Guidelines for safe, inclusive holiday decorations

The following email was sent on Oct. 18 behalf of Charles Ulinfun, director of safety, and Lynette Chappell-Williams, chief diversity officer and associate dean for diversity and inclusion:

During the winter months, a number of cultural and religious observances take place. While these are opportunities for celebration, it is also a time to be mindful of safety and respectful of the diverse cultures that are represented by our patients, workforce and learners.

Safety Requirements

1. All decorations should be of non-combustible material.
2. Flammable decorations, such as baled or loose straw, dry corn stalks, natural trees or similar materials are prohibited.
3. Decorations and related objects in corridors/exits, corridor doors, on exit signs, or on any fire detection or protection device, such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, and sprinkler heads are prohibited. Vision panels (windows) in doors shall not be covered or otherwise obstruct the ability to clearly see what is on the opposite side of the door.
4. No decorations shall be hung from the ceiling.
5. Artificial trees should be selected carefully, as plastic and metallic trees can burn. If used, select the type clearly marked as made of slow-burning materials.
6. Aluminum trees should be lighted by indirect lighting since these trees may be a shock hazard if lighting strings are used.
7. Do not use extension cords to light trees.
8. Turn off all tress and other decorative lighting when leaving the area for the day.

Inclusive Guidelines

1. Recognize that not all patients, employees and learners participate in the same holiday observances, so for public or shared spaces, think of ways to be more inclusive.
2. When displaying holiday decorations, be sensitive to other observances besides Christmas that occur during the winter holiday season, such as Yule and Hanukkah.
3. Consider displaying religiously neutral decorations in public areas where others, particularly patients, may be impacted and when displaying trees or wreaths, consider using secular decorations, such as snowflakes.

Please refer to the Decorations Policy FP-14SPM for other requirements. If you should have questions about the safety information, please contact the Department of Safety at 717-531-7297. Questions about the inclusion information can be directed to the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at 717-531-1012.

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