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Fire Safety Regulations For Greek Chapter Houses

Introduction

This booklet has been designed as a quick reference guide for fire safety regulations that apply to all fraternity and sorority houses that are chartered by Southern Methodist University, whether they are owned and operated by SMU or operated by a house property management organization.

These regulations are a minimum standard established to protect the lives of the students who use these facilities. By issuing a charter, SMU reserves the right to insure the safety of the students who join these organizations as a part of their attendance at SMU.

Safety begins with you. Chapter members and their guests are responsible for knowing, understanding, and upholding University regulations regarding fire safety, in addition to all of the Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. A breach of any policy can result in disciplinary action against the individual or the chapter.

Non Smoking Environment

SMU is a smoke-free campus. In accordance with University Policy, all fraternity and sorority houses are non smoking buildings. Residents, members, and guests who wish to smoke, must do so outside of the building. Smoking is not allowed on porches, stairs, ramps, or building entrances.

Weapons/Firearms/Explosives

The use and possession of dangerous weapons or facsimiles of dangerous weapons on University property is prohibited. These items include but are not limited to: firearms, handguns, explosives, fireworks, incendiary devices, cross bows. Pellet guns, stun guns, swords or other sharp blades, nun chucks, throwing stars or other types of martial arts weapons, tear gas (except commercial personal defense units), and look-a-like facsimiles or toys. Weapons can be stored at DPS. Students found
with the items will be referred to judiciary action.

Fireworks are not permitted on campus and are illegal within Dallas County limits. All flammable paints, solvents, fuels, and cleaning agents cannot be stored in the house. Oil base paint, automobile or motorcycle batteries cannot be stored in the house.

Equipment with combustible engines that use gasoline diesel, or other combustible fuels cannot under any circumstances be stored in the house or any campus resident building. This includes automobiles, motorcycles, mopeds, motor bikes, lawn-mowers, or other gasoline powered devices. Repairing of any of these devices must be done at least 25 feet from the house of in a specially designated area which has appropriate protection.

Liability and Renter’s Insurance

All residents are strongly urged to obtain a “renter’s” insurance policy for their belongings. The University is not liable for any losses of or damage to an individual’s personal property for any reason, including fire, smoke, vandalism water, theft, or other causes. Residents should check with their family’s insurance provider to see how their homeowner’s policy might cover property while attending college.

Emergency Fire Procedures

Officers and other designated individuals within each chapter shall establish a written house emergency fire evacuation plan. This information should be made available to and discussed by all house residents and chapter members at the beginning of each semester. Such fire emergency pre-planning should include the following information:

1. Written emergency fire procedures distributed to every house member

2. A house evacuation plan:

  1. what exits to use from each area of the house, always stress alternate exits if the closest one is blocked.
  2. where residents shall assemble after exiting from the house and what persons shall be responsible for roster check-in to see that everyone is safely out of the house.

3. Assistance for handicapped residents:

  1. Residents in wheelchairs or otherwise handicapped should be housed where they can be quickly evacuated in an emergency.
  2. If possible, other residents in the area should be alerted or assigned to assist handicapped students in emergencies.
  3. Be alert to students who are temporarily handicapped by broken bones, sprains. etc., requiring the use of crutches or other aids which might slow them down in emergencies.
  4. Residents with hearing handicaps may not wake up to alarm bells; residents with visual handicaps may encounter exit difficulties which require Special assistance.

4. When to try to extinguish a fire by yourself:

In many cases even very small fires may quickly burn out of control unless immediate steps are taken to extinguish the flames. While the fire extinguishers required and maintained in all houses are excellent tools for extinguishing many small fires, all extinguishers are limited in their capacity and must be used properly to obtain maximum results.

Before using a fire extinguisher consider the following guidelines:

Have you been trained?
Do you feel comfortable fighting the fire?
Is the proper extinguisher available?
Has the house and fire department been alerted?
Always keep the exit door to your back and the fire in front of you.
Never fight an electrical or grease fires with a water fire extinguisher.

Different types of fire extinguishers may be used to fight various types of fires
(electrical-paper-flammable liquid) and each resident must know the purpose and limitations of each extinguisher type in the house, as well as how each type should be operated. Each chapter should instruct the membership on the proper and safe use of each house fire extinguisher and the limitations of each extinguisher so that they may better understand when to fight fires and when to evacuate immediately.

