Decorating in the Dorms

In order to minimize the potential fire hazards associated with some holiday seasons, the following decoration guidelines should be followed for the protection of those students living in the dorms:

• Students must place a plate or other hard-surfaced object underneath pumpkins used for fall decorations to protect flooring and other surfaces, and properly dispose of the pumpkin as soon as it shows signs of decay.
• Cut or live trees and wreaths are not allowed. Students are allowed to have small artificial trees in their rooms, but they must be marked UL-approved and fire-resistant.
• Only nonflammable or fire-retardant holiday decorations may be used. The use of glitter is prohibited.
• Electric miniature lights are permitted inside student rooms but are limited to two strands per room or less as listed on the manufacturer's instructions.
• All electrical decorations must bear the UL label and should only be used as rated for indoor applications.
• All cords and lighting strings should be checked for fraying, bare wires, loose connections and cracked plugs. Use only UL-approved surge protectors with built-in overload protection (breakers).
• Doors shall not be gift-wrapped. Excessive decorations or decorations made of highly flammable materials (crepe paper, leaves, etc.) are not permitted.
• Decorations will not be attached to, blocking or suspended from sprinkler pipes, smoke detectors, electrical systems, light fixtures, cameras, ceilings, stairways, exit signs, exits, or anything that would block hallways or exits.
• All lights and decorations should be kept away from all combustibles. All decorations must be turned off before leaving the room.
• Decorations shall not impinge operation of windows or in-room heating and cooling units.
• All decorations must be removed before leaving for Winter break.

Thank you for taking care to decorate responsibly and safely! If you have questions or concerns regarding holiday decorations, please review the Policies & Procedures for Dorm Living, or contact your Resident Assistant and/or Community Director.