Department of

Environmental Health and Safety

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Holiday Fire

Trees

Natural or artificial trees are permitted in areas that do not block exits when the following guidelines are observed:

1. Natural trees or wreaths must be treated by the vendor with an approved flame retardant treatment. The tag or label indicating treatment and product used as well as the vendor's name must remain on the tree or wreath.
2. A straight fresh cut at the base of the tree should be made just prior to placing the tree in the stand.
3. Fill the tree base with water throughout the day, trees are thirsty and can absorb several quarts of water each day.
4. Natural trees and wreaths that become brittle and dry must be removed immediately; all other trees and wreaths must be removed the first working day after the Christmas Holiday.
5. Artificial trees must have a UL listing as flame retardant.

Lights

1. Lights must have a UL listing tag attached.
2. Extension cord wiring may not be placed across doorways, under carpets, in walkways or exit paths. Do not use zip cords, instead use a multiple outlet power strip with an internal circuit breaker.
3. Lights must be unplugged when the office closes in the evening or when the building or office is unoccupied.

Decorations

1. All decorations must be made of noncombustible material or treated with a flame retardant. Decorations that are treated must have a label attached by the vendor.
2. Decorations may not obstruct an exit, exit sign, door, fire extinguisher, fire alarm pull station, smoke detector, heat detector or sprinkler head.
   
   
3. DECORATIVE CANDLES ARE NOT PERMITTED AT ANY TIME ON CAMPUS.

Your support of these few guidelines will make for a safer holiday season. If you have any questions or concerns regarding holiday fire safety please contact us. Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season from the entire staff of Environmental Health and Safety.

08/2007 MH