The SMU Fire Safety Division of the Environmental Health & Safety Department will assist as possible in providing proper information and training in fire extinguisher use, at the request of the individual Greek chapters.

Use limitations of fire extinguishers should be labeled on the canister body of the extinguishers as follows:

Extinguisher Type Used For

A --- Paper, wood, and other ordinary combustible fires.

B --- Flammable liquid fires.

C --- Electrical Fires

BC --- Electrical & Flammable Liquid Fires.

ABC --- All Fires

K --- Kitchen Fires - Cooking oils & grease

Generally speaking, fire extinguishers maintained in fraternity and sorority houses are properly operated as follows:

Remember the acronym P.A.S.S. --

PULL the pin
AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire
SQUEEZE the handle
SWEEP the base of the fire with the stream of the extinguishing agent

Use and Maintenance of Fire Alarms and Fire Extinguishers

All fire alarm and fire suppression systems must be in good operating condition at all times that the house is occupied.

All fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly to insure that they are in the proper location, in good condition, and are fully charged. This is a visual check. All fire extinguishers must be inspected yearly by a licensed fire extinguisher service company and tagged that the unit is in good condition.

All other fire suppression equipment (water sprinkler systems, dry or wet kitchen suppression systems, etc.) must be inspected in accordance with University Park Fire Codes, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines, and manufacturer’ specifications.

All fire alarm systems must be inspected, cleaned and tested in accordance with fire codes.

Vandalizing or Tampering with Fire Protection Equipment

It is against University Park Fire Code, State law, and University Policy to:

  • Discharge a fire extinguisher,
  • Activate a notification device (pull station, etc.), or
  • Make a false report that results in the dispatch of fire equipment and personnel when no fireor emergency exists.

Individuals who reckless use fire equipment or vandalize any fire protection devices (this includes the discharge of fire extinguishers) is subject to formal charges, and fines by the City of University Park and/or disciplinary action and penalty fees by the University.

Fire Drills

The purposes of fire drills are to insure the efficient and safe use of all available exit facilities, to familiarize occupants with sound and audibility of alarms, and to provide an opportunity to test the alarm system. Proper drills insure orderly exit and prevent panic--the greatest cause of loss of life in the major fire disasters of history. Order and control are the primary purposes of the drill. Speed in emptying houses, while desirable, is not in itself a goal, and should be made secondary to the maintenance of proper order and discipline.

Fire drills should be held with sufficient frequency (at least once each semester) to familiarize all occupants with the drill procedure and to make the procedure a matter of established routine. Fire drills in fraternity and sorority houses are required within thirty days of the beginning of classes each semester.

Procedure for Scheduling and Conducting Fire Drills

When a fire drill is to be scheduled, the following steps should be followed:

  1. Members should have been familiarized with drill procedures prior to the scheduling of the drill. Drills should be scheduled as early as practical at the beginning of each semester to insure that new residents are familiar with the house emergency plans. Drill scheduling should be known only to the officers conducting the drill so that the drill will have as much spontaneity as possible to assist in the simulation of an actual emergency evacuation. The date and time should be selected to insure
    maximum participation.

  2. Each fire drill must be performed with a DPS officer in attendance. To schedule a fire drill contact the Support Services Division of DPS (768-2487 or 768-2490).

  3. If the house’s fire alarm system is monitored by an off-campus alarm company, notify the alarm company and the University Park fire Department of the fire drill.

  4. The fire drill will be initiated and monitored by the DPS officer. An official report will be made of the event and a copy forwarded to Greek Affairs.

  5. Designate chapter officers to be observers at each exit during the drill to observe problems which may develop and to record the times required to completely evacuate the building. (Time begins when the alarm is sounded and ends when the last person leaves the building). All occupants shall take part in the drill.

  6. Before allowing residents to re-enter the structure, have the observers check all bells to assure proper working order and adequate sound level in all areas of the house. If no one in the house is completely familiar with the alarm system in order to utilize the alarm system, the house alarm system vendor should be contacted prior to the drill.

