Holiday Safety Guide from UNLV: Practical Tips to Celebrate Safely
The holiday season brings joy, community, and a host of celebrations. With that excitement comes increased risks — from kitchen fires to electrical hazards. UNLV’s Risk Management & Safety team has compiled clear, actionable guidance to help families, schools, and businesses on campus, and beyond, celebrate without incident.
Kitchen Safety During Festive Cooking
Food preparation is the heart of holiday gatherings, but distractions can turn a simple recipe into a dangerous situation. Observe the following precautions to keep the kitchen a safe space for everyone.
1. Stay Awake and Alert
Even a brief moment of drowsiness near an open flame can lead to catastrophe. If you feel tired or have consumed alcohol, leave the stove running, lower the heat, or finish the task before turning off the appliance. Eating a small, balanced snack before cooking can help maintain focus.
2. Create a “Kid‑Free Zone” Around the Stove
Children are naturally curious, and the stovetop can be a lethal temptation. Set up a locked container or a clear boundary marker to discourage access while you cook. Display a friendly reminder sign near the stove to keep everyone aware.
3. Never Leave a Hot Appliance Unattended
Stovetop burners, ovens, and grills produce heat that can ignite flammable items. If you need to step away for five minutes, turn the heat off and lock the stove. Use a heat‑resistant timer or a kitchen alarm app to remind you to check on the food.
4. Keep Flammable Materials Away From Heat Sources
Oven mitts, wooden utensils, towels, and curtains are all potential fire starters. Store them in a drawer or counter area that’s at least three feet from any heat output. If you’re working in a small kitchen, keep the work surface clear of anything that can catch fire.
5. Adopt the “Rule of 60” for Fire Prevention
The “Rule of 60” means if you are not within 60 seconds of a solution, you assume danger. This mindset encourages continuous vigilance, especially when handling hot oils, liquids, or open flames. Practice a quick, safe check each time a cooking process ends.
CTA: Learn more about UNLV’s Kitchen Safety Workshops and how they can help your community prepare for safe holiday cooking. Schedule your workshop today.
Decorating Safely: Lights, Ornaments, and Electrical Concerns
Festive lights make homes and campuses glow, but they also represent the most common source of electrical fires during the winter. Follow these guidelines to keep decorations both bright and secure.
1. Inspect Light Strands Before Use
Check each strand for frayed cords, cracked insulation, or broken bulbs. Replace any damaged light before plugging it in. Ideally, purchase LED lights with UL certification, as they generate less heat and are less likely to ignite.
2. Avoid Daisy‑Chain Extensions
Attaching multiple strands to a single extension can overload circuits. Use a dedicated, grounded outlet for each set of lights, and never exceed the rated input of the extension cord or power strip. If you require more length, replace the cord rather than daisy‑chain.
3. Use Clamps, Not Nails
When hanging lights on walls or trees, use magnetic clamps or adhesive hooks that preserve the structure’s integrity. Nails or screws can damage cords and create a short. A plastic clip can hold the cord without risking fire.
4. Keep Decorations Clear of Heat Sources
Room heaters, fireplaces, and other open flames pose serious fire hazards. Hang lights at least five feet from these sources, and ensure a fire‑retardant barrier is maintained between any heat and the lights.
5. Turn Off All Lights When Unattended
Even simple lights can become dangerous over time. Set a timer to turn them off after 10–15 minutes of inactivity, or consider installing a programmable outlet. This simple step dramatically reduces the risk of overheating.
CTA: Discover additional decorating safety resources from UNLV Risk Management. Read more here.
Fire Safety: Candles, Fire Pits, and Alternative Celebrations
Open flames add warmth and tradition, but they demand vigilance. Replace or supplement fire hazards with safer options to protect lives and property.
1. Manage Candles with Care
Place candles on a stable, heat‑resistant surface and never leave them unattended. If you need to clean, switch off the candles and store them in a cabinet labeled “Flammable.” Battery‑powered candles are a straightforward hazard‑free option for indoor use.
2. Keep Fire Extinguishers and Water Close by
The more readily available a fire extinguisher, the faster a small blaze can be suppressed. Place a portable extinguisher in the kitchen, beside the fire pit, and near any workspace. If you’re hosting a gathering outdoors, don’t forget a bucket of water.
3. Replace Fireworks with Safe Alternatives
While fireworks want to celebrate excitement, they create threats to Fire & Emergency services. Opt for glow sticks, noisemakers, or LED confetti, which add festivity without the risk of injury or property damage.
4. Train in Basic Firefighting Techniques
Contact UNLV’s Risk Management team to arrange a short class or demonstration on how to use a fire extinguisher, recognize early signs of fire, and execute an evacuation plan. Bad habits can be corrected with a one‑hour training session.
CTA: Contact UNLV Risk Management for fire safety training sessions and customized holiday safety plans. Call 702‑895‑4226.
Taking Care of the Holiday Tree: Residential and Commercial
Christmas trees, whether artificial or live, attract fire and environmental concerns. Follow these steps to ensure your tree adds beauty without becoming a hazard.
1. Position the Tree Away from Heat Sources
Keep the tree at least 12 feet from fireplace, heater, or open flame. Store the tree in a well‑ventilated area and avoid parking vehicles nearby where heat can elevate the risk.
2. Moisturize a Live Tree Regularly
Every hour for the first 24–48 hours, water the trunk of a live tree. A moist tree is less combustible, and the damp surface calms surrounding humidity. If you can’t water it often, consider a moisture‑retention mat that keeps the base consistently damp.
3. Use Certified, Certified Lighting
Electro‑lighting straps and ornaments should hold an UL or ETL certification. These rating marks confirm that the bulbs and cords meet rigorous safety standards. Replace any bulb or cord that looks worn or frayed.
4. Keep Candles Away from the Tree
Never combine candlestick or table candles with tree lights. If you wish to create a subtle glow, attach LED ribbon lights wrapped around the tree’s limbs and use battery candles on a stable tray at the base.
5. Turn Off Lights Before Departing or Sleeping
Powering the lights off for even a few minutes can save millions of tree‑related fires each year. Place a timer or use a Programmable switch so that lights cut off automatically before the living-room is dark.
CTA: Learn how UNLV’s Rebel Recycling Center turns your holiday tree into mulch for a greener campus. Find out how.
Recycling Your Holiday Tree: A Sustainable Choice
Storing a holiday tree in the landfill is wasteful and contributes to landfill volume. UNLV’s partnership with the Southern Nevada Christmas Tree Recycling Committee provides a practical solution: conversion into mulch.
- Drop‑off locations are on campus and throughout the city, making the process convenient for residents and students.
- After composting, the mulch supports local landscaping, enhances soil health, and eliminates the need for landfill waste.
- Participation sends a strong environmental message, encouraging sustainability during the busy holiday period.
Organize a local pickup or schedule a drop‑off. Consider coordinating with your neighbors or workplace, turning the act into a community volunteering event.
CTA: Share your tree recycling experience in the comments below, and inspire others to join the movement.
Conclusion: Protecting People and Property This Holiday Season
From cooking fire prevention to lighting safety and responsible tree disposal, every precaution you take adds a layer of security to your holiday celebrations. UNLV’s Risk Management & Safety team stands ready to support individuals, businesses, and the broader community with guidance, training, and resources.
Take the next step: explore all available safety resources from UNLV. Enjoy a bright holiday season that remains safe for all involved.
CTA: Have questions? Reach out to UNLV Risk Management at 702‑895‑4226 or via email at [email protected].
