Winter fire safety tips for schools

Winter brings cozy classrooms, holiday decorations, and colder weather—but it also comes with unique fire risks. Beyond your routine precautions, these winter fire safety tips can help schools prevent fires and keep everyone safe.

Deck the halls, safely

Holiday décor can be beautiful, but strings of lights and extension cords can become hazards if not handled properly. Make sure all lights meet local electrical and fire safety codes and follow your school’s safety standards. Double-check cords for frays, avoid overloading outlets, and unplug decorations at night. A little extra care keeps holiday cheer from turning into a fire risk.

Keep heaters in check

Portable electric heaters are common in classrooms and offices, but they can pose serious risks. Older models may lack safety features like tip-over shutoff switches, and plugging too many heaters into the same outlet can overload circuits. Encourage staff to:

• Use heaters with modern safety features
• Keep heaters away from flammable items like paper or curtains
• Avoid extension cords, if possible
• Unplug heaters in the evening

Fight the static, prevent fires

Dry winter air can generate static electricity, which can damage electronics and even ignite fires in areas with flammable materials. Maintaining proper humidity levels in classrooms, labs, and offices is a simple way to reduce the risk of a fire while keeping students and staff comfortable.

Don’t let sprinklers freeze

Sprinkler riser rooms, often near exterior walls, may be vulnerable to freezing in cold weather. If a sprinkler system freezes, it can’t protect your school in an emergency. Make sure these rooms are properly heated and routinely checked, especially during severe cold snaps.

Stay shock-free

Wet boots and improperly grounded equipment can be a dangerous combination. Ensure all electrical tools and devices are regularly inspected and grounded. Remind staff to dry footwear before handling electrical equipment and include these checks in your winter fire safety checklist.

Clear the way for firefighters

A buried fire hydrant can slow emergency response. Keep hydrants free of snow, mark them with flags, and ensure paths remain accessible. Quick access could save your school in the event of a fire.

Your school’s winter fire safety checklist

A proactive approach can prevent accidents before they happen. Here’s a quick winter fire safety checklist for schools:

• Inspect holiday lights and decorations
• Review portable heater usage and safety
• Maintain proper indoor humidity
• Check sprinkler riser rooms for heat
• Test and ground all electrical tools
• Make sure your fire extinguishers work
• Clear snow from fire hydrants and mark locations

Following these winter fire safety tips can help schools protect students, staff, and property during the coldest months. Prioritizing prevention ensures your school stays safe, cozy, and ready for learning—without the worry of winter fire hazards.