Butler Safety/Security Notices

Message from:
Marvin Dodson, Director, Facilities Management

Kansas Fire Code Requirements
The following excerpt is taken from the Kansas Buildings Fire Safety Handbook:
“A variety of events occur during the school year involving the use of decorations and other seasonal materials. The use of non-approved materials for these applications greatly increases the risk to the building occupants.

Some of the materials (hay, straw, and most plastics including non-fire retardant treated artificial Christmas trees, etc) exhibit flammable and rapid burning characteristics under fire conditions. The use of rapidly burning materials in corridors and rooms effectively eliminates built-in safety provided by building construction. Previously, the Fire Service Council of Kansas voted unanimously to recommend to the Kansas State Fire Marshal that no live-cut Christmas trees be permitted in schools. The Kansas State Fire Marshall will not allow any live-cut Christmas trees in schools.
Additionally, these decorations generally include temporary electrical wiring and excessive use of extension cords. These unsafe conditions increase the risk of a fast-spreading fire.
It is not our intent to prohibit decorations, rather, we must insure that the decorations used do not create an unreasonable risk to occupants.”
In addition, open flames such as candles are not permitted.

Thank you for your cooperation,

Marvin Dodson
Director, Facilities Management