Holiday Decoration Safety Tips to Protect Your Home and Business
Expert Guidance from ServiceMaster by C2C – San Diego’s Trusted Restoration Professionals
The holiday season brings warmth, celebration, and tradition to homes and businesses across San Diego County. From festive lighting displays in La Jolla and Carlsbad to decorated retail spaces and office buildings downtown, holiday décor helps create a welcoming atmosphere. However, it also introduces an increased risk of fire damage, electrical failures, water damage, and slip-and-fall hazards—many of which are entirely preventable.
Each year, restoration professionals respond to thousands of holiday-related property damage calls caused by unsafe decorating practices. At ServiceMaster by C2C, we provide commercial and residential restoration services throughout San Diego and the surrounding areas, and we see firsthand how quickly a small decorating oversight can turn into a costly emergency.
Southern California’s mild winters may reduce the risk of frozen pipes, but unique regional factors—such as dry conditions, Santa Ana winds, older electrical systems, coastal humidity, and high-occupancy commercial spaces—create their own seasonal hazards. With a proactive approach, you can enjoy the holidays while protecting your property, occupants, and peace of mind.
Below are expert-backed holiday decoration safety tips to help homeowners, property managers, and business owners reduce risk throughout the season.
1. Choose Fire-Resistant Decorations Whenever Possible
Holiday decorations made from dry, combustible materials are a leading cause of seasonal fires. When selecting décor for your home or business:
- Choose flame-retardant or fire-resistant artificial trees, garlands, and wreaths
- Avoid placing natural trees or dried décor near heat sources
- Replace brittle, dry, or shedding natural greenery promptly
For commercial properties, fire-rated decorations are often required by local fire codes. Always verify compliance before installing décor in offices, retail centers, hotels, and multifamily properties.
2. Inspect All Holiday Lights Before Installation
Faulty lighting is one of the most common causes of holiday electrical fires. Before hanging lights:
- Check cords for fraying, cracked insulation, or exposed wires
- Discard lights with loose bulbs or damaged plugs
- Use UL-listed products approved for indoor or outdoor use
- Never mix indoor-only lights with outdoor installations
In San Diego’s coastal communities, salt air and moisture can accelerate corrosion, making inspections especially important.
3. Avoid Overloading Electrical Outlets and Circuits
Overloaded outlets and extension cords can overheat and spark fires, particularly in older homes and buildings with limited electrical capacity.
Safety tips include:
- Plug decorations directly into wall outlets when possible
- Avoid daisy-chaining power strips or extension cords
- Use surge protectors rated for decorative lighting
- Schedule a professional electrical inspection for commercial properties with extensive displays
If lights dim, flicker, or outlets feel warm, unplug decorations immediately and consult a professional.
4. Secure Decorations to Prevent Falls and Property Damage
Falls are a leading cause of injuries during the holiday season. Whether decorating a single-story home or a multi-level commercial building:
- Use sturdy ladders on level ground
- Never stand on furniture or unstable surfaces
- Secure outdoor decorations to withstand Santa Ana wind conditions
- Anchor large décor displays to prevent tipping
For businesses, unsecured decorations can create liability risks for employees and customers.
5. Use Candles and Open Flames with Extreme Caution
Candles add ambiance but significantly increase fire risk, especially in busy homes and commercial spaces.
Best practices include:
- Keep candles at least 12 inches away from décor
- Never leave open flames unattended
- Avoid candles in commercial spaces unless permitted
- Consider battery-operated LED candles as a safer alternative
Many commercial properties prohibit open flames entirely—and for good reason.
6. Be Mindful of Heating Sources Near Decorations
Even in San Diego’s mild winter climate, portable heaters and fireplaces are commonly used during cooler evenings.
To reduce risk:
- Keep decorations at least three feet away from heaters
- Never drape lights or garland over heat sources
- Turn off heaters before leaving the property or going to bed
Dry seasonal air combined with heat can ignite decorations faster than many people realize.
7. Protect Outdoor Decorations from Weather and Moisture
While snow and ice aren’t concerns in Southern California, rain, coastal moisture, and wind can still damage decorations and create hazards.
Outdoor safety tips:
- Use weather-rated extension cords and GFCI outlets
- Elevate plugs off the ground to prevent water intrusion
- Secure inflatables and light displays against high winds
- Inspect outdoor décor after storms
Water intrusion can lead to short circuits, mold growth, and structural damage if left unaddressed.
8. Keep Exit Routes and Fire Safety Equipment Accessible
Decorations should never interfere with safety systems or emergency exits, particularly in commercial and multifamily buildings.
Ensure that:
- Fire extinguishers remain visible and accessible
- Exit signs are unobstructed
- Hallways and stairwells remain clear
- Decorations do not block sprinkler heads or alarms
Clear egress routes are critical during emergencies—and often required by local safety regulations.
9. Turn Off Decorations When Not in Use
Leaving decorations powered overnight or when a property is unoccupied increases the risk of fire.
Make it a habit to:
- Turn off lights before going to bed
- Use timers to control lighting schedules
- Shut down décor systems after business hours
Timers not only improve safety but also help reduce energy costs during the holiday season.
10. Have a Restoration Plan in Place Before an Emergency Happens
Even with careful planning, accidents can still occur. Having a trusted restoration partner identified ahead of time can significantly reduce damage and downtime.
At ServiceMaster by C2C, we provide:
- 24/7 emergency response
- Fire and smoke damage restoration
- Water damage mitigation
- Mold remediation
- Commercial and residential reconstruction services
Our team serves San Diego, Oceanside, Carlsbad, La Jolla, Escondido, and surrounding communities, helping property owners recover quickly and safely when unexpected damage occurs.
Holiday Safety for Businesses and Property Managers
Commercial properties face additional risks during the holidays due to increased foot traffic, seasonal décor installations, and end-of-year staffing changes. Proactive safety planning helps protect:
- Employees
- Customers and tenants
- Inventory and assets
- Business continuity
A single preventable incident can result in costly repairs, lost revenue, insurance claims, and liability exposure.
Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season
The holidays should be a time of celebration—not emergency repairs. By following these holiday decoration safety tips, you can reduce risk, protect your investment, and enjoy the season with confidence.
If your home or business experiences fire damage, water intrusion, smoke odor, or mold growth, ServiceMaster by C2C is ready to help. Our experienced restoration professionals are available around the clock to respond quickly and restore your property with care and precision.
Contact ServiceMaster by C2C today to learn more about our residential and commercial restoration services throughout San Diego and Southern California—or to create a proactive emergency response plan before the holidays begin.