  7. All fire drills should attempt to simulate actual emergency procedures in the evacuation process, however, no fire, smoke bombs, or other simulated smoke shall ever be used at such a drill to enhance the realism of the situation. No running or horseplay of any kind should be permitted.

  8. After the drill is completed, all observers and participants should meet briefly to critique the drill. Criticisms or comments and the date and time of the drill should be recorded for entry in a house fire/safety file. This information will be required by the inspectors at fire/safety inspections.

All members of the house should receive a written copy of the Emergency Evacuation Procedures at the beginning of the semester prior to the drill, this insures that all members are aware of proper emergency fire evacuation procedures. Additionally, any pre-fire evacuation planning resulting in a house emergency evacuation plan should be disseminated and discussed with the entire
membership. If any chapter requires assistance pertaining to the conducting of semesterly fire drills or chapter pre-fire emergency planning, contact the Fire Safety Division of the Environmental Health & Safety Department (768-4203 or 768-3790).

For proper procedures involving residents with permanent or temporary physical handicaps, refer to the subsection, "EMERGENCY FIRE PROCEDURES" of these regulations.

Routine Fire/Safety Inspections

A fire/safety inspection will be conducted in each fraternity and sorority house at least once each year. Inspection can be conducted by the Fire Safety Division of the SMU Environmental Health & Safety and/or the City of University Park Fire Marshal's office. The inspectors will evaluate all areas of the house, including the Chapter Room and at least a random sampling of individual residence
rooms.

Arrangements will be made in advance for inspection times and dates. At the time scheduled for the inspection it will be necessary for a house officer to escort the inspector and unlock any secured areas. This house representative shall have in possession a master key or keys necessary to unlock all secured doors and the documentation or knowledge of date and circumstances of the most recent
house fire drill.

Inspections are not intended as an invasion of privacy but are conducted to promote a safe living environment. It is the intent of the routine fire/safety inspection to locate any fire hazards or fire code violations and bring them to the attention of the house residents and individual or corporate owners so that corrective action may be initiated. The inspectors will endeavor to fully explain each requirement and suggestion and any deadlines or priorities that may be established to the house
representative present at the inspection. Generally speaking, the inspector will not issue a violation notice if the house is making progress toward correcting deficient conditions and has demonstrated good faith in intent to fully comply with all requirements; however, houses may be cited to Municipal Court for violations which are not corrected.

The following is a list of common violations found during fire/safety inspections and the preset court fines which apply:

  • Voids or holes in ceilings or walls
  • Overloaded electrical outlets
  • Exit light out
  • Blocked exits
  • Fire extinguisher missing
  • Fire extinguisher discharged
  • Fire extinguisher needing inspection
  • Damaged or inoperable smoke detectors
  • Smoke detectors missing
  • Trash in hallway/stairs
  • Trash near heat source
  • Fire alarm not working
  • Iron plugged in

Fire Prevention Procedures

Listed below is a general checklist of items which should be periodically checked by house personnel and maintained in proper order as necessary. This represents a majority of the routine items that inspectors will be evaluating during each fire/safety inspection of the house. In any event, these items should he properly maintained at all times during the year when the house is occupied.

A. General

  1. All exit signs must be in place, lighted, have all legend plates in place, with the directional arrows correctly positioned.

  2. Stairway and corridor lights shall be lighted and emergency lights operational, charged, and ready for use. Lights must not be covered or otherwise obstructed in any way which will unduly reduce the light at floor level.

  3. The function of all exterior doors must allow egress from inside without the use of a key. Panic bars must be operational and in good condition.

  4. Fire extinguishers shall be in their proper locations, easily accessible, fully charged (pressure in "operable/green" range on gauge) , free from dents, hoses free from cracks, and bearing current inspection and service card(s). Monthly inspection is required by house officers and an annual inspection and maintenance by a certified outside agent is required on all fire extinguishers.

  5. Fire extinguisher cabinets are to remain closed, yet open easily. Extinguishers must be visible and accessible. Glass and all hardware in good condition.

  6. Fire alarms and sprinkler systems must be in good working condition. Bell gongs are in place, fire alarm boxes are accessible and items are not stacked within 24 inches of fire detectors. The fire alarm system will be tested at the time of each fire drill. If alarm system is found to be inoperable it must be repaired by a qualified vendor. The fire alarm must be inspected, cleaned , and tested in accordance with NFPA guidelines.

  7. Interior and exterior exits, all corridors, and other exit pathways shall be kept free of any obstructions, including such temporary obstacles as litter, furniture, electrical cords or other items which might hinder egress from the house in emergency situations.

  8. Flammable liquids of any type shall not be stored within the house.

  9. Combustible materials such as rough cedar shingles are highly combustible and should not be used for construction or decoration of residents rooms or other house interior areas. House governing groups should set strict limitations on the use of this and other combustible materials for decorations of any type.

  10. Other items prohibited in the Greek houses include, but are not limited to:

    • candles and incense
    • open flame and open coil devices, space heaters, ceiling fans (unless commercially installed by a licensed electrician at the request of house management)
    • halogen lamps
    • decorations that project away from the wall or hang from the ceiling (for example: fish nets, parachutes, hanging beads over the doors, etc.)
    • confetti, rice, or glitter for decorations

B. Electrical

  1. All appliances should bear the label of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).

  2. All electrical appliances and cords should be inspected periodically to insure proper and safe condition (cords not cracked, spliced, or frayed).

  3. Be sure that all electrical equipment factory-equipped with grounding (3-prong) cord and plug sets are in working condition to insure a proper grounding path at all times. Use as directed by the manufacturer.

  4. All heating appliances such as irons, coffee pots, etc. , should be placed on a non-combustible surface away from combustible materials. They should be disconnected when not in use.

  5. Fuse panels and electrical wiring should not be modified in any way except by licensed electricians. Fuse size should never be increased above the design rating of the circuit.

  6. Extension cords should be approved by a recognized national testing center (UL, FM). Extension cords should not be used in place of needed additional permanent outlets. Extension strip with built in 15 amp circuit breaker is permitted.

  7. All switches, receptacles, junction and other electrical distribution boxes shall have proper covers and cover plates at all times. Missing or damaged covers and cover plates shall be replaced immediately with approved replacement parts.

  8. Appliance power supply receptacles in the house should never be overloaded. Appliances plugged into duplex outlets may not exceed 750 watts combined. Two high voltage appliances should not be connected to the same outlet at the same time. Avoiding the use of cube taps and multiple-tap extension sets. A refrigerator should not share an outlet with any other appliance.

  9. Do not run electrical wiring under carpet, between mattresses and box springs, across the ceiling, or out of windows or doorways.

  10. All lighting fixtures shall be equipped with proper covers. Exposed light bulbs should have safety guards.

  11. Hot pots, coffee makers, and/or hot air popcorn poppers are permitted in the resident’s rooms. However, all other cooking appliances are prohibited, including hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, and microwaves are prohibited. Only one refrigerator is permitted per room and may not exceed 2.9 cubic feet in size. Refrigerators must be directly connected to an electrical outlet and should be
    the only appliance plugged into a double outlet.

C. Kitchen

  1. Check for grease accumulation in vents or ducts, on fans, filters, walls and oven burners. Establish a regular maintenance routine as necessary to assure that there is no grease accumulation.

  2. All kitchen automatic fire extinguishing systems shall receive routine annual maintenance and inspection by a qualified vendor.

D. Laundry Area

  1. Check washer(s) for electrical cord in good condition.

  2. Check dryer(s) for proper exhaust installation, electrical cord in good condition, proper venting and lint accumulation.

E. Mechanical Rooms

  1. Check hot water heater for condition of venting connections and pipe, draft diverter and pressure relief valve.

  2. Clear aisles and adequate working space shall be maintained within mechanical. No storage should be allowed in these areas and absolutely no combustible storage shall be permitted at any time. Keep area clear of paper, rubbish and rags.

  3. Central heating systems shall be annually inspected by qualified personnel.

Pertinent information regarding house utilities and the maintenance and inspection of all major utility appliances (ovens, water heaters, air-conditioning and heating systems) should be kept in permanent file. Included should be the business and emergency numbers for all vendor for this equipment, plus the fire alarm and extinguisher vendors and gas and electric company emergency numbers.
Additionally a copy of those regulations and a checklist developed for all inspections should be included. This file shall be checked and inspected for appropriate documentation and information at a fire/safety inspection of the house.

