Halloween

Regulations for Halloween Decorations & Haunted Houses

Candles or other open flames of any type are prohibited

Decoration

Decorations may not be placed in a manner that obstructs or obscures any fire protection system components (manual pull stations, smoke detectors, bells/horns/strobes, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, etc.), exit signs, emergency lighting, or any means of egress.

* Flame retardant/fire resistant treated materials must have proper written documentation indicating that they meet the requirements of NFPA 701 or equivalent.

The following materials are prohibited:

Bamboo
Confetti (loose, in large quantities)
Corn stalks or husks
Cotton batting
Cloth drapery (other than flame retardant*)
Crepe paper decorations (other than flame retardant*)
Dried vines
Dry moss
Flammable powders or liquids
Foam or plastic materials (including packing "peanuts")
Dried leaves
Paper streamers
Plastic sheeting
Sawdust
Straw or hay
Tumbleweeds
Wood bark, mulch or shavings

Only artificial trees, plants and flowers labeled as flame retardant/fire resistant* may be used.

Electrical

Extension cords must be of heavy gauge and approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or some other nationally recognized testing laboratory. Only extension cords approved for outdoor use can be used to provide power to outdoor equipment or from an outdoor electrical source.

Haunted Houses

The DES Fire Marshal's Office must approve the setup or construction of any "haunted house" that is to be operated in a UM building. The City of College Park Department of Public Services inspects "haunted houses" in buildings in the City. A "haunted house" is defined as the decoration or construction of a structure or part of a structure so that any of the following are present:

Extremely low levels of lighting (less than 1 footcandle measured at the floor)
Maze-like paths that confuse occupants as to their location or the location of the exits
The use of lighting or sound effects to confuse or distract the occupants

For assistance, please contact the DES Fire Marshal's Office at 301-40(5-3970) or 301-40(5-3960). The City of College Park Department of Public Services can be contacted at 301-864-8877.

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