Interior Decorations (Christmas Tree) Safety Guide

Interior Decorations (Christmas Tree) Safety Guide

Reason

Fresh-cut Christmas trees can become significant fire hazards if they are placed in high-risk areas or not properly maintained. This policy ensures that trees remain hydrated and safely positioned to prevent rapid fire spread, ensuring that all students, staff, and visitors can safely enjoy the holiday season.

Code

• Indiana Fire Code Chapter 8
• NFPA 701

Procedures

1. Before You Set Up

• [ ] Verify Location: Ensure your building or room type allows natural trees. They are generally prohibited in high-occupancy areas like libraries, dorms, or childcare facilities unless the area has an automatic sprinkler system.
• [ ] Schedule Inspection: Contact the fire safety inspector (INLOCC) for your specific campus to request a mandatory fire safety inspection before display.
• [ ] Give Advance Notice: You must notify fire safety officials at least two days before placing a natural tree in any public building.
• [ ] Check Artificial Trees: If you are using an artificial tree, ensure it is certified by the manufacturer as flame-retardant (meeting NFPA 701 standards).

2. Tree Preparation & Placement

• [ ] Fresh Cut: For natural trees, saw at least 0.5 inches off the bottom of the trunk immediately before putting it in the stand to ensure water absorption.
• [ ] Secure Stand: Use a stable stand that will not tip and is large enough to hold at least a two-day supply of water.
• [ ] Clear Exits: Ensure the tree does not block or narrow any exits, hallways, or emergency paths of travel.
• [ ] Heat Safety: Keep the tree away from heat vents and open flames. The distance from any heat source must be at least equal to the total height of the tree.

3. Daily Maintenance & Lighting

• [ ] Water Daily: Keep the water level at least 2 inches above the trunk bottom at all times.
• [ ] Perform the "Shake Test": Check the tree daily for dryness. If needles fall off easily or branches are brittle and break when bent, the tree must be removed from the building immediately.
• [ ] Safe Lighting: Use only safety-listed (e.g., UL) electrical lights. Never use electrical lights on metal trees.
• [ ] No Open Flames: Candles and open flames are strictly prohibited on or near any decorative vegetation.

Note:Failure to have a fire safety inspection or comply with these regulations will lead to the immediate removal of the tree.