The holidays are a time for warmth, celebration, and adding a little sparkle to your workplace. From twinkling lights in the lobby to decorated trees in waiting rooms, festive decor helps create a welcoming atmosphere. But those same decorations can also introduce hidden fire hazards if not handled with care.
Whether you manage a hospital, office, or industrial facility, understanding the fire safety risks that come with holiday decorating can make all the difference in keeping your people and property safe.
Overloaded Outlets and Extension Cords
One of the most common causes of holiday fires comes from overloaded electrical outlets and overused extension cords. Plugging too many decorations into one outlet can lead to overheating, sparks, or even electrical fires.
Fire Safety Tip: Use surge-protected power strips instead of chaining multiple extension cords together. Make sure cords are rated for the environment where you are using them, and inspect them for any damage before plugging them in.
Flammable Decorations and Synthetic Trees
Artificial trees, garlands, and other synthetic decorations can ignite quickly if placed too close to a heat source. Even small bulbs or space heaters can create enough heat to start a fire.
Fire Safety Tip: Choose flame-retardant or fire-resistant materials when possible. Keep all decorations, whether real or artificial, at least three feet from heaters, vents, or electrical panels. If you opt for a real tree, make sure it stays watered and remove it as soon as it begins to dry out.
Blocked Exits and Fire Equipment
It is easy for decorations, temporary displays, or furniture to block access to fire extinguishers, sprinkler heads, or emergency exits. In a fire, those few extra seconds spent clearing a path can be critical.
Fire Safety Tip: Walk your space before the holidays and make sure nothing blocks fire doors, alarms, or emergency exits. This simple check helps your facility stay compliant with OSHA and NFPA standards.
Hidden Heat Sources
Holiday decorations often end up near heaters, lights, or other heat sources without anyone realizing it. Combined with higher electricity use during the season, this can create dangerous conditions.
Fire Safety Tip: Keep all décor and flammable materials at least three feet away from any heat source. Make sure all space heaters are UL-listed and have automatic shut-off features.
Keep the Holidays Festive and Fire-Safe
Decorating for the holidays should bring joy, not risk. Taking a few precautions helps your business or healthcare facility stay cheerful and compliant with fire protection standards.
At National Fire & Safety, we partner with organizations to maintain safe, compliant environments throughout the year. From fire system inspections to staff training, we help make sure your facility is ready for every season.
Need a fire safety check before the holidays?
Contact National Fire & Safety to schedule your inspection and ensure your fire protection systems are ready for a safe and festive season.