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Window/Room
Decorations:
1. What are
the regulations for decorating the walls of the rooms
·
Radford University values the safety of all our residents. Therefore, we adhere to the International
Fire Safety codes, as interpreted by the State Fire Marshal. This code states that not more than 10
percent of the walls in student rooms may be covered by flammable items. In most cases, this allows 12 square feet
to be covered on each of the long, side walls of the room and eight square
feet on the wall with a window; six square feet can be covered on the walls
opposing the window wall. We encourage you to choose your decorations
carefully. Shelving units can be a
good method for displaying pictures and other mementos in your room.
2. What are
the regulations for decorating the ceilings of the rooms?
· According to International
Fire Safety codes, nothing can be suspended from or attached to the
ceilings or light fixtures.
Therefore, items including glow-in-the-dark stars cannot be placed
on the ceiling.
3. What are
some ideas for displaying pictures and other items in the room?
· While the 10
percent wall coverage rule presents some initial difficulties, there are
some clever ways to still display your favorite items. For example, shelving units can be a
fairly inexpensive way to display many frames and knickknacks. Folding screens or picture collages can
be another way to show pictures in a condensed manner.
4.
What is
the best way to hang decorations in the rooms?
· Students should
be thoughtful when hanging items on the wall. For example, duct tape is always a bad
choice because it damages the walls.
Adhesive wall putty discolors walls, and double sided foam tape does
not remove neatly or easily. Many
students recommend using the 3M Command Adhesive products as a way to hang
items on the wall; it is still important to use this gingerly to prevent
damage. Nails and tacks cannot be placed in the walls because of the damage
they cause. Please note that all
residents are responsible for the condition of their room and will be held
financially accountable for the damages they cause; suitemates will be held
responsible for damages found in common areas.
5. What kinds
of curtains are permitted on the windows?
· Working to
provide you with a safer living environment, Radford
University follows the
International Fire Safety codes adopted by the Virginia Commonwealth
in 2003. According to these codes,
the only curtains permitted in the rooms are those that are flame
retardant, as shown on the manufacturer’s label on the curtains. Please see the next item to learn about
valances as another option for the window.
6. What is a
window valance?
· A window valance
is a decorative piece of fabric (not more than 8 inches in height) that
hangs at the top of the window and is designed to hide the mechanical
workings of the horizontal blinds.
Valances do not need to be flame retardant as long as their length
is no more than 8 inches. Given the
construction of our windows, we suggest that you use a tension rod to hang
the valance.
7. Are
holiday lights permitted?
· Holiday and rope
lights are permitted in the residence halls and are popular with many
students. Remaining consistent with
the lights manufacturer’s UL listing, up to two strands can be linked
together and plugged into the wall.
8. Can I hang
a beaded curtain in the doorway?
· Beaded curtains
are permitted in the residence halls, but cannot be placed on the doors
leading to the main hallway corridor.
For your safety, the beaded curtain and similar items need to be
hung in such a manner that they do not prevent occupants from seeing the
main door. For example, if you hung
a beaded curtain in the area where the room connects to the main hallway
corridor, room occupants would need to be able to clearly see the corridor
door. Please remember that items
cannot be attached to any ceilings.
9. What size
of carpet works best in the residence hall rooms?
· While room sizes
vary slightly throughout campus, carpets that are not bigger than 10 feet
by 15 feet fit in most student rooms.
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