Stay Safe This Holiday Season

As this year’s holiday season approaches, let's work together to keep our celebrations joyful and safe. Take a moment to review our helpful safety precautions to protect yourself, your co-workers, and your family and friends:

Go Artificial

• Columbia University policy prohibits live holiday decorations, including Christmas trees and wreaths, in all University buildings.
• Candles, oil lamps, incense, and other flame-producing items are prohibited at the medical center.
• Choose energy-efficient LED holiday lights for festive décor—they’re safer, cooler to the touch, and more sustainable.

Power Responsibly

• Do not charge any lithium-ion-powered vehicles inside any CUIMC buildings—doing so is strictly prohibited.
• Avoid using extension cords whenever possible. If you must use one, use only a UL-approved extension cord of adequate gauge for the intended use, and unplug it at the end of the day.
• Do not run electrical cords beneath rugs or across work surfaces and never use frayed or damaged cords.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines when decorating artificial trees. Lights are not permitted on metal trees.
• Always unplug decorative lights before leaving your workspace or when the area is unoccupied.
• Turn off computers, lights, and other non-essential office equipment when not in use.

Protect Your Space

• Keep corridors clear—decorations are not allowed in corridors, and they must never block fire equipment or emergency exits.
• Use ladders—not chairs, step stools, or boxes—when hanging decorations in high locations.
• Do not secure decorations on fire sprinklers, smoke detectors, or other fire and life safety equipment; decorations can interfere with their operation.
• Keep windows, vents, and chimneys clear to allow proper ventilation. Never use generators, grills, or stoves indoors or in enclosed spaces. In workspaces, do not block ventilation openings or obstruct detection devices.
• At the end of each day, close all windows, blinds, and doors, especially if you will be away from campus for an extended period.
• Remove all holiday decorations before leaving campus for a long break.

Stay Alert

• Allow extra time when traveling—holiday traffic and crowds are common. Avoid distractions (such as using your phone) and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and on public transportation.
• Report problems—such as leaks, windows/doors that cannot be closed, icy patches, or unsafe sidewalks—to Facilities Management at 212-305-HELP (4357), option 3.
• Report on-campus emergencies to Public Safety at 212-305-7979; for off-campus emergencies, call 911.
• Sign up for real-time notifications from Public Safety and building-specific alerts from Facilities Management in case of inclement weather.
• Check out our alerts and outages page for information on Facilities-related activities taking place across the medical center.