Holiday Decorations

The Office of the Emergency Management and Safety, and the OU HSC Police Department are providing the following information on festive decorations, so that the campus faculty, staff, and students, who wish to decorate, can do so safely. Holidays are celebrated in various ways by many people, and it is not the intent to hamper anyone from observing these occasions. therefore, we are asking for the cooperation of everyone to ensure the safety and well being of the entire campus community during observance celebrations.

General Decoration Guideline

• Only those materials labeled "non combustible", "flame Resistant", or "flame Retardant" should be used. The following common materials cannot be flame proofed adequately, and therefore should not be utilized for any campus decorations under any circumstances:
  • Hay or straw (baled or loose)
  • Dry moss
  • Dry leaves
  • Corn stalks, or shucks
  • Tumbleweeds
  • Cedar trees (to include cuttings, sprigs, and branches)
  • Bamboo
  • wood shavings, wood bark, saw dust
  • paper streamers, plastic sheeting
  • plastic pellets
  • flammable powders and liquids
  • confetti (in large quantities)
  • loose cotton.
• Decorations should not block, or obscure exits, stairwells, emergency lighting, or EXIT lights, or be placed near any heat source.
• Cut natural trees are combustible, and difficult to maintain. Therefore, the use of this type of holiday decoration is discouraged. Artificial trees, and only those labeled as 'Fire Resistant", "Flame Retardant", or similarly marked trees indicating that the material used to manufacture them, should be used on the Campus. Metallic trees, (those made with a tin foil type material), must not have electric lighting decorations attached.
• Any outdoor lighting decorations on, or in, the campus facilities, must be coordinated and approved, by the Director of Operations, at Extension 1+2000, or Fax 1+2001. When using electric light sets, they must be labeled to show approval by the Underwriters' Laboratories (UL), or Factory Mutual (FM). The light sets should also be labeled for indoor use only. Each light set, whether it is new or used, should be inspected for broken or cracked sockets, broken or damaged lamps, bare or frayed wires, and any loose connections. If damage is found, the set should be repaired, discarded, or returned to the seller. Light bulbs should not be allowed to come into direct contact with the tree. Remember, light sets need to be unplugged prior to making any repairs.
•  Any lighting device using an open flame such as a Tiki Lamps', oil lamps, and torches, must not be used inside a campus building. Outside use is permissible, and must be approved by the Office of the Provost, or the Vice President for Administrative Affairs on a case by case basis. Any outdoor cooking performed in conjunction with festive events shall utilize suitable cooking appliances manufactured and intended for that purpose. These appliances must be placed at least fifty feet from any decorations, and at least twenty five feet from any structure. Open flame devices required for ceremonial purposes are permitted, however, they must be arranged to minimize direct contact with, or exposure to, combustible materials. Devices used in this manner must be supervised at all times when lit, and extinguished as soon as possible after the ceremony is concluded. Devices used to keep food warm, to include: Sterno tins, votive warming candles, and "flambe" style devices, are permissible. Adequate shielding must be provided to prevent direct contact with or exposure to combustibles. Catering or event staff must check on such devices frequently. Each device must be extinguished as soon as possible upon conclusions of the need. A portable fire extinguisher should be readily available at all events where open flame devices are being used, and can be obtained from the Emergency Management and Safety Office. PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM THEIR LOCATION IN ANY BUILDING.
•  Candles for use at occupied dining tables, including but not limited to those known as "restaurant" candles, are permitted. When used, they must be completely enclosed in a tip-resistant, non-combustible container constructed so as to be self-righting if placed in a free-standing position. such candles must be positioned to minimize direct contact with or exposure to combustible materials and so as to avoid injury to staff and diners. Such candles should be lit only by authorized staff, and must be extinguished as soon as possible after the table is vacated, or the event is concluded. Small candles may be used for decorative or "mood" purposes with the permission of the budget unit head, or building coordinator. When used, such candles shall be of the type whose burning is inherently controlled, a size which resists tipping or upset, or completely enclosed in a tip resistant, non-combustible container such as indicated above, and must not make contact with any combustible material. Candles must not be used on Christmas Trees.
• Decorations should be removed as soon as possible after the event for which they were used, and prior to the campus closing for the Winter Holiday Break period.
• During the Winter Holiday Season, especially, it is recommended that decorative, empty gift wrapped boxes be placed under the tree. Actual gifts may be lost through theft or damage.
• Because the campus is located within the City Limits of Oklahoma City, fireworks in any form, are strictly forbidden by City Ordinance, unless provided for by an authorized organization, and for public display.

Last Updated: 111705