Everyone loves to celebrate the holidays with festive decorations. The challenge is to decorate in a safe manner. These are our Fire Prevention Measures based on guidelines provided by the Brunswick Fire Department and the National Fire Prevention Association.

Exterior Decorations

Decorations should not be hung higher than an easily reached distance from a 6-foot step ladder.(Remember to not stand on the top step)

Climbing on roofs, balconies, parapets etc. of buildings is prohibited.

Use fiberglass ladders, and if you are hanging lights do so without the power applied.

Keep exits signs, emergency exits, electrical/alarm panels, sprinklers, fire extinguishers/alarm devices clearly visible and ensure decoration placement is kept clear of these life safety devices.

Electrical Decorations: Only UL-listed miniature lights may be used (preferably LED lights) rated for outdoor use. Only three strands of lights may be used to prevent overloading of circuits. Lights should be on a timer or turned off during the day and after hours.

All decorations must be made of non-flammable material.

Installation of decorations must not damage college property—hooks or clips should be used instead of nails, screws and other hardware. No fasteners may penetrate any roof surfaces.

Interior Decorations

Only artificial trees and wreaths are permitted indoors.

Remember, candles are strictly forbidden everywhere on campus.

In areas with working fireplaces/gas stoves, decorations are to be kept three feet away from any open flame.

No decorations may be hung from any sprinkler pipe, sprinkler head, smoke detector, strobe or light/utility fixture.

All issues identified for outdoor use also apply for indoors—remember to use only three strands of lights and to not hang lights over the entry way as it can be an entrapment hazard.

Keep striding and smiling—you are headed in the right direction.