A common hazard found in many houses involved the accumulation of
large trash items which may not be conveniently disposed of through use of a dumpster (i.e., unwanted mattresses, old or broken furniture items, large scrap lumber). Inspectors routinely find these items stored or discarded in storage rooms, mechanical and boiler areas, or other convenient spaces in the house. As this type of storage may represent fire code violations, we strongly suggest all refuse items, large and small, be discarded expediently.

House Remodeling and Repair

The Municipal Code of the City of University Park requires that a building permit be obtained from the Building Department under certain circumstances involving changes or renovation to a house or its equipment. All additions shall be approved by the house manager, SMU Physical Plant, and the City of University Park (if applicable).

Inspection of House Decorations

Any event at any fraternity or sorority house utilizing decorations shall be inspected prior to the event by an SMU Fire Inspector. A chapter representative shall contact the SMU Fire Safety Division at (214) 768-4203 or (214) 768-3790 to discuss all decorating plans and make arrangements for the inspection not less than 72 hours in advance of the event to permit scheduling. This inspection shall be conducted before 3:00 PM on the day of the event. Should the date of the event be on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday) the inspection shall be scheduled prior to 3:00 PM on the Friday immediately preceding the event. With regard to the approval of all house decorations for events, the requirements of the University Fire Inspector are final. Social Chairpersons or other persons responsible for events should contact
the SMU Fire Safety Division before putting up any decorations if there is any question to pertaining to the type of material or the manner of display.

The most common fire regulation violations in social event decorations are the obstruction of paths of egress, improper use of electrical lighting, equipment and associated wiring, and excessive amounts of flammable or combustible materials. Each of the aforementioned is strictly prohibited. General guidelines for house decorations may be found in following sections of this document.

The Inspector from the University will consult with the chapter representative at the time of the inspection to insure that the activity and its decorations are in compliance with minimal life safety requirements and established University Park Fire and Building Code, and that potential fire and safety hazards are eliminated to protect the members and their guests. In any case, the Safety Inspector’s requirements and recommendations will be upheld.

House Decorations

A. Decorative Materials for House Decorations

In general, the guidelines for approved and prohibited materials for house decorations are outlined in the subsection, "DECORATIVE MATERIALS" of these regulations. Those materials not listed, and the manner of display of all materials shall be evaluated at the time of a fire/safety inspection of the house decorations to determine if they are compatible with these regulations and the Uniform Building and Fire Codes.

B. Exit-ways

The following listed requirements represent general guidelines for maintaining acceptable exits and exit-ways for events:

  1. Exits
    • No person shall at any time place an encumbrance of any kind before or upon any fire escape, balcony, or ladder intended as a means of escape from fire.
    • No person shall place, store or keep, or permit to be placed, stored or kept on or
      under or at the bottom of any exit stairway, inside or outside, exit hallway, elevator or other means of egress, any materials the presence or the burning of which would obstruct or render hazardous, egress of persons from the building.
    • All doors in or leading to required exit ways shall be kept unlocked at all times when the building or floor area served thereby is occupied.
  2. In rooms accommodating more than 50, required exit doorways, other than those normally used for entrance, shall be plainly marked by approved lighted exit signs, sufficiently illuminated when the floor area is occupied, to be readily distinguished. Where the exit doorways are not visible from all locations in public corridors, directional signs, as required by the Life Safety Code 101 and University Park Fire Marshal's office, shall be placed on walls or otherwise displayed in conspicuous locations to direct occupants to exit doorways.

  3. Required stairways, hallways, and other means of egress, including exterior open spaces to or through which exit ways lead, shall be adequately lighted at all times that the building served thereby is occupied.

  4. It is unlawful to block open any stairway enclosure door which leads to or from a floor of the building, and which by law is required to be self-closing.

C. Aisles

In each room where chairs, or tables and chairs are used, the arrangement shall be such a way to allow a clear path to each exit doorway. Aisles leading directly to exit doorways shall have not less than 36 inches clear width which shall not be obstructed by chairs, tables, or any other objects. The use of tunnels, chutes, etc. within a room space. corridor, or stairway for access, entrance, or exit purposes is prohibited.

D. Number of Occupants Permitted

The maximum number of occupants permitted shall be determined by the capacity of the exit ways provided. Determinations of this nature shall be made by the University Park Fire Marshal's office.

E. Fire Control

All fire protection equipment shall be in working order and shall be visible and convenient at all times. This shall include extinguishers, hoses, alarm boxes, etc. Sufficient extinguishers shall be provided to protect areas in accordance with University Park codes.

F. Electrical

All controls, lights, appliances, or other electrical equipment used as a part of or in conjunction with decorations shall be installed in an approved manner and all wiring shall be of sufficient capacity to safely conduct the required power supply loads.

G. Open Flames

The use of unguarded fires or flames in fireplace, candles or other forms shall not be permitted. Candles are not permitted in fraternity or sorority houses.

These regulations listed may be considered as general requirements, however, additional requirements may be made by inspectors from the SMU Fire Safety Division, determined by the circumstances involved in individual events (see "INSPECTION OF HOUSE DECORATIONS").

Outdoor Decorations and Floats

The regulations set forth below are intended to serve as general guidelines for individuals involved in planning or constructing outdoor decorations or floats; the information is not all-inclusive and specific questions or problems should be directed to the SMU’s Fire Safety office.

A. Outdoor Decorations

  1. Decorative materials shall be flame-proofed or non-combustible in accordance with the information presented in the subsection, "Flame-proof Materials."

  2. Decorations shall be self-supporting and be placed as far away from buildings as possible. In no case shall decorations be less than ten feet from a building or appurtenance thereto. Utility equipment such as telephone poles, guy-wires, fire hydrants, gas or electric meters, or building service entrance wiring or connections shall not be used to support, as part of, or obstructed by decorations. Decorations may not block access to or egress from any building, any driveway, or any sidewalk. Due care shall be exercised to avoid contact with any power supply overhead wiring when erecting or removing decorations.

  3. There shall be no open flames permitted without a WRITTEN permit from the City of University Park Fire Department (Fire Prevention Bureau). Contact the SMU Fire Safety office (768-4203) for advice.

  4. All wiring, controls, lights, appliances, or other electrical equipment used as a part of or in conjunction with decorations shall be of a type approved for outdoor use, installed in an approved manner, and of sufficient capacity to accommodate the electrical load imposed. There shall be no open splices, frayed wiring, cracked insulation, defective equipment , or other indications of weakness permitted in wiring. All exposed light bulbs, spotlights, floodlights, etc. shall be guarded. No light source shall be permitted to be in contact with any surface and such devices shall be securely anchored in place to prevent accidental upsetting if struck and so-positioned that heat from the device will not create a hazard.

  5. Fire extinguishing equipment shall be kept readily available and in operating order. Such equipment shall be available within seventy-five (75') of any outdoor decoration.

  6. There shall be NO SMOKING AND "NO SMOKING" regulations shall be observed in the vicinity of outdoor decorations during the periods of their construction, use, and demolition.

  7. Outdoor decorations shall be removed within forty-eight (48) hours following the event for which they are used.

  8. Floats

    1. Floats may not exceed forty feet (40') in length, thirteen and one-half feet (13 1/2') in height, and eight and one-half feet (8 1/2') in width.

    2. All decorative materials shall be flame-proofed in accordance with the information presented in the subsection, "flame-proof Materials," or shall be of non-combustible type.

    3. There shall be NO SMOKING in the vicinity of floats during the periods of their construction, use, and demolition.

    4. All wiring, controls, lights, appliances, and other electrical equipment used as a part of or in conjunction with floats shall be of a type approved for outdoor or automotive use, installed in an approved manner and of sufficient capacity to accommodate the electrical load imposed. There shall be no open splices, frayed wiring, cracked insulation, defective equipment, or other indications of
      weakness permitted in wiring. All exposed light bulbs, spotlights, floodlights, etc., shall be guarded. No light source shall be permitted to be in contact with any surface, and such devices shall be securely anchored in place to prevent accidental upsetting if struck and so positioned that heat from the device will not create a hazard.

    5. There shall be NO open flames permitted on floats.

    6. The vehicle used for floats, unless the float is of a separate towed type shall be provided with exhaust pipe extensions to prevent the accumulation of carbon monoxide gas beneath the float. Exhaust pipes shall have suitable fine-mesh screens on the ends to prevent sparks from possible backfires from igniting the float. All exhaust equipment including extensions shall be clear of combustible materials and shall be tight with no leaks.

    7. Escape routes of sufficient size, strength, and number shall be provided for all persons riding in or on floats. Each person not provided with a permanent seat attached to the vehicle shall be provided instead with a security device to which they must be attached while the float is in motion (this device may be a waist stand or handhold and must be securely affixed to the vehicle or decoration framework). All riders shall be advised of the escape routes provided.

    8. A 2A 10BC capacity ABC all-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher in proper working order shall be provided on each float; two such extinguishers shall be provided on floats exceeding twenty-five feet in length, and shall be located at opposite ends of the float. Extinguishers may be concealed, but must be readily accessible from the ground. All riders shall be advised of the location of the extinguisher(s) .

    9. Costumes made of flimsy or gauze-type materials must be flame-proofed.

Outdoor decorations constructed in conjunction with indoor house decorations shall be inspected at the time of the indoor decoration inspection as detailed in the subsection, "INSPECTION OF HOUSE DECORATIONS." Outdoor decorations or floats that are part of a University-sanctioned contest or activity shall be inspected in accordance with guidelines established for the general activity. Any outdoor decorations not covered above shall be scheduled for an inspection by the SMU Fire Safety office as detailed in the subsection, "Inspection of House Decorations."

Holiday Decorations

The following regulations shall be followed concerning holiday decorations in fraternity and sorority houses. Cut trees are no longer allowed for use on University property and due to the hazards and problems involved.

A. Prohibited Materials

The following commonly used materials cannot be flame-proofed and therefore may not be used for decoration under any circumstances:

  • Hay
  • Dry Moss
  • Wood Shavings
  • Straw
  • Turpentine
  • Sawdust
  • Dry Leaves
  • Confetti
  • Flammable Liquids
  • Corn Stalk
  • Cotton
  • Flammable Powders
  • Corn Shucks
  • Cedar Trees
  • Bamboo
  • Tumbleweed
  • Cedar Branches

B. Christmas Tree Selection, Location, and Care

For safety reasons, only artificial trees can be used for interior decorations. Only those artificial trees labeled as "fire resistant," "flame retardant" or similarly indicating that the material used is noncombustible or resistive to burning shall be used.

Trees used indoors must be less than six feet tall or not extend higher than one foot form the ceiling, whichever is smaller.

Locate trees away from exits and paths to exits, being careful not to block doors, aisles, corridors, equipment, or access to facilities.

Keep trees away from heat sources such as radiators, air vents, large appliances, and lights.

C. Lighting Safety

  1. Lighting devices using open flame or high heat, such as candles, lanterns, oil lamps, etc., are absolutely prohibited.

  2. Each electric light set used must bear the Underwriters' Laboratories (UL) label. Inspect each set, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections. Discard damaged sets.

  3. Use no more than three sets of lights per extension cord. Do not overload electrical outlets (cube taps are prohibited) . Use only UL labeled extension cords.

  4. Protect wires from damage. Do not run wires under carpet, through doorways, or across aisles or corridors. Do not place wires where they will be walked on. Do not use nails or tacks to hang wires.

  5. DO NOT PLACE ELECTRIC LIGHTS ON A METALLIC TREE! Use spotlights for illumination.

  6. Unplug lights when unnecessary for display illumination.

D. Other Decorations

  1. Use only materials labeled as flame retardant or non-combustible.

  2. Do not block or obscure exit, paths to exits, or exit lights.

  3. Keep away from heat sources. Do not smoke near decorations.

  4. Do not hang decorations from or attach them to any fire equipment or fire alarm devices.

E. Removal of Decorations

All Christmas decorations should be removed prior to closing the house for the Christmas holiday period.

Reports of violations of these regulations shall be investigated by Fire Inspectors from the SMU Division of Fire Safety in the Office of Risk Management and Environmental Health & Safety.