Holiday Fire Safety Checklist for Your Home and Community
Holiday Fire Safety Checklist for your Home and Community
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As the holidays approach, festive decorations, flickering candles, and cozy fires warm our homes—but they also bring heightened fire risks. Each year, decorations cause a significant number of household fires, especially during December.
This season, keep safety top of mind for yourself and your community with our holiday fire safety checklists to protect both your home and shared spaces. Download our printable fire safety checklists to easily inspect your surroundings, making sure every area is ready for a safe, festive celebration. Because when it comes to the holidays, we all want memories that are merry—not 'memorable' in the way that would warrant a visit from Fire Marshall Bill!
Click the links below to download your own Fire Safety Checklist!
Homeowner’s Checklist
Silent Night, Safe Night: Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
It’s easy to overlook, but holiday safety includes a simple yet critical task—testing your smoke alarms. Replace batteries if needed, and make sure detectors are installed on every level of your home. If you’re using a fireplace or any fuel-burning appliance, ensure you also have carbon monoxide detectors.
Cozy Up Responsibly: Check Fireplace Cleanliness and Use Fire Screens
Before lighting your fireplace for the first time this season, make sure it’s professionally cleaned to remove creosote buildup, a leading cause of chimney fires. Always use a screen to catch sparks and dispose of ashes in a metal container stored outside, away from the house (ashes can sometimes hide live coals, which can catch any flammable surface it touches on fire).
Keep Your Holidays Merry and Bright: Fire Safety for Homeowners
The holiday season brings many hazards—Christmas tree fires, candle mishaps, overloaded outlets, and fireplaces left unattended. Let’s start with the steps homeowners can take to prevent these risks and enjoy a cozy, safe holiday season.
Deck the Halls Safely: Inspect and Use Holiday Lights with Care
Are Christmas lights a fire hazard? They really are if you don’t play it safe! Before you plug in those twinkling Christmas lights, take a moment to inspect them. Frayed wires, broken sockets, or damaged lights should be replaced immediately. And when it comes to Christmas light safety, opt for LEDs—they’re cooler, less likely to cause overheating, and therefore a safer option. Always unplug lights before heading to bed or leaving the house.
Keep the Warm Glow: Place Candles Away from Flammable Materials
There’s nothing cozier than the glow of candles, but they’re a leading cause of fires. Place them on stable surfaces, far from curtains, bedding, or decorations. A safer option? Battery-operated candles (pictured above) can provide the same ambiance without the risk. And remember, candles and unattended rooms don’t mix—especially with curious pets or kids around.
O Christmas Tree: Keep It Away from Heat Sources
Whether real or artificial, your tree should be at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, and space heaters. A dry tree is a Christmas tree fire waiting to happen, so if you have a live tree, keep it watered. Not only does this keep your tree looking fresh, but it significantly reduces its flammability.
Speaking of flammability, decorating your Christmas tree with candles might sound like a beautiful idea, but real, lit candles are extremely dangerous on a Christmas tree. Keep candles unlit or use battery-operated Christmas tree candles for that special glow.
Be Jolly, Not Overloaded: Avoid Overloading Electrical Outlets
Decorating with multiple lights and devices can be tempting, but overloading outlets is a real fire hazard. Use surge protectors, avoid running cords under carpets, and keep power strips clear of curtains and flammable materials. After all, no one wants a holiday overload that leads to a blackout... or worse.
Warmth Without Worry: Be Cautious with Space Heaters
Space heaters are a holiday staple for added warmth, but they require caution. Keep heaters three feet from anything flammable, turn them off when you leave the room, and never plug them into an extension cord. When used safely, they’re a welcome addition; when neglected or misplaced, they’re a fire risk.
A Safe Holiday for All: Fire Safety for Community Associations
As gatherings and decorations increase in community spaces, it’s important to consider Christmas holiday safety tips for these areas, as well. Here’s how associations can protect shared spaces for a safe, festive season.
Trimmed and Tidy: Ensure Common Areas Are Free of Fire Hazards
Clubhouses and common areas bring residents together, but decorations here can present fire risks. Take a proactive approach by inspecting decorations for fire safety risks, keeping candles out of common areas, and ensuring all holiday lights are securely and safely installed.
Fire Safety in a Winter Wonderland: Check Fire Extinguishers and Emergency Exits
Conducting regular inspections of fire extinguishers helps to confirm that they are properly maintained and readily accessible. Make sure emergency exits are clearly marked, easily reachable, and free of obstacles, so everyone can find their way out safely should an emergency occur.
Sprinkling Safety: Install and Maintain Smoke Detectors and Sprinklers
During the holiday season, having functional smoke detectors and sprinklers is more important than ever—especially since December sees nearly half of all decoration-related fires each year. A bit of regular maintenance ensures these lifesaving devices are ready to respond, offering peace of mind that your community is protected.
Know the Drill: Organize Community Fire Drills and Evacuation Plans
Conducting a seasonal fire drill not only prepares residents but also raises awareness about fire hazards. Consider posting clear evacuation maps in common areas, and use community newsletters or meetings to remind residents of escape routes and fire extinguisher locations. A quick refresher on proper extinguisher use can also be invaluable for enhancing community safety.
Fireside Fun, Without the Risk: Keep Outdoor Grills, Fire Pits, and Fireplaces Safe
Outdoor spaces can be just as prone to accidents. Regular maintenance and adherence to safety guidelines for fire pits, grills, and outdoor fireplaces go a long way. These areas should also be cleaned and inspected regularly to prevent any holiday mishaps.
Stay Covered: Review Fire Insurance Policies and Fire Code Compliance
Make sure fire insurance policies are up to date and compliant with local fire codes. Knowing that everything is covered brings peace of mind for a festive and safe season.
Wishing You a Safe and Festive Holiday Season from Management Plus
As the year ends and the festivities begin, we hope this holiday safety checklist becomes a part of your seasonal tradition. Following our Christmas safety tips and taking proactive measures protects both homes and communities. Reach out to Management Plus today to learn how we can help your community association support safe, happy holidays so your residents can celebrate without worry, all season long.
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