Holiday Decoration Safety Tips to Protect Your Home and Business
Expert Guidance from ServiceMaster NCR – Washington, DC’s Trusted Restoration Professionals
The holiday season brings warmth, tradition, and celebration—but it also brings an annual spike in preventable fire, water, and electrical hazards. Whether you’re decorating a single-family home in Alexandria or transforming a commercial property in Washington, DC for festive events, safety should be at the top of your holiday checklist. Each year, thousands of fires, electrical failures, and structural damages occur during November and December due to unsafe décor practices.
At ServiceMaster NCR, we’ve spent decades responding to residential and commercial restoration emergencies across the DC Metro region. From electrical fires sparked by overloaded outlets to water damage from frozen pipes during holiday closures, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly seasonal hazards can escalate. With a few proactive steps, however, you can celebrate the season safely and protect your family, employees, property, and peace of mind.
Below are our comprehensive, expert-backed Holiday Decoration Safety Tips for homeowners and businesses throughout Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland.
1. Choose Fire-Safe Décor and Display Materials
Opt for flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations.
Whether decorating a lobby, storefront, or home, always check labels on trees, garland, wreaths, and artificial décor. Flame-resistant materials greatly reduce fire risks—especially in commercial spaces where multiple people interact with displays.
Be cautious with natural greenery.
Fresh trees, wreaths, and garland can dry out quickly indoors, becoming dangerous fuel sources.
- Keep natural trees well-watered.
- Position them away from fireplaces, radiators, and heat vents.
- Remove trees promptly after the holidays or once needles begin shedding.
Businesses should consider artificial greenery for longevity, reduced fire risk, and compliance with building codes.
2. Inspect Electrical Lights and Cords Before Use
Electrical issues are one of the top causes of holiday fires. Before plugging in any lights—indoors or outdoors—conduct a quick inspection.
- Look for frayed wires, cracked insulation, or loose bulb connections.
- Discard light strings with exposed wiring or missing bulbs.
- Ensure all lights are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (UL, CSA, or ETL).
Upgrade older lights.
Modern LED lights use significantly less energy, produce minimal heat, and last longer—making them safer for both homes and commercial displays.
3. Avoid Overloading Outlets and Circuits
Holiday décor often means multiple light strands, digital displays, inflatables, heated decorations, and extension cords all drawing power at once.
To prevent electrical fires:
- Use power strips with built-in surge protection.
- Never daisy-chain extension cords or power strips.
- Plug high-wattage decorations into separate circuits when possible.
- Keep cords untangled and away from high-traffic pathways.
In commercial buildings, have your facility manager or maintenance team verify load capacity before adding large exterior lighting displays.
4. Practice Candle Safety—Or Switch to Flameless Options
Candles add ambiance but remain one of the leading causes of holiday house fires.
If you do use candles:
- Keep them at least 12 inches from flammable materials.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Place candles on sturdy, heat-resistant surfaces.
- Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Better alternative: battery-powered LED candles provide the same glow with none of the risk.
Many DC-area office buildings and commercial properties now require flameless alternatives due to fire code compliance—so be sure to check your building’s guidelines.
5. Use Outdoor Decorations Designed for Exterior Conditions
When decorating outdoors, ensure your materials are rated for outdoor use:
- Outdoor-rated extension cords and lights
- Weather-resistant fasteners
- GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets
Improper or indoor-rated lighting used outside can cause electrical shorts, shocks, or fires—especially during freezing rain, snow, or fluctuating winter temperatures.
DC’s winter weather is unpredictable. A warm day can quickly turn into icy conditions, so secure displays to prevent wind damage, falling fixtures, or electrical hazards.
6. Keep Walkways and Entrances Clear
Holiday decorations should never obstruct walkways, stairwells, emergency exits, or accessibility routes.
For commercial properties:
- Keep lobbies and hallways clutter-free.
- Ensure displays don’t impair emergency lighting or fire extinguishers.
- Maintain ADA compliance at all times.
For homeowners:
- Avoid placing extension cords across sidewalks or driveways.
- Ensure exterior decorations don’t block visibility for guests or delivery personnel.
A safe path prevents slip-and-fall accidents and reduces liability for property owners.
7. Monitor Heat Sources and HVAC Systems
Heating equipment is one of the most common holiday fire hazards.
Avoid placing decorations near:
- Fireplaces
- Space heaters
- Radiators
- Heat vents
- Candles
- Stoves
Additionally, holiday gatherings can increase interior humidity levels. Homeowners and commercial facility managers should ensure HVAC systems are functioning properly to avoid condensation, mold growth, or indoor air quality issues.
8. Turn Off Decorations Before Leaving or Going to Bed
This simple habit prevents countless fires every year.
Whether you’re closing your office for the night or heading to bed after a holiday party:
- Unplug Christmas tree lights.
- Turn off window candles.
- Shut down exterior light displays with timers or smart plugs.
- Ensure ovens, heaters, and fireplaces are fully extinguished.
Commercial buildings should also schedule automatic lighting timers to prevent décor from running unattended.
9. Address Water Damage Risks During Holiday Travel or Office Closures
Many homes and businesses experience water damage during the holidays due to:
- Frozen pipes
- Sprinkler line bursts
- Water heater failures
- Leaking holiday displays or décor
- Unattended buildings during travel or seasonal closures
To prevent water damage:
- Keep heat at 55°F or higher when away.
- Insulate exposed pipes.
- Allow faucets to drip during extreme cold.
- Install water leak sensors (especially in commercial buildings).
- Shut off exterior water lines before freezing temperatures.
For businesses, ensure your property manager performs a water-risk inspection before holiday shutdowns.
10. Create a Fire Safety and Emergency Plan
Whether at home or work, having a plan can save lives and property.
For homeowners:
- Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Keep a fire extinguisher accessible on each floor.
- Review escape routes with family members.
For commercial properties:
- Ensure staff knows evacuation routes.
- Verify all fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems are current and inspected.
- Train employees on electrical safety and emergency procedures.
A prepared building is a safer building.
11. Partner with a Professional Restoration Team—Before You Need One
Even with the best precautions, accidents happen. Electrical failures, storms, and unexpected structural issues can lead to fire, smoke, water, or mold damage during the holiday season.
ServiceMaster NCR is available 24/7 to support homeowners, property managers, and businesses across Washington, DC and the surrounding region.
We specialize in:
- Emergency water damage mitigation
- Fire and smoke restoration
- Mold remediation
- Biohazard cleanup
- Commercial large-loss services
- Trauma and specialty cleaning
Having a trusted restoration partner in your contacts ensures faster response, minimized damage, and lower restoration costs.
12. Final Thoughts: Celebrate the Holidays Safely and Confidently
Holiday decorations bring joy—but they also introduce seasonal risks that require caution and planning. By following these safety tips and staying aware of fire, electrical, and water hazards, you can enjoy a festive, beautiful holiday season without compromising the safety of your home or business.
From all of us at ServiceMaster NCR, we wish you a safe, warm, and happy holiday season.
Need Help? ServiceMaster NCR is Here for You 24/7
If your home or business in Washington, DC, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, or the surrounding communities experiences water, fire, or smoke damage this holiday season, contact our emergency team anytime.
