It's that time of the year to remind everyone about classroom, hallway, and general school decorations.

Please share this email with your entire staff or discuss at a staff meeting.

(Additionally, it would be a good idea to assign this topic to your School Safety Committee so the issue can be monitored.)

Highlights from the State Fire Marshall's office published guidelines pertaining to schools are:

•      EGRESS - Access to exits and exit paths shall not be obstructed by decorative materials.

•      SOURCES OF IGNITION -

•      Candles and other sources of open flame are not allowed for any decorations or ceremonies, except as approved by the fire code official prior to the event.

•      Sources of ignition shall not be allowed within the vicinity of combustible decorative materials.

•      ELECTRICAL -

•      Only UL listed miniature lights or LED style lights shall be used in accordance with their listing.

•      Extension cords shall be approved commercially manufactured UL listed assemblies (14-guage minimum 15-amp minimum). Only grounded or polarized extension cords shall be used.

•      Electrical lights and extension cords that are physically damaged or altered shall not be used unless repairs are in accordance with the state adopted electrical code.

•      DECORATIVE MATERIALS -

•      All decorations shall be either inherently fire retardant or treated with a flame retardant to be flame resistant and shall comply with the Oregon Fire Code 2010 Edition, Section 807.

•      Artwork, decorations for learning purposes, and student generated materials on the walls in routes of egress shall not exceed 20% of the wall area.

•      Displays for classrooms and hallways:

•      Paper materials such as artwork and decorations shall be secured flat against the wall or bulletin board.

•      Three dimensional artwork and decor (has height, width, and depth, or thickness) is prohibited unless approved by the local fire code official.

•      Limit displays to 40 square feet with a three-foot "fire break" between displays.

•      Displays shall not cover more than 20% of a hallway wall area.

•      Classroom doors shall not be covered with paper.

•      Materials suspended from the ceiling (hanging decor) shall be at least 24 inches below the ceiling and be at least 18 inches from fire sprinkler heads.

•      Items suspended cannot hang low enough to interfere with exiting.

•      Ceilings shall not be covered with flammable materials.

A complete copy of the Oregon Fire Code Advisory Memo can be found here:

•              http://www.oregon.gov/osp/SFM/docs/Codes/TA11_11.pdf