Santa Monica - UCLA Medical Center Update 12/06

ith the arrival of the holidays, many departments are decorating their work areas to look and feel more festive. Doing so is perfectly fine, even encouraged, as long as you follow some basic guidelines distributed by our Safety Department. Please review the guidelines noted below:

Trees. Cut, natural trees are not permitted in our buildings, except for the main lobbies and Café Santa Monica, where the trees are monitored daily. Live, potted trees can be used if they are watered and kept moist. If the trees become dry at any point, they must be discarded immediately.

Electrical cords / lights. Do not use electrical cords that are frayed or worn, and never put them under rugs, drapes or furniture because they can ignite combustible materials. Holiday lights are not allowed in patient-care areas.

Candles, open flames. Candles or open-flame devices, including incense, are not allowed in any part of our medical center.

Decorations. Decorative items may not hang from life-safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, sprinkler heads, smoke detectors or automatic-door closures. They also cannot be placed in entry or exit routes or block corridors.

Always maintain good housekeeping practices to help minimize clutter. Remove and discard any ribbons, paper and boxes before they become fire hazards.

For more information about safety during the holiday season, refer to Policy # HS 8409, “Holiday Decorations,” or email Erik “Grinch” Eggins or Victor “Scrooge” Kennedy.

To ensure safety at home during the holidays, click on the link below to access the National Safety Council’s Holiday Home Safety website:
http://www.nsc.org/library/
facts/holseasn.htm

SM-UCLA’s Threat Team, which meets monthly, and the UCPD Crime Prevention Unit also want to remind you of some important safety pointers to remember over the holidays and throughout the year …

Don’t drink and drive. The combination can be deadly. When partying, keep the phone number for a taxi service nearby and use it, if needed, or appoint a designated driver.
Be alert to your surroundings and the people nearby, especially when it’s dark, you are alone or using an ATM.
Travel with a friend, whenever possible, and avoid dark or secluded places.
When walking to your car, have your keys in hand and get in quickly after opening the door. Always check the back seat before entering.
If you think you’re being followed, do not go home. Drive to the nearest police or fire station or a well-lit area.

For other safety tips, click on the following UCPD link: http://www.ucpd.ucla.edu/ucpd/
programs_persafe.html