Seasonal Safety and Risk Management for Your Classrooms

It’s that time of year again. Students in your classrooms are getting anxious and excited for the upcoming break and holiday season. They might be riled up from being stuck indoors due to snowy or icy weather, or just overly excited about all of the holiday parties to attend.


It may come as no surprise that with the season should come some safety concerns for your school. In particular, holiday decorations - although festive and fun - pose real risks. These need to be properly managed by all of the teachers and staff in your school. This will avoid possible accidents or disasters.


If you plan on stringing holiday lights or placing them on an artificial tree in your school, be sure to:

· Look at each string of lights carefully. If any are cracked or damaged, discard them and buy new ones.
· Purchase lights safety rated as ETL or UL.
· Follow the directions on the box. It will tell you how many strings to use together. As a rule, UL recommends using no more than three standard-size sets of lights together.
· Do not plug in too many things at one time.
· Use a surge protector.
· Keep electrical cords out of aisles and hallways as well as out of the path of children to prevent them from becoming tripping hazards.
· Don’t place electrical cords underneath rugs or runners.
· Unplug all holiday lights when you leave school for the day.



Holiday trees can also pose dangers. To make sure your tree doesn’t become the cause of an accident or mishap, be sure to:

· Use an artificial tree that is marked “fire-resistant.”
· Do not block exits or pathways with your tree.
· Be sure to use a VERY SECURE BASE, or secure the tree to sturdy wall to avoid tipping. Children may try to touch the tree or ornaments, and without a sturdy base, the tree could topple on a student.
· Use plastic or shatter-proof ornaments instead of glass which can easily shatter. Better yet, use hand-made paper ornaments prepared by your students.

Parties, pageants, choir rehearsals, or sporting events will likely be a part of your school’s holiday season. Make sure everyone is safe by decorating wisely.


Have a safe holiday season, and a safe and prosperous New Year!