Is Your Building Fire Safe for the Holidays? A Quick Risk Assessment Guide

The festive season is a time to celebrate, unwind, and reflect. But for building owners, it also brings unique fire safety challenges.

Decorations, electrical overloads, and reduced on-site staff can significantly increase fire risks.

As a passive fire protection specialist, I’ve seen how a little preparation before the holidays can make all the difference.

Let’s walk through a quick and practical fire safety risk assessment to ensure your building is ready for the season—and that everyone can enjoy a safe and stress-free holiday.

1. Decorations and Electrical Safety: Avoid Festive Fire Hazards

Why It Matters: Holiday lights, decorations, and overloaded electrical outlets are common culprits for fires this time of year.

• Action Steps: Use flame-retardant decorations and avoid hanging them near heat sources or electrical equipment. Inspect holiday lights for damaged wires or frayed cords before plugging them in. Limit the number of devices plugged into a single outlet to prevent overloading circuits.
• Pro Tip: Swap candles for LED alternatives to keep the atmosphere festive without the fire risk.

2. Fire Safety Equipment: Test Before You Rest

Why It Matters: Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and sprinkler systems are critical first lines of defence, especially during the holidays when response times may be slower.

• Action Steps: Check fire extinguishers to ensure they’re serviced, accessible, and ready for use. Test smoke detectors and fire alarms to confirm they’re operational. Inspect sprinkler systems and schedule maintenance if it’s due.
• Pro Tip: Keep extra batteries on hand for smoke alarms and share the inspection results with your team or tenants.

3. Emergency Exits and Evacuation Plans: Keep It Clear

Why It Matters: The hustle of holiday activities can lead to blocked exits or forgotten evacuation procedures, which can be disastrous in an emergency.

• Action Steps: Ensure all emergency exits are unobstructed and well-lit. Test emergency lighting and confirm that exit signs are visible and functional. Review and communicate evacuation plans with building occupants, especially temporary holiday staff.
• Pro Tip: A quick walkthrough of escape routes can make a significant difference in an emergency.

4. Decorations Can Be Flammable: Keep Them in Check

Why It Matters: Real Christmas trees and other seasonal décor can dry out and become highly flammable, posing a significant risk.

• Action Steps: If using a real tree, keep it well-watered to reduce fire risk. Ensure all holiday décor is kept away from heaters, fireplaces, or cooking equipment. Remove any flammable decorations that show signs of wear or damage before the holidays.
• Pro Tip: Share a festive fire safety guide with tenants or staff to encourage collective responsibility.

5. Flammable Materials: Tidy Up Before the Holidays

Why It Matters: Clutter and improperly stored flammable materials can act as fuel for fires, especially when buildings are closed or understaffed.

• Action Steps: Clear storage areas of unnecessary clutter, particularly near heat sources or electrical panels. Ensure all cleaning supplies, chemicals, and flammable items are stored in approved containers. Safely dispose of holiday packaging materials, such as wrapping paper, which can be highly flammable.
• Pro Tip: Schedule a pre-holiday cleaning session to remove fire hazards.

6. Passive Fire Protection and Fire Stopping: Stay Compliant

Why It Matters: Compromised fire-stopping measures can allow fire and smoke to spread unchecked, increasing risks during the holidays.

• Action Steps: Inspect fire-rated doors to ensure they close properly, and seals are intact. Conduct a visual inspection of fire-stopping systems around penetrations and joints. Update or create a fire stopping register to document passive fire protection measures and maintenance needs.
• Pro Tip: A professional inspection of your passive fire systems before the holidays provides added peace of mind.

Conclusion: Fire Safety for a Worry-Free Festive Season

Preparing your building for the holidays doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require attention to detail.

From testing fire safety equipment to keeping decorations safe and ensuring passive fire protection systems are intact, these steps will help you minimize risks and enjoy a worry-free festive season.

At Bakker PFI, we’re here to help you take proactive measures to protect your building and its occupants.

Whether it’s a fire-stopping inspection or creating a comprehensive fire safety plan, we’re ready to partner with you for a safer holiday season.

Want expert guidance on pre-holiday fire safety? Contact us today and let’s ensure your building is as safe as it can be this festive season.

What steps do you take to prepare your building for the holidays? Share your tips in the comments!

Ben Bakker

www.bakkerpfi.com

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