We have holiday fire safety tips for both homes and businesses that will help you protect your property and the people you care about.
The holiday season is a time for celebration, gathering, and festive décor—but it’s also a busier-than-usual time of year for preventable fires. With heating systems running more often, decorative lights on display, kitchens working overtime, and increased foot traffic, both homeowners and business owners must stay proactive. Prioritizing holiday fire safety ensures a safer, more enjoyable season for everyone.
Why Does Holiday Fire Safety Matter?
Fire departments across the country see a significant rise in fires during November, December, and early January. Many of these incidents stem from hazards that can be avoided with proper awareness and preparation. Whether you manage a commercial property or decorate your home, understanding the risks is the first step to preventing emergencies.
Holiday Fire Safety Tips for Homes
Be Smart with Seasonal Decorations
Decorations create a festive atmosphere, but they also introduce potential fire hazards.
- Choose UL-listed lights and inspect each strand for frayed cords or broken bulbs.
- Avoid overloading outlets or using cheap extension cords.
- Keep Christmas trees—especially live ones—well watered and away from heat sources like fireplaces, vents, or radiators.
Cook with Care
Holiday kitchens are bustling, which increases the risk of cooking-related fires.
- Never leave food unattended on the stovetop.
- Keep flammable items (towels, potholders, packaging) away from cooking surfaces.
- Install and maintain a working fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen.
Use Candles Safely
Candles add ambiance but are one of the top causes of holiday house fires.
- Use flameless candles when possible.
- Keep lit candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
- Never leave candles burning unsupervised, even if you’re just leaving the room.
Inspect and Maintain Heating Equipment
Fireplaces and space heaters are used more frequently during the holidays.
- Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually.
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from decorations, bedding, or furniture.
- Never use extension cords or power strips with space heaters.
Holiday Fire Safety Tips for Businesses
Review Your Emergency Plan
With seasonal staff, special events, and increased visitor volume, ensuring everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire is essential.
- Update evacuation routes and ensure signage is visible.
- Hold a quick refresher training for employees on fire extinguishers and emergency procedures.
Keep Exits and Equipment Clear
Decorations should never impede safety.
- Keep emergency exits and fire lanes unobstructed at all times.
- Ensure fire extinguishers, alarms, and sprinkler controls remain accessible and unobstructed by décor or merchandise.
Avoid Electrical Overloads
Commercial spaces often use additional lighting and powered décor during the holidays.
- Use commercial-grade extension cords and power strips with built-in surge protection.
- Avoid daisy-chaining power strips or plugging too many items into one circuit.
- Have a qualified electrician check any suspect outlets or wiring.
Maintain Holiday Displays Responsibly
Whether you run a retail store, office, or restaurant, seasonal décor can create additional fire risks if not managed properly.
- Keep real trees and greenery away from heat sources, and hydrate them frequently.
- Use flame-retardant artificial decorations whenever possible.
- Regularly inspect lighting for heat buildup.
Prioritize Fire Protection System Maintenance
Businesses have a legal obligation to maintain safe environments.
Celebrate Safely This Season
By taking simple precautions and staying mindful of the unique fire hazards that come with the holidays, you can protect what matters most—your home, your business, and the people in them. Incorporating holiday fire safety into your seasonal planning ensures a warm, joyful, and secure celebration from start to finish.
Fire Protection Services from Fireline
Whether you need smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or an automatic sprinkler system installed at your commercial property, Fireline has you covered. We have been protecting people and property from fire damage since 1947—and our experience shows in our excellent work! We are known for our superb customer service, our expertise, and our reliability. For more information on how we can help your residential or commercial property, visit us online or give us a call at (800) 553-3405. For more information and fire safety tips, be sure to follow Encore Fire Protection on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
