Fire Safety Watchlist: Key Risks Every School Leader Should Know

When it comes to fire safety, prevention starts with awareness and consistency. Our Health & Safety team has identified a few key areas that school leaders should keep top of mind to reduce risks and protect both students and staff.

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Routine Preparedness

Fire drills are more than a compliance requirement—they are a cornerstone of student and staff safety. Make sure your teams are reviewing and practicing evacuation procedures regularly. In addition, tracking your monthly inspections of fire extinguishers and emergency lighting. These checks ensure that equipment is functional and ready to go when needed.

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Temporary vs. Permanent Lighting

Decorative lighting is a common source of overlooked hazards. Holiday string lights, for example, are only designed for temporary use. UL 588–listed products—the standard for seasonal and holiday decorative products—are approved for up to 90 days of use. Beyond that, the risk of fire hazards increases significantly.

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For longer-term needs, schools should invest in lighting that meets safety standards for continuous use. Options include:

• Decorative light strings listed to UL 588, Supplement SD (approved for extended use)
• Rope lighting listed to UL 2388 (Standard for Flexible Lighting Products)
• Light string luminaries listed to UL 153 (Standard for Portable Electric Luminaries)

What Leaders Can Do

• Communicate expectations regarding safe decorating practices, especially during the holiday season.
• Provide facility teams with approved alternatives for year-round use.
• Reinforce that “temporary” means temporary—string lights should never become permanent fixtures.

How Resource Can Help

At Resource Training & Solutions, our Health & Safety team partners with schools across central Minnesota to create safer environments. ​From training, inspections, providing compliance guidance and hands-on support. We are here to help you identify risks before they become problems.  

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We also offer Emergency Mapping Design Services—a proactive way to improve response times during a crisis. Clear, accurate maps ensure first responders and staff can act quickly and confidently when every second matters.

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Explore our full range of services and connect with our team at www.resourcecoop-mn.gov/health-safety
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For More Information, Please Contact:

Josh Baumann
Project Coordinator
jbaumann@resourcecoop-mn.gov