain free of items that could interfere with the clear width egress requirements for the door and that would affect the door’s fire rating or ability to close. Only informational signage is allowed to be posted on doors after prior approval by the Safety Director.