Holiday Decoration Safety Tips to Protect Your Home and Business
From ServiceMaster of Tacoma – Trusted Restoration Experts Serving Tacoma, Seattle & the Puget Sound Region
The holiday season is a time for celebration, connection, and tradition—but it also brings an increase in preventable property damage. Every year, ServiceMaster of Tacoma responds to fire damage, electrical failures, and water losses caused by unsafe holiday decorating practices. In the Pacific Northwest, where winter weather includes heavy rain, windstorms, freezing temperatures, and power outages, seasonal hazards are amplified.
Whether you’re decorating a home in Tacoma, a retail storefront in Seattle, or a commercial property anywhere in the Puget Sound area, taking a proactive approach to holiday decoration safety can help protect your people, property, and operations. Below are practical, expert-backed safety tips to help you enjoy the season while reducing the risk of fire, water damage, and costly interruptions.
Choose Fire-Resistant Decorations Whenever Possible
Holiday décor made from combustible materials is one of the leading causes of seasonal fires. When selecting decorations for your home or business:
- Look for flame-retardant or fire-resistant labels on artificial trees, garland, and wreaths.
- Avoid placing décor near open flames, heaters, radiators, or fireplaces.
- For commercial spaces, confirm decorations comply with local fire codes and building regulations.
Be Extra Cautious with Natural Trees and Greenery
Live trees and greenery dry out quickly in heated indoor environments, increasing fire risk.
- Keep live trees well watered at all times.
- Place them away from heat sources and electrical panels.
- Remove trees immediately once needles begin falling or after the holidays.
Many businesses opt for high-quality artificial trees to minimize fire risk and simplify compliance.
Inspect Holiday Lights Before You Plug Them In
Electrical failures are one of the most common causes of holiday-related fires. Before installing lights:
- Check for frayed wires, broken bulbs, loose connections, or cracked insulation.
- Discard damaged light strands immediately.
- Use only lights that are UL-listed or safety certified.
Switch to LED Lighting
LED holiday lights use less electricity, generate significantly less heat, and last longer—making them safer and more energy-efficient for both residential and commercial displays.
Avoid Overloading Outlets and Extension Cords
With additional lights, inflatables, sound systems, and decorative displays, it’s easy to overload circuits during the holidays.
To reduce risk:
- Never connect multiple extension cords together.
- Use surge-protected power strips when necessary.
- Spread decorations across multiple outlets and circuits.
- Keep cords untangled and out of high-traffic areas.
For commercial buildings, facility managers should verify electrical capacity before installing large or permanent holiday displays.
Practice Candle Safety—or Choose Flameless Alternatives
Candles create a warm holiday ambiance but pose a serious fire risk, especially in homes with children or pets and in busy commercial spaces.
If using candles:
- Never leave them unattended.
- Keep them at least 12 inches away from flammable materials.
- Place them on stable, heat-resistant surfaces.
A Safer Option
Battery-operated LED candles offer the same look without the fire risk and are often required in offices, hotels, and multi-family buildings.
Use Outdoor Decorations Designed for Pacific Northwest Weather
Tacoma and Seattle winters bring heavy rain, high winds, freezing temperatures, and occasional snow. Outdoor decorations must be built for these conditions.
- Use outdoor-rated lights, extension cords, and outlets.
- Install GFCI outlets to reduce the risk of electric shock.
- Secure decorations to withstand windstorms and heavy rain.
Never use indoor-rated lights outdoors—they can short-circuit, shock users, or start fires during wet conditions.
Keep Walkways, Entrances, and Emergency Exits Clear
Holiday decorations should never interfere with safe movement through a space.
For Businesses
- Keep exits, stairwells, and emergency signage visible.
- Maintain ADA-compliant pathways at all times.
- Avoid clutter in lobbies, hallways, and entry points.
For Homes
- Avoid running cords across sidewalks or driveways.
- Ensure outdoor decorations don’t create tripping hazards or block visibility.
Clear pathways help prevent slip-and-fall injuries and reduce liability.
Manage Heating and Ventilation Risks
Heating equipment causes thousands of fires each year during the winter months.
To reduce risk:
- Keep decorations at least three feet away from space heaters and heat vents.
- Never place décor on or near heaters or fireplaces.
- Avoid using extension cords with space heaters.
Holiday gatherings can also increase indoor humidity. Poor ventilation can lead to condensation, moisture buildup, and mold growth—especially in the damp Pacific Northwest climate.
Turn Off Decorations When Unattended
One of the simplest and most effective safety habits is turning decorations off when leaving the building or going to sleep.
- Use timers or smart plugs for lights and displays.
- Unplug trees, candles, and electronics overnight.
- Ensure outdoor lighting shuts off automatically.
For commercial properties, scheduled timers help prevent unattended hazards and reduce energy costs.
Protect Against Holiday Water Damage
Water damage is a common—and costly—issue during the holidays, especially when buildings are left unattended.
Common risks include:
- Frozen or burst pipes
- Roof leaks from heavy rain
- Sprinkler system failures
- Water heater malfunctions
Prevention Tips
- Keep indoor temperatures above 55°F during cold weather.
- Insulate exposed pipes.
- Shut off exterior water lines before freezing temperatures.
- Install water leak detection devices, especially in commercial buildings.
Businesses closing for the holidays should conduct a full water-risk inspection beforehand.
Prepare an Emergency Plan Before Something Goes Wrong
Preparation can significantly reduce damage and recovery time.
For Homeowners
- Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Keep fire extinguishers accessible.
- Review escape routes with family members.
For Businesses
- Ensure employees know evacuation procedures.
- Confirm fire protection systems are inspected and functional.
- Maintain updated emergency contact lists.
Partner with ServiceMaster of Tacoma Before an Emergency Occurs
Even with precautions, accidents and severe weather can happen. When fire, water, or storm damage occurs, fast response is critical.
ServiceMaster of Tacoma provides 24/7 emergency restoration services across Tacoma, Seattle, and the surrounding Puget Sound communities, including:
- Water damage mitigation
- Fire and smoke damage restoration
- Mold remediation
- Storm damage cleanup
- Commercial large-loss services
- Residential and commercial reconstruction support
Having a trusted restoration partner ready can reduce downtime, limit damage, and speed recovery.
Celebrate the Season Safely
Holiday decorations should bring joy—not stress or unexpected emergencies. By following these safety tips and remaining mindful of seasonal risks unique to the Pacific Northwest, you can protect your home, your business, and everyone who enters your space.
From all of us at ServiceMaster of Tacoma, we wish you a safe, festive, and worry-free holiday season.
