Seasonal Decorations and Christmas Trees

As we move into the holiday season,please keep in ming the following information from the Fire Department:

- Candles and open flames are prohibited.

-Decorations must not block or obstruct exits and corridors. The 20% limit on artwork on walls in the halls would apply to decorations.

- Exits and corridors are safe havens that must remain free of materials on the floor space.

- Natural "Cut Trees" are only allowed in buildings with an Automatic Fire Sprinkler System and trees must be kept fresh and water checked daily. No lights or cords.

- Live trees with a root ball must be kept fresh and may be treated as potted plants. No lights or cords.

- Artificial Trees and vegetation must be approved and listed as non-combustible with a NFPA 701 certification for flame resistance that meets educational occupancies restrictions. (listed materials should display a factory tag) *No lights or cords.

- Metal trees may not have lights or cords.

- Standards for decorative lights and cords are very restrictive and expensive for educational occupancies. Store bought cords and lights are not approved for schools and therefore a safe policy is not to allow lights and cords on decorations in schools.

- Cooking in classrooms may occur for special instructional sessions and must involve staff supervision, Have a fire extinguisher on stand-by and after use assure the
cooking appliance is cool, removed from the classroom and secure.