Holiday Decoration Safety Checklist

Holiday decorations look harmless until they overload outlets, dry out trees, block exits, and sit right next to space heaters and candles. This checklist keeps the “festive” part without adding a fire truck to your holiday photos.

For more seasonal and fire safety coverage, see Seasonal Home Safety Checklist, Fire Extinguisher Types and Uses, and Home Fire Escape Plan Checklist.

1. Electrical Outlets and Extension Cords

[ ] Do not overload outlets with multiple high-draw decorations.
[ ] Use power strips with overload protection instead of stacking plug adapters.
[ ] Only use outdoor-rated cords and plugs outside.
[ ] Inspect cords for cracks, frays, or exposed wires before plugging anything in.

2. Indoor Holiday Lights

[ ] Use LED lights—they run cooler and draw less power.
[ ] Check for broken bulbs or loose sockets and replace damaged strands.
[ ] Do not run cords under rugs, through doorways, or pinched behind furniture.
[ ] Turn off all indoor lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

3. Outdoor Lights and Inflatables

[ ] Use only outdoor-rated lights, cords, and timers.
[ ] Keep plugs and connections off the ground and away from standing water.
[ ] Anchor inflatables securely so they don’t blow into power lines, roofs, or streets.
[ ] Avoid overloading a single circuit with multiple large inflatables.

4. Trees and Greenery

[ ] Keep real trees well-watered to reduce fire risk.
[ ] Place trees away from fireplaces, radiators, and space heaters.
[ ] Ensure artificial trees are labeled “fire-resistant.”
[ ] Do not let branches touch hot bulbs or exposed heat sources.

5. Candles and Open Flames

[ ] Use battery-operated candles instead of open flame when possible.
[ ] Keep real candles at least 12 inches away from decorations, curtains, and greenery.
[ ] Never leave burning candles unattended, especially with kids or pets around.
[ ] Extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.

6. Space Heaters and Heat Sources

[ ] Maintain a 3-foot clear zone around space heaters—no wrapping paper, trees, or fabrics.
[ ] Plug heaters directly into wall outlets, not power strips.
[ ] Turn heaters off when you leave the room or go to bed.
[ ] Never dry stockings or clothes directly on heaters or near open flames.

7. Clutter, Gifts, and Fire Paths

[ ] Keep wrapping paper and cardboard away from fireplaces and heaters.
[ ] Do not stack gifts in front of exits or along main walking paths.
[ ] Clear paths to doors in case you need to get out fast.
[ ] Break down boxes promptly instead of piling them near outlets or trees.

8. Ladders and Hanging Decorations

[ ] Use a real ladder instead of chairs or furniture for hanging high decorations.
[ ] Keep three points of contact on the ladder at all times.
[ ] Don’t overreach; move the ladder instead.
[ ] Avoid working on roofs or high spots in bad weather, wind, or ice.

9. Kids, Pets, and Choking Hazards

[ ] Keep small ornaments, hooks, and broken pieces away from young kids and pets.
[ ] Avoid low-hanging glass ornaments where tails and hands can reach them.
[ ] Secure cords and lights where they can’t be pulled down.
[ ] Store button batteries and tiny decorative pieces out of reach.

10. After the Holidays: Take-Down and Storage

[ ] Unplug everything before removing decorations.
[ ] Inspect lights and cords before storing—discard damaged sets.
[ ] Store decorations in labeled, dry containers away from heat sources.
[ ] Use this checklist again next season along with the Seasonal Home Safety Checklist.

Holiday decorations don’t need to be dangerous to look good. Keep heat, open flame, and electricity under control, and you can enjoy the season without adding a house fire to the memories.