Residence Hall & Apartments Decoration Notice

TO: ALL Resident Students and Staff

FROM: The Department of Residential Life & The University Fire Department

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The University recognizes and supports the desire of its students to celebrate holiday seasons. However, very special care must be taken in the residential areas to ensure that decorations are not fire hazards, which could turn a joyous time into a disaster.

The following regulations (based on State Fire Code) must be observed. Residence hall staffs are the primary enforcing agents, and the Fire Department will assist when necessary in determining the suitability of decorations.

1. No natural or live Christmas trees are permitted in any university building.
2. Artificial trees must be fire retardant as labeled by the manufacturer.
3. The use of natural greens or cuttings, straw or hay is PROHIBITED in University buildings.
4. The burning of candles is prohibited.
5. Door decorations in residence halls must not exceed more than half the area of the door. Decorations must be made of flame retardant materials. Decorations are prohibited on corridor walls, ceilings, stairwells, exit doors and along any means of egress. Decorate only on bulletin boards. DO NOT hang decorations from or cover fire alarm equipment, sprinklers, or electrical outlets. Keep decorations away from heaters and appliances.
6. All electrical equipment must bear the Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) label. The use of extension cords or multi-purpose outlets with the exception of UL listed power strips with surge protection are prohibited. No lights or wiring are permitted on aluminum or metal trees.
7. All decorations must be made of flame retardant materials. DO NOT USE brown paper, freezer wrap, construction paper, shelf paper, or tissue. DO NOT USE cotton balls or batting. Use glass-wool (like that used in fish tank filters). Glass wool won't burn, but cotton often does.
8. Use indirect lighting. DO NOT attach lights directly to decorations. Just like a match, the heat generate from the light bulb can ignite flammable items.
9. DO NOT USE flammable styrofoam, and paper loop chains. Food decorations such as popcorn, cookies, or cranberries are allowed.
10. Please check decorations frequently.
11. Please remove all decorations from public areas before leaving for the winter break.

For further information concerning the suitability or arrangement of decorations, contact the University of Connecticut Fire Department at 486-4925.

ENJOY A SAFE HOLIